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RT.    REV.    JAMES    MADISON,    D.    I). 

RT.    REV.   RICHARD   CHANNING  MOORE,  D.  D. 
RT.  REV.  WILLIAM   MEADE.   D.  D. 

RT.   REV.  JOHN   JOHNS,  D.  1).,  L.L.  1). 


The  Episcopal  Church 


i:sr 


West  Virginia 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress  in  the  year  Nineteen  Hundred  and  One 

BY  GEO.   W.    I'ETEKKIN. 

In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


A  History  and   Rex  jord 


Ol  '  Til  E 


Protestant    Episcopal 
Church 


DIOCESE  OF  WEST    VIRGINIA, 


A  XL),  BEFORE  THE  FORMATION  OF  THE  DIOCESE  IX    L878,  IN 
THE  TERRITORY'  NOW  KNOWN  AS  THE 


STATE  OF  WEST  VIRGINIA. 


Compieed,  Arranged  and   Contriiu'tkd 


Geo.  W.  Peterkin 

The:  First  Bishop  of  thk    I'kotiostant  Episcopal  Ciii'wt-ii   in- 
tee  Diocese  op  West  Virginia,  L878. 


1  *><>:_> 


The  Tribune  Company,  Printers 
Charleston,  W.  Va. 


ERRATA. 


J  "a ye  1,  read  160b  for  1868. 

Page  15,  read  appointment  for  appointed. 

Page  25  et  seq.,  add  to  clergy  lists: 

Rev.  Richard  T.  Brown,  Middleway 1 846 

Rev.  Edmund  Christian,  Wellsburg   

Rev.  Thomas  K.  Coleman,  Parkersburg  LS57 

Rev.  Henry  J.  Kershaw   (missionary)   Parkersburg lv,; 

Rev.  Francis  Keys  Leavell  (Coal  Valley)  Montgomery.  .    L882 

Rev.  Ikompson  B.  Maury,  Ravenswood   1865 

Rev.  Henry  Hobart  Morrell,  D.  D.,  Wheeling  (  [sland) .  .    L888 

Page  69,  read  1834  for  1824. 

Page  196,  read  Murdaugh  for  Murdough. 

Page  202,  read  far  for  for. 

Page  535.  read  Bacon  for  Brown. 

Page  601.  read  Surrey  for  Survey. 

Page  637,  read  parishioners  for  parishoners. 

Page  664,  the  name  of  Win.  E.  Watson,  one  of  the  most  faithful  and 
liberal  members  of  Christ  Church  Vestry,  was  omitted  from  th<>  list. 

Page  768.  read  1878  for  1873. 

Page  xiv  of  index,  read  poverty  for  property. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Page. 

Bishops    Madison,    Moore,    Meade,    and    Johns Frontispiece 

Rt.  Rev.  G.  W.  Peterkin,  D.  D.  LL.  D vm 

Revs.    Benjamin    Allen    and    Edward    R.    Lippitt 4^ 

Rt.    Rev.    B.    B.   Smith    and   Rev.   John   Armstrong- 49 

Rev.  F.  D.  Goodwin  and  Rev.  Jno.  T.  Brooke.  D.  I) 56 

Rev.  C.  C.  Talliaferro  and  Rev.  Wm.  Armstrong :>7 

Rev.  Alex.  Jones,  D.   D.,   and   Rev.   Jas.   Chisholm 64 

Rev.  Jas.   Craik,   D.   D.,  and   Old   St.  John   Ch..   Charleston 65 

Rev.  F.  B.  Nash  and  Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews.  D.  D 80 

Rev.   Thomas    Smith    S 1 

Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  R.  T.  Brown 96 

Rt.   Rev.   Francis   M.   Whittle,   D.   D 'J7 

Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins  and  Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway 112 

Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  D.  D.,  and  Old  Trinity  Ch.,  Parkersburg 113 

Rev.  D.  F.  Sprigg,  D.  D..  and  Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson 128 

Rev.  J.  J.  Page  and  Rev.  D.  A.  Tyng 129 

Rev.  R.  T.  Davis,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  C.  E.  Ambler 144 

Rev.   R.  A.  Castleman  and  Rev.  Edm'd  Christian 145 

Rev.  W.  F.  M.  Jacobs  and  Rev.  T.   K.  Coleman 176 

Rev.  A.  J.  M.  Hudson  and  Rev.  T.  G.  Addison.   I).   1) 177 

Rev.  W.  H.  Meade,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  Isaac-  Gibson.   1).    I) 208 

Rev.  Joshua  Cowpland  and  Rev.  H.  E.  Hayden 209 

Rev.  H.   T.   Sharp  and  Rev.   Jas.   A.  Latane .';<> 

Rev.  E.  V.  Jones  and  Rev.  W.  L.  Braddock 241 

Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  A.  C.  McDonough 256 

Rev.  R.  A.   Cobbs  and  Rev.  J.  P.  Hubbard,  D.  1) 257 

lit.   Rev.  G.   W.  Peterkin,  D.  D..   LL.  D :.">4 

Episcopal   Hall,   Morgantown 265 

Rev.   J.   F.   Woods   and   Grace   Ch.,   Cresap's 272 

St.  John's  Ch.,  Willow  Island,  and  Church  at   St.  Mary's 273 

Rev.  C.  N.  Spalding,  D.  D..  and  St.  Luke's  Parish    House 280 

Rev.  H.  II.  Morrell,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  J.  G.  Gantt 281 

Rev.  G.  W.  Easter  and  Rector}-,  Union "188 

St.  Thomas,  White  Sulphur,  and  All  Saints*.   ITnion 2S9 

St.   Barnabas,   Davis,   and    Grace.    Elkins 296 

Rev.  Jas.  L.  Fish 297 

Church  of  the  Holy  Spirit,   Summit,  and   St.    Bartholomew's, 

Leetown    •'»>! 

Christ  Church,  Blue  Ridge,  and  St.  John's.  Hipon 305 

Robert  .).  McCandlish  and  Lawrence    E.  Sands 312 

Maj.  .1.  C.  Covell  and    Rectory,   Romney ::"ti 

Church  of  the  Epiphany.  Okonoko 321 

Christ    (Memorial)    Ch..    Williamstown,   and    Good    Shepherd, 

Parkersburg    328 


Illustrations. 

Rev.  K.  J.  Hammond  and  Rev.  J.  A.  Hiatt 329 

Rev.  W.  B.  Everett,  M.  D.,  and  Rectory,  Earper's  Ferry 330 

Old   St.  John's  and  New  St.  John's.  Harper's    Perry. 337 

Rev.   Jas.   A.   Deaver   and   St.   Philip's,   Charles   Town 3-14 

Rev.  Walter  L.  Burwell   345 

Rev.  Dallas  Tucker  and  Parish  House,  Charles  Town 352 

Old  St.  George's  and  St.  Andrew's  on  .Mountain,  Charles  Town 33:'. 

Bruce  Chapel  and  Christ  Church,  Point   Pieasant 300 

Rev.  J.  H.  Gibbons  and  Rev.  R.  U.  Brooking 3151 

Gen'l.  John   H.   Oley    353 

Grace  Church,   (exterior  and  interior)    Kenova 369 

Rt.   Rev.    W.    L.    Gfavatt,   D.   D ;rr, 

Rev.  J.  S.  Lightbourn,  Church  and  Rectory,  Bluefield 384 

Rev.  C.  A.  Chrisman  and  Ch.  of  the  Heavenly  Rest,  Princeton 385 

Rev.  A.  R.  Price  and  St.  David's,  Powellton' 392 

Rev.  J.  R.  Taylor   393 

Rev.    John   Ambler   and   Rev.   L.    W.   Doggett    400 

Theological    Seminary    of    Virginia,     (two    views) 132 

F.piseopal    High    School    433 

Rev.   Anselan   Buchanan    and   St.   John's,    Brooke    Co 504 

Rev.  H.  B.  Thomas,  and  Christ  Ch.,  Wellsburg 505 

Rev.  J.  W.  Ware  and  Rev.  D.  H.  Greer,  D.  D. . 520 

ilev.  G.  W.  Dame  and  Rev.  D.  F.  Forrest.  D.  D 521 

Rev.  J.  S.  Douglas  and  Trinity  Ch.,  and  Rectory,   Martinsburg. .    536 

Rev.   Henry   Thomas   and   Christ    Ch.,    Bunker   Jlill 537 

Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell  and  Mt.  Zion   Ch.,    Hedgesville 54  l 

Rev.   Chas.   E.   Shaw    54.-, 

Christ   Church,   Wellsburg    552 

Rectory.  Wellsburg 553 

Trinity   Church   and    Rectory,    Huntington    560 

Rev.  J.  S.  Gibson  and  Trinity  Ch.,  Huntington 561 

Rev.  A.  M.  Lewis  and  Church  of  the  Redeemer.  Ansted 568 

Rev.  F.  K.  Leavell  and  Calvary  Ch.,  Montgomery   569 

Rev.   G.   A.   Gibbons   and   St.    Stephen's,    Romne'y 576 

Rev.   J.   D.   Ferguson   and   Emmanuel   Church.   Moorefield 577 

Rev.  T.  W.  Cooke  and  Christ  Church,  Clarksburg 584 

Rev.  A.  K.  Fenton  and  St.  Thomas,  Clarksburg 585 

Rev.  C.  M.  Campbell  and  Whittle  Chapel,  Liverpool 592 

Grace  Church  and  Rectory,  Ravenswood 593 

Rev.   R.   S.   Coupland  and  Zion   Church,   Charles   Town 600 

Rectory   and    Zion    Church,    (interior)    Charles    Town 601 

Rev.  W.  H.  Neilson,  D.  D.,  and  Trinity  Church,  Shepherd st own   .  .  .   608 

Rev.  L.  R.  Mason  and  Rectory,   Shepherdstown    609 

Rev.  A.  J.  Willis  and  Grace  Church,  Middleway 616 

Rev.  J.  H.  W.  Blake  and  Rectory,  Middleway 61- 
St.  John's  Church,  Charleston   624 

Rev.  R.  D.  Roller,  D.  D.,  and  St.  John's,   (interior)  Charleston 625 

Major   A.   T.   Laidley  and  Rectory,  Charleston    632 

Sheltering  Arms  Hospital,  Paint  Creek t;:;:; 

Rev.  Gerald  Card  and   St.  Matthew's,  Charleston 640 

St.   Luke's.    Charleston   and   Christ  Church,    Boone   Co 041 

Rev.  J.  W.  Lea  and  Rectory,   St.  Albans 648 

Rev.  J.  B.  Fitzpatrick  and  St.  Mark's.  St.  A I  ha  us 649- 

Rev.   A.  G.  Grinnan  and   St.   Paul's,   Weston 656 

Rev.   W.   H.   H.   Powers  and  Rectory,   Weston 657 

Christ  Church.  Fairmont 664 


Illustrations. 

Page. 

Thos.   G.   Steele   and    l;i.    Rev.   ('.  ('.    Penick,    I).    I) 

Rev.    B.    M.    Spun-   and   Reynolds    Memorial    Hospital 

<  luist  Church,   Rectory  and    Parish  House.   Moundsville 

Rev.  X.  P.  Marshall  and  Grace  (  tmrch,  Eekman 680 

HLoly    Trinity,    Bramwell    

Rev.  J.  T.  Marley  and  Trinity,   Morgantown 

Rev.  James   Sheerin  and   Rev.   T.    E.    WinecofE 689 

Rev.   C.   ('.    Pearson   and    St.    Mark's,    Berkeley   Springs 696 

Rectory,    Berkeley    Springs 697 

S1 .  Mai  thew's  <  Ihurch,  Wheeling  Ml 

Rev.  D.  W.  Howard  and  St.  Matthew's,  (interior)    Wheeling 

S1 .    Luke's    Church,    Wheeling    

Ilev.  .I.   Hrittingham  and  St.  Luke's,   (interior)    Wheeling ~13 

Rev.   N.   S.  Thomas  and   Rev.   R.  R.  Swope,    l».    I) 7?0 

Rev.  J.  G.  Armstrong,  D.  1)..  and  Rev.  T.  .1.  0.  Curran 

Grace  Ch.,  Clover  Lick,  and  St.  .lames'  and  Rectory,  Lewisburg. .    728 

Rev.  Guy  H.  Crook  and  Church  at   Glen  .lean :  ".; 

Rev.  F.  A.  Meade  and   Rectory,   H  inton 

Church   of  the   Messiah,   Alderson,   and    Ascension,    Hinton !    i 

Transfiguration,   Buckhannon,   and    St.   John's,   Sutton 744 

Rev.    .).    W.    Keeble    745 

Rev.   W.   H.   Burkhardi    and    St.    Paul's,    Sistersville :  v.- 

Bectory   and   St.    Anne's,    New    Martinsville    '.'<■'■ 

Kev.  y.  S.  Moore.  I).  D.,  and   Rectory,  Parkersburg  700 

lit.  Rev.  R.  A.  Gibson,  D.  D.,  and  Trinity,   Parkersburg 731 

St.   John's   Church,    Ripley    

Church  of  the  Good  Shepherd,   Duffields 

Kev.  C.  W.  Bartlett  and  R.  G.   Noland   

Kev.  .John  Moncure,  D.  D ;~~ 

Rev.  .1.  T.   Foster  and  Si .   Mall  bias,  ( .rail  on 784 

Ecclesiastical   Maps  of  West    Virginia,    L8S0-190Q„ -54 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Preface  and  Introduction. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Resume  of  Francis  S.  Hawk's  book,  entitled  "A  Narrative  of 
Events  eonnected  with  the  Rise  and  Progress  of  the 
Protestant   Episcopal  Chureh  in  Virginia." 1 

CHAPTER  II. 

The  Episcopal  Church  in  America  and  in  West  Virginia 19 

CHAPTER  III. 

List  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates  to  the  Annual  Councils  of  the 
Diocese  of  Virginia,  from  the  Churches  in  Western  Vir- 
ginia, 1785-1877. 25 

CHAPTER  IV. 

List  of  (  lerical  and  Lay  Delegates  to  the  Annual  Councils  of  the 

Diocese  of  West  Virginia.   1877-1901 30 

CHAPTER  V. 

Digest  of  Annual  Councils  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia.  L785-1877, 
with  Parochial  Reports  from  the  Churches  in  what  is  now 
known  as  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  and  full  state- 
ments from  the  addresses  of  the  Bishops  having  refer- 
ence to  their  visitations  in  that  territory 38 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Digesl  of  Annual  Councils  of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  L877- 
1901,  with  extracts   from  the  Bishop's  addresses 

(  HATTER  VTI. 

Republication  of  all  the  material  concerning  the  Churches  in 
Western  Virginia,  from  Iiishop  Meade's  book,  entitled 
"Old  Churches,  Ministers  and  Families  of  Virginia,"  pub- 
lished  in    L857.     General  observations 40.") 

CHAPTER  VTTI. 
Republication   from   Bishop  Meade's  book  continued.     Parishes..  ..473 


vi  Table  of  Contents. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Records  of  all  the  Parishes.  Churches.  Missions,  Stations.  &c, 
in  West  Virginia,  since  P»ishop  Meade's  book  was  publish- 
ed in  1857,  compiled  from  accounts  furnished  by  the  cler- 
gy and  others.  Barbour,  Berkeley,  Boone.  Braxton, 
Brooke.  Cabell,  Calhoun,  Clay,  Doddridge  counties. 
Churches  in  Martinsburg,  Hedgesville,  Bunker  Hill,  Sut- 
ton, Wellsburg,  Huntington,  &c.  Account  of  Rev.  Joseph 
Doddridge   534 

CHAPTEK  X. 

Records  continued.  Fayette,  Gilmer,  Grant,  Greenbrier, 
Hampshire,  Hancock,  Hardy,  Harrison,  Jackson  coun- 
ties. Churches  in  Montgomery  Ansted,  Lewisburg,  Ron- 
ceverte,  White  Sulphur.  Rorimey,  Mooreneld,  Clarksburg. 
Ripley.   Ravenswood,  &c 565 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Records  continued.  Jefferson  county.  Churches  in  Charles 
Town,  Shepherdstown,  Harper's  Ferry,  Lee  Town.  Mid- 
dleway,   Summit*  Point,   Ripon,   &c 594 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Records  continued.  Kanawha  county  Churches  in  Charles- 
ton  St.    Albans,    &c 623 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Records  continued.  Lewis,  Lincoln,  Logan.  Marion.  Marshall, 
Mason,  McDowell,  Mercer  counties.  Churches  in  Weston, 
Fairmont.  Mannington,  Moundsville.  Cresaps,  Pt.  Pleas- 
ant. Mercer's  Bottom,  Mason  City,  Eckman,  WTelch,  Prince- 
i  on.  Bramwell,  Bluefieid  &c 654 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Records  continued.  Mineral.  Mingo.  Monongalia,  Monroe, 
.Morgan,  Nicholas,  Ohio  counties.  Churches  in  Morgan- 
Town.  Union,  Berkeley  Springs,  Wheeling.  Elm  Grove. 
&c 6S6 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Records  continued.  Pendleton,  Pleasants.  Pocahontas,  Pres- 
ton, Putnam,  Raleigh,  Randolph.  Ritchie.  Roane,  Sum- 
mers, Taylor,  Tucker,  Tyler,  Upshur  counties.  Churches 
in  St.  Mary's,  Waverly,  Willow  Island.  Clover  Lick,  Scary, 
Beckley,  Elkins,  Hinton,  Grafton,  Davis.  Sistersville, 
Buckhannon,  <vc 723 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Records  continued.     Wayne,  Webster,  Wetzel.  Wirt.  Wood.  Wy- 
oming.    Churches  in  Kenovn.  New   Martinsville,   Parkers- 
burg,    Williamstown,    &c 747 


Table  of  Contents.  vn 

APPENDK  I'.S. 

I. 

Lists  of  Councils.    Churches  and  Chapels  in  use  1878.    Churches 
and  chapels  built  since   lsTs.     Churches  extinct.     Conse- 
cration of  Churches  prior  to  l^-l-.     Churches  consecrated 
since    187s.      Rectories.      Ordinal  ions    and    Confirmatii 
Episcopal  work  done  in  others    Dioceses....' I'm 

II. 

Contrad  between  the  Rev.  Jos.  Doddridge  ami  his  several  con- 

•gations    1800 784 

III. 

Constitution  of  the  Episcopal  Society  of  the  Valley,  organ- 
ized   1819 '. '. rsr 

IV. 

circular  letter   issued   by  the   Episcopal   Society  of  the  Valley 

Dec.  2,    1819    ' ' '.       TOO 

V. 

Records  of  the  North  Western  Convocation,  1850-1877 792 

VT. 

Letter  of   Bishop  Meade   appointing   Lay   Headers  for  Parkers- 

burg  in  ls.°>4 799 

VI 1. 

Address  of  Bishop  Meade  to  the  Episcopalians  of  Western  Vir- 
ginia   on   a    proposition   to  divide   the    Diocese — 1851 800 

VIII. 

Letter  from  Bishop  Johns  to  the  officiating  clergy  and  vestries 
in  the  Western  pari  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  July  28, 
1865 B2"3 

IX. 

Extract    from  the  Journal  of  the  Rev.  W.  T.   Leavell 

X. 

Selected  letters  of  Bishop  Peterkin  from  the  Clwrcli  News,  re- 
lating chiefly  to  visitations  made  in  the  early  years  of 
his   work.. 832 

XI. 

Comparative  statistics   v"'~' 


RT.    REV.    GEORGE    WILLIAM   PETERKIN,  D.  D.,  L.L.  D. 


PREFACE. 


Several  years  ago  I  sent  a  circular  letter  to  my  clergy  in 
substance  as  follows: 

"In  1857  Bishop  Meade  published  two  volumes  entitled  "Old 
Churches.  Ministers  and  Families  of  Virginia.'  In  his  pre- 
face he  says:  'Besides  the  recovery  of  many  old  vestry  books 
or  fragments  thereof  supposed  to  have  been  lost,  I  have  by 
my  own  researches  or  those  of  my  friends,  found  interesting 
materials  for  this  work  in  a  number  of  the  old  records  of  the 
State  which  may  yet  be  seen,  though  often  in  a  mutilated  or 
mouldering  condition,  in  the  clerks'  offices  of  various  coun- 
ties.' 

"There  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  by  this  publication  the 
Bishop  has  preserved  a  vast  deal  of  most  important  and  in- 
teresting information  which  must  otherwise  have  long  since 
perished.  These  books  are  however  but  little  known  in  West 
Virginia,  and  are  reported  now  to  be  practically  out  of  print. 
The  desire  to  spread  abroad  the  information,  which  Bisho:i 
Meade  so  laboriously  gathered  concerning  the  establishment 
and  progress  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Wesi  Virginia,  and, 
as  far  as  possible,  to  complete  the  work  by  bringing  it  down 
to  the  present  time,  has  induced  me  to  undertake  to  prepare 
a  volume  that  shall  be  supplemental  to  the  two  already  men- 
tioned. I  shall  not  pretend  to  give  an  orderly  or  systematic 
treatmenl  of  the  subject,  but  rather  such  compilation  of 
facts  ami  figures  as  may  interesl  the  casual  reader,  and  per- 
haps serve  i  he  fut  are  historian. 

••In  gathering  material  for  ilii-  undertaking  1  ask  your  as- 


x  .  Preface. 

distance.  My  idea  is  to  take  up  the  history  of  our  churches 
in  West  Virginia  where  Bishop  Meade  leaves  it,  i.  v.,  about 
1855.  and  briefly,  but  clearly,  to  give  the  course  of  events 
down  to  the  present  time,  and  also  to  note  the  general  pro- 
gress of  the  Church  throughout  the  State,  and  the  work  of  ex- 
tension that  has  been  going  on  during  these  years.  It  would 
be  a  very  great  help  if  in  each  case  the  writer  would  put  his 
article  in  such  shape  that  it  could  go  directly  to  the  printer. 
Judgment  will  be  required  to  give  in  each  case  the  material 
facts  without  going  too  much  into  details. 

"I  should  like  to  have  definite  information  in  regard  to 
church  building  and  ministers,  with  dates,  and  such  other 
items  as  may  suggest  themselves.  Any  information  that  can 
be  sent  me  in  regard  to  the  history  of  the  Church  in  the  Dio- 
cese will  be  gratefully  received." 

This  letter  sufficiently  explains  the  origin  and  purpose  of 
this  book.  It  is  a  compilation  from  all  available  sources — a 
collection  of  facts  and  items  culled  from  Journals  and  letters 
and  papers.  No  doubt  the  want  of  a  general  plan  will  be 
t hough;  by  many  to  be  a  serious  defect.  It  is  freely  admit- 
ted, but  at  the  same  time  the  defect  could  not  be  remedied 
by  the  present  writer.  He  had  no  time  nor  inclination  to 
work  up  the  material  here  collected  into  a  consistent  narra- 
tive. The  choice  lay  between  doing  the  work  in  this  way  or 
not  doing  it  at  all,  and  it  is  hoped,  that,  although  this  volume 
is  so  desultory,  it  may  be  found  useful  and  convenieni  by  vir- 
tue of  the  copious  index  which  has  been  added.  The  value  of 
the  book  is.  that  the  facts  that  are  gathered  here  ran  hardly 
elsewhere  he  found.  There  is  no  one  in  the  Diocese  who  has 
command  of  all  the  documents  from  which  the  compilation  is 
made,  to  say  nothing  of  this,  that  many  of  the  statements 
were  expressly  prepared  for  this  use. 

My  hope  is  thai  the  book  will  have  wide  circulation,  ami, 
by  giving  needed  information  about  the  Church  in  West  Vir- 
ginia, be  helpful  to  its  development. 

If  any  one  has  ever  tried  to  do  such  work  thev  will  know 


Preface.  xi 

something  of  the  difficulty  of  getting  information,  and  they 
will  be  surprised  to  find  how  soon  even  material  facts  pass 
out  of  mind. 

I  propose,  first  to  give  the  sum  and  substance  of  what  1  find 
in  Bishop  Meade's  book  as  to  the  general  condition  of  the 
Church  in  Virginia,  and  then,  on  to  particular  churches,  etc., 
in  West  Virginia,  adding  such  material  as  I  can  command 
in  order  to  bring  each  record,  as  far  as  possible,  up  to  the 
present  date.  It  may  seem  in  some  instances  that  I  have  ex- 
tended the  quotations  from  Bishop  Meade's  book  beyond 
what  the  necessities  of  the  ease  required,  but  it  has  been 
hard  to  draw  the  line,  and  everything  that  relates  to  the  gen 
eral  interest  of  the  undivided  Diocese,  /.  e.,  everything  of 
general  interest  before  1878.  ought  to  be  of  concern  to  us.  I 
am  particularly  anxious  that  our  Church  people  in  West  Vir- 
ginia should  understand  and  value  their  associations  with 
the  early  Church  in  Virginia,  and  be  thoroughly  imbued  with 
its  spirit  and  principles. 

To  get  a  complete  history  of  any  one  point,  the  reader  will 

have  to  turn  from  one  part  of  the  book  to  another,  which  pro 

#ccss  will  be  facilitated  by  the  free  use  of  the  Index.    This  is 

an  acknowledged  defect,  but  under  the  circumstances  could 

not  be  avoided. 

I  trust  that  this  publication  may  not  prove  uninteresting 
to  my  people  scattered  abroad  over  the  Diocese,  and  that  for 
nick  of  something  better,  it  may  serve  as  the  record  of  an 
honorable  past,  and  be  an  incentive  to  renewed  efforts  in  the 
future  for  Christ  and  the  Church. 

I  desire  to  make  grateful  acknowledgment  of  the  kindness 
ol  i  he  Rev.  Dr.  Sprigg  in  placing  mi  my  service,  a  complete 
set  of  the  Virginia  Journals;  also  of  the  ven  ur<  at  assistance 
I  have  received  from  the  clergy  of  the  Diocese  in  writing  up 
the  records  of  their  respective  charges:  to  others,  ladies 
and  gentlemen,  for  the  valuable  aid  they  have  rendered,  and 
especially  to  Miss  Brady  of  Wheeling  for  conducting  so  large 
a   part  of  my  correspondence,  and   for  other  faithful   and   la- 


xii  Preface. 

borious  assistance,  and,  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Roller,  for  taking  oft' 
of  nry  hands  the  whole  labor  of  securing  the  illustrations,  and 
particularly  for  his  invaluable  help  in  seeing  the  book  through 
the  press. 

Geo.  W.  Peterkin. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia  commenced  with  the  first 
settlement  of  the  first  colony;  but  she  had  to  labor  under 
great  disadvantages  during  nearly  the  whole  period  of  her 
existence  in  connection  with  the  Government  and  the  Church 
of  England.  Of  the  ministers  who  came  out  from  England, 
few  were  faithful  and  duly  qualified,  and  indeed  there  was 
great  difficulty  in  getting  a  full  supply  of  any  sort.  In  the 
year  1655,  it  is  recorded  that  many  places  were  destitute  of 
ministers,  and  likely  still  to  continue  so,  the  people  not  pay- 
ing their  accustomed  dues.  There  were  at  this  time  about 
fift}r  parishes  in  the  Colony,  and  only  ten  ministers  for  their 
supply.  If  we  proceed  in  the  history  another  fifty  years,  we 
shall  find  only  a  few  more  parishes  established,  and  not  more 
than  half  of  them  supplied  with  ministers,  the  rest  being 
served  by  lay  readers.  The  Bishop  of  London  was  in  charge 
of  the  Church  in  Virginia,  but  his  superintendence  was  of  ne- 
cessity only  nominal.  And  so  for  two  hundred  years  did  the 
Episcopal  Church  here,  as  elsewhere  in  this  country,  try  the 
experiment  of  a  system,  whose  constitution  required  such  a 
head  as  a  Bishop,  but  was  actually  without  it.  It  must  be  ev- 
ident how  much  she  everywhere  suffered  for  lack  of  this  office 
s<>  indispensable  t<>  most  important  parts  of  ecclesiastical  ad- 
ministration and  discipline.  As  the  Kevolution  approached, 
dissatisfaction  with  the  met  her  country  grew,  and  with  it, 
naturally,  dissatisfaction  with  the  Mother  Church.  This 
feeling  against  the  Episcopal  Church  was  aggravated  when 
some  of   the  ch-ruv  showed   attachment    to    the   cause  of  the 


xiv  Introduction. 

King;  the  Church  was  subjected  to  suspicion  and  her  enemies 
sought  her  destruction.  And  then  the  dispute  about  Church 
property  coming  on,  and  being  waged  with  great  bitterness 
for  twenty-seven  years  completed  the  wreck.  And  so  it  came 
to  pass,  that  while  at  the  commencement  of  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  Virginia  had  ninety-one  clergymen  officiating  in 
one  hundred  and  sixty-four  churches  and  chapels;  at  its  close, 
only  twenty-eight  ministers  were  found  laboring  in  the  less 
desolate  parishes  of  the  State. 

The  Church  in  Virginia  having  resolved  on  an  effort  to  ob- 
taiu  consecration  for  a  Bishop  who  might  complete  her  im- 
perfect  organization,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith  was  selected,  but 
the  parishes  failing  to  provide  funds  to  defray  his  expenses 
to  England,  the  plan  fell  through.  At  last  in  1790  Bishop 
Madison  was  consecrated.  He  began  his  work  under  the  most 
discouraging  circumstances,  and  after  a  few  partial  visita- 
tions of  the  Diocese,  his  hopes  of  the  revival  of  the  Church 
evidently  sank,  and  he  devoted  himself  during  the  greater 
part  of  the  year  to  the  duties  of  William  and  Mary  College, 
of  which  he  was  President. 

In  1811  Mr.  William  Meade  was  ordained  and  began  his 
ministry;  many  persons  expressing  surprise  that  he  should 
seek  orders  in  a  Church  which  was  in  such  a  depressed  con- 
dition. In  1812  Bishop  Madison  died  and  was  succeeded  in 
1814  by  Bishop,  Richard  Channing  Moore.  In  1829  Bishop 
Meade  was  consecrated  as  Assistant  Bishop.  These  were  the 
years  that  marked  the  revival  of  the  Church  in  Virginia. 
During  Bishop  Moore's  episcopate  of  twenty-seven  years, 
1814-1811,  the  number  of  clergy  increased  from  ten  to  nine- 
ty-five, and  the  communicants  from  three  or  four  hundred  to 
nearly  four  thousand.  But  better  still,  hopefulness  and  ac- 
tivity was  infused  into  both  clergy  and  laity,  and  a  vigorous 
life  imparted  to  the  whole  Diocese.  The  Church  grew  rapid- 
ly, and  her  Bishops  and  other  clergy,  and  the  congregations 
committed  to  their  charge  were  having  poured  upon  them  the 
healthful  spirit  of  God's  grace,  and  the  continued  dew  of  His 


Introduction.  xv 

blessing.  In  these  days  were  the  beginnings  of  those  famous 
old  Virginia  Conventions,  so  delightful  and  so  profitable. 
The  spirit  of  these  Conventions  was  eminently  social,  vet  re- 
strained from  anjthing  like  levity  by  an  abiding  sense  of  the 
Divine  presence.  Bishop  Moore  died  in  1841,  and  Bishop 
Meade  succeeded  to  all  the  responsibilities  connected  with 
the  administration  of  the  Diocese.  It  became  necessary  in 
1842  for  him  to  have  an  assistant,  and  Bishop  Johns  was  chos- 
en. In  1862  Bishop  Meade  died,  and  Bishop  Johns  had  the 
sole  charge  of  the  Diocese  until  1878,  when  Bishop  Whittle 
was  consecrated  as  his  assistant.  In  1876  Bishop  Johns  dy- 
ing, Bishop  Whittle  succeeded  to  the  sole  charge  of  the  Dio- 
cese, which  he  thus  administered  until  1883,  when  Bishop 
Kandolph  was  chosen  to  be  his  assistant.  In  the  mean  time 
the  original  Diocese  of  Virginia  had  been  divided  by  setting 
apart  West  Virginia  as  a  new  Diocese,  for  which  Bishop  Pe- 
terkin  was  consecrated  in  1878.  The  Diocese  of  Virginia 
was  again  divided  in  1892,  and  Southern  Virginia  formed; 
Bishop  Kandolph  choosing  this  for  his  jurisdiction.  In  1894 
Bishop  Newton  was  consecrated  as  assistant  for  Bishop 
Whittle  in  Virginia.  On  Bishop  Newton's  death  Bishop  Gib- 
son was  consecrated. 

There  were  many  noble  men  whom  God  raised  up  from 
time  to  time  to  carry  on  the  good  work  in  this  part  of  His 
vineyard.  Chief  among  them  were  Wilmer,  Norris,  Dunn, 
Hawley,  Horrell,  the  two  Aliens,  the  Lowes,  Ravenscroft, 
Smith,  Balmaine,  Wingfield,  Armstrong,  Page,  Keith,  Lippitt, 
Jones,  Cobbs,  Lee,  Grammer,  McGuire,  Brooke,  the  Jacksons. 
and  others.  They  rest  from  their  labors  and  their  works  do 
follow  them. 


lie  fpiscopal  Church  in  Vest  Virp. 

CHAPTER    I. 

Resume  of  Dr.  Hawks'  Narrative  of  Events,  connected  with  the  Rise 
and  Progress  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia. 


1606-1618. 

Rev.  Robert  Hunt,  one  of  the  petitioners  for  the  charter 
granted  by  James  I.  to  the  London  Company,  on  the  10th  of 
April,  1606,  embarked  for  Virginia,  19th  of  December,  1606. 
He  was  a  man  of  strong  and  sincere  Christian  character,  and, 
more  than  once,  his  prudent  conduct  and  pious  exhortations 
allayed  the  jealousy  and  animosity  between  the  members  of 
the  Council  of  the  Colony,  which  otherwise  might  have  ruined 
the  whole  undertaking. 

On  the  26th  of  April,  1607,  the  little  fleet  of  three  ships  en- 
tered the  Chesapeake,  and  on  the  13th  of  May,  the  Colonists 
landed  at  what  was  once  Jamestown.  This  was  the  first  per- 
manent habitation  of  the  English  in  America,  and,  on  May 
14th,  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  administered 

for  the  first  time  in  Virginia,  and  so  the  colony  began  its 
career  of  civilization. 

A  Church  was  soon  built,  but,  in  a  few  months,  it  was  de- 
stroyed by  fire.  Then  chiefly  through  the  energy  of  John 
Smith  the  town  was  rebuilt  and  the  Church  restored.  Mr. 
Hunt  continued  to  live  in  the  Colony,  and  exert  an  influence 
that  was  invariably  for  good.  It  is  believed  that  the  first 
recorded  marriage  in  Virginia  was  solemnized  by  him.  It 
was  in  the  year  1868,  that  a  white  woman  was  first  seen  in  the 


2  The  Episcopal  Church 

Colony;  and  the  historians  of  that  day  relate  the  fact  of  her 
marriage  soon  after  her  arrival. 

Evil  days  came  to  Jamestown.  Famine  did  its  work  so 
effectively  that  on  June  10th,  1610,  when  Lord  De  la  War  ar- 
rived, he  found  only  sixty  survivors  of  the  five  hundred.  The 
new  comers  went  first  to  the  Church,  and  gathering  the  peo- 
ple by  the  sound  of  the  bell,  betook  themselves  to  prayer. 

The  coming  of  Lord  De  la  War  marked  a  change  in  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  Colony.  Instead  of  being  under  a  President 
and  Council,  it  was  now  placed  under  certain  officers  sent  out 
from  England.  Lord  De  la  War  became  the  first  Governor, 
and,  whereas  before,  nothing  more  definite  had  been  said 
about  the  exercise  of  Christianity  in  the  new  world  than  that 
it  should  conform  to  the  Rites,  Ceremonies  and  Doctrines  of 
the  Church  of  England,  we  find  that  after  this  period  more 
specific  instructions  were  sent  from  the  mother  country,  and 
religion  began  to  form  one  of  the  subjects  of  the  very  imper- 
fect legislation  of  the  Company  for  their  distant  Colony. 

With  the  coming  of  Sir  Thomas  Dale,  May  10,  1611,  we  find 
penal  laws  first  introduced  to  aid  the  Colonists  in  keeping  a 
good  conscience.  But  during  the  government  of  the  London 
Company,  not  a  solitary  instance  is  recorded  of  a  persecution 
for  mere  difference  of  opinion,  and  the  penalties  for  the  non- 
observance  of  religious  duties  were  never  rigidly  enforced. 
In  1613,  and  afterwards,  more  emigrants  arrived,  and  also 
built.  This  church  was  put  under  the  charge  of  the  Eev. 
Alexander  Whitaker,  who  enclosed  a  hundred  acres  of  land 
and  built  a  parsonage.  At  his  hands  Pocahontas  received 
baptisms,  and  was  united  by  him  in  marriage  to  Mr.  Rolfe. 

In  1613,  and  afterwards,  more  emigrants  arrived,  and  also 
parishes  were  formed,  so  that  we  presently  find  that  at  Hen- 
rico, the  Rev.  Mr.  Wickham  was  the  clergyman.  Mr.  Whita- 
ker was  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  and  Mr.  Bucke  at  Jamestown. 

1619-1624. 

In  1619,  Sir  George  Yeardley  became  Governor,  and  the 
population  was  increased  by  the  introduction  of  a  thousand 


in  West  Vikginia.  3 

new  settlers.  This  year  is  memorable  in  the  annals  of  Vir- 
ginia, as  being  the  period  at  which  a  Legislative  body  taken 
from  among  the  inhabitants  convened  for  the  first  time.  It 
met  at  Jamestown,  and  among  its  first  enactments  were 
those  that  concerned  the  Church. 

In  1621-2  it  was  enacted  that  each  clergyman  should  re- 
ceive from  his  parishoners  1,500  pounds  of  tobacco  and  16 
barrels  of  corn.  About  this  time  a  small  number  of  Puritans 
sought  refuge  in  the  Colony,  but  public  worship  continued 
to  be  conducted  in  conformity  with  the  Ritual  of  the  Church 
of  England.  From  this  period  we  date  the  Establishment  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia.  There  were  five  clergy- 
men, Rev.  Messrs.  Whitaker,  Stockham,  Mease,  Bargrave  and 
Wickham.  The  Bishop  of  London  exerted  himself  to  pro- 
cure suitable  clergymen  for  the  Colony,  and  this  may  have 
given  rise  to  his  jurisdiction  over  the  American  Church  prior 
to  the  Revolution. 

Before  this  time  efforts  had  been  made  to  erect  a  college  in 
Virginia.  Nearly  £1,500  had  been  obtained  and  10,000  acres 
of  land  granted  by  the  Company  for  the  new  University  of 
Henrico.  The  spiritnal  good  of  the  natives  seems  also  to  have 
been  an  object  of  deep  solicitude,  for  the  Governor  and  As- 
sembly were  urged  by  the  Company  to  use  all  possible  means 
to  bring  over  the  natives  to  a  love  of  civilization  and  to  a  love 
of  God  and  of  His  true  religion. 

But  these  prosperous  beginnings  were  rudely  arrested  by 
the  great  conspiracy  of  more  than  thirty  tribes,  which  broke 
out  on  March  22nd,  1622,  and  in  the  short  space  of  an  hour 
resulted  in  the  massacre  of  three  hundred  and  forty-seven 
men,  women  and  children.  The  remnant  sought  refuge  in 
Jamestown.  To  the  horrors  of  massacre  were  soon  superad- 
ded the  horrors  of  famine.  Of  eighty  plantations  only  eight 
remained,  and  of  2,960  inhabitants,  1,800  were  all  that  were 
left.  This  massacre  gave  a  death  blow  to  the  first  efforts 
that  were  made  in  America  to  establish  a  college,  and  years 
elapsed  before  the  attempt  was  renewed.  Meantime  it  ought 


4  The  Episcopal  Church 

to  be  noted,  that  the  preservation  of  that  part  of  the  Colony 
that  escaped  was  owing  to  the  fidelity  of  a  Christianized  na- 
tive. 

By  1624  the  Colony  had  received  accession  of  strength 
from  England,  and  the  Colonial  Assembly  busied  itself 
among  other  things,  in  enacting  laws  relating  to  the  Church 
and  ministry;  imposing  a  fine  for  absence  from  Service;  re- 
quiring houses  for  worship;  also  requiring  uniformity  in  pub- 
lic worship;  and  providing  for  the  payment  of  the  ministers' 
due  share  of  tobacco  and  corn,  and  forbidding  his  protracted 
absence  from  his  cure. 

1628-1651. 

In  1628  Lord  Baltimore,  who  was  a  member  of  the  Church 
of  Rome,  and  declined  to  take  the  oaths  of  supremacy  and  al- 
legiance, visited  Virginia  and  called  forth,  by  his  arrival,  evi- 
dence of  the  strong  attachment  of  the  Colony  to  the  princi- 
ples of  the  Protestant  faith  as  held  by  the  Church  of  England. 

In  1629  Sir  John  Hervey  became  Governor.  While  at  this 
time  the  decisions  of  the  Court  of  High  Commission  in  Eng- 
land were  acknowledged  to  be  authority  in  the  Ecclesiastical 
concerns  of  the  Colony,  yet  their  influence  was  rarely,  if  ever, 
felt;  as  during  the  first  twenty-six  years  of  the  Colony's  ex- 
instance  of  the  application  of  ecclesiastical  discipline  for 
the  non-observance  of  the  ordinances  of  the  Church,  nor  any 
instance  of  the  application  of  ecclesiastical  discipline  for 
crimes  of  a  spiritual  nature.  Virginia,  therefore,  is  entitled 
to  the  honorable  distinction  of  having  in  the  infancy  of  her 
political  existence  sustained  religion  without  severity,  and, 
that,  at  a  time  when  such  a  course  found  but  little  counte- 
nance in  the  world's  example. 

In  1629,  however,  at  the  instigation  of  Sir  John  Hervey,  an 
act  was  passed  enjoining  under  severe  penalties  a  strict  con- 
formity to  the  Canons  of  the  Church,  and  there  is  evidence 
to  show  that  after  this  time  infractions  of  Church  law  were 
visited  with  punishment.  During  the  administration  of  Sir 
Francis  Wyatt,  (1639-1641),  who  succeeded  Hervey,  several 


in  West  Virginia.  5 

laws  were  enacted  against  the  Puritans,  though  at  that  time 
there  were  none  in  the  Colony,  to  prevent,  as  was  said,  the  in- 
fection from  reaching  this  country.  Such  punishments 
failed,  as  they  usually  do,  to  produce  the  desired  effect,  and 
certain  persons  driven  into  opposition  by  the  severity  of  their 
rulers  applied  to  the  General  Court  of  Massachusetts,  and  the 
gentlemen  of  influence  in  that  community,  beseeching  them 
to  send  missionaries  to  Virginia  from  the  Independents  of 
New  England.  This  was  done,  and  three  gentlemen  went  as 
Congregational  missionaries  to  the  Church  of  England  in  Vir- 
ginia. 

After  a  brief  stay  they  were  driven  away  by  an  act  of  con- 
formity. There  seems  reason  to  believe  that  at  this  time  the 
great  mass  of  the  people  were  conscientiously  attached  to  the 
Church  of  England  and  to  the  crown.  Virginia  was  loyal. 
She  was  the  last  Colony  to  submit  to  the  Parliament,  and, 
hundreds  of  the  cavaliers  sought  and  found  refuge  within  her 
borders. 

The  assembly  of  dissenters  collected  by  the  missionaries 
from  Massachusetts  amounted  in  1648  to  one  hundred  and 
eighteen  persons,  but  it  experienced  from  the  beginning  the 
opposition  of  the  Government,  and  both  Mr.  Durand,  its  el- 
der, and  Mr.  Harrison,  its  pastor,  were  banished  from  the 
Colony.  It  would  seem,  however,  that  in  Mr.  Harrison's 
case,  at  least,  there  were  other  considerations  than  those  of 
religion.  It  was  a  short  time  before  the  execution  of  Charles 
I.,  and  no  doubt  the  religious  opinions  of  Mr.  Harrison  were 
taken  as  an  index  to  his  political  sentiments.  Parliament 
soon  sent  out  an  expedition  to  subdue  the  colonies.  The  Vir- 
ginia Colonists  rallied  around  the  Governor,  Sir  William 
Berkeley,  and  so  formidable  was  his  preparation,  that  lie  se- 
cured most  liberal  and  ample  terms. 

1651  -  1693. 

No  doubt  the  success  of  the  Parliamentary  party  led  to  the 
introduction  into  the  Colony  of  new  residents,  who  had  but 
little  affection  for  the  Church  of  England,  and  it  may  be,  that 


6  The  Episcopal  Church 

among  them  some  congregations  were  organized  on  the  model 
which  had  been  set  up  in  the  mother  country,  but  the  great 
body  of  the  people  still  retained  their  attachment  to  the 
Church  of  their  Fathers,  and  during  the  whole  of  his  protec- 
torate, Cromwell  seems  to  have  regarded  Virginia  with  sus- 
picion. That  this  suspicion  was  well  founded,  appears  from 
the  fact,  that  in  January,  1659,  Charles  the  Second  was  pro- 
claimed in  Virginia,  and  Berkeley  resumed  the  Government 
sixteen  months  before  the  King  was  restored  to  his  throne. 

In  1661  there  were  fifty  parishes  in  the  Colony,  but  only 
about  ten  ministers,  and  they  by  no  means  always  what  they 
ought  to  have  been.  Various  remedies  were  suggested  to  en- 
sure a  supply  of  qualified  clergymen.  Among  other  things  it 
.was  recommended  that  there  be  established  at  the  two  Uni- 
versities, Virginia  fellowships,  imposing  upon  the  fellows  at 
their  ordination,  after  seven  years,  the  duty  of  going  to  Vir- 
ginia and  officiating  as  Parish  Priests  for  seven  years  more. 

In  1662,  various  enactments  touching  the  Church  were 
made :  1.  Respecting  building  churches  and  keeping  them  in 
repair.  2.  Respecting  the  duties  and  compensation  of  the 
clergy  and  the  appointment  of  Lay  Readers.  3.  As  to  the 
rights  and  duties  of  the  Laity  in  choosing  a  vestry,  and  also, 
as  to  the  due  observance  of  the  Lord's  Day,  and  the  neglect  of 
Baptism.     4.  For  the  advancement  of  Education. 

In  1663,  severe  laws  were  enacted  against  the  Quakers,  but 
Virginia  did  not  proceed  as  far  as  her  sister  Colony,  Massa- 
chusetts, in  inflicting  the  punishment  of  death.  No  Quakers 
were  hanged  in  Virginia. 

In  1689  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blair  was  duly  commissioned  by  the 
Bishop  of  London  as  Commissary  for  Virginia,  He  was  a 
practical  man ;  being  blessed  with  sincere  piety,  a  clear  mind, 
and  indefatigable  perseverance.  His  services  were  invaluable 
to  the  Church  in  Virginia.  He  revived  the  project  of  a  college, 
and,  at  no  little  expense  and  labor,  he  built  William  and  Mary 
College — the  second  college  built  upon  the  continent — and 
became  its  first  President. 


in  West  Virginia.  7 

1700-  1731. 

Upon  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes  in  1685,  a 
great  number  of  French  Protestants  found  their  way  into  for- 
eign countries.  King  William  later,  1690,  sent  a  large  num- 
ber to  Virginia,  and  lands  were  allotted  to  them  on  James 
River.  These  were  naturalized  by  a  special  law.  In  1699, 
another  body  of  six  hundred  came  over.  These  Huguenots 
were  welcomed  by  the  Assembly  of  Virginia,  and  for  a  term 
of  years  allowed  special  privileges  for  their  maintenance  and 
encouragement.  Many  of  their  descendants  have  been  among 
the  brightest  ornaments  of  the  State  in  every  walk  of  life. 

In  1713  similar  kindness  was  shown  to  certain  German  em- 
igrants, who  settled  on  the  Rappahannock,  and  thus  there 
were  two  religious  communities  differing  from  the  establish- 
ment, not  only  tolerated,  but  favored. 

Meantime  the  College  of  William  and  Mary  was  making 
slow  progress,  many  still  preferring  to  send  their  sons  to  be 
educated  at  one  of  the  English  Universities. 

At  this  time  there  were  fifty-four  parishes  in  Virginia,  and 
about  seventy  churches  and  chapels.  Rectories  were  provid- 
ed for  each  parish  with  glebes  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
acres. 

More  than  half  of  the  churches  were  supplied  with  clergy- 
men, and  in  the  vacant  ones  Lay  Readers  ministered.  The* 
people  were  almost  entirely  of  the  Church  of  England.  It 
is  stated  that  at  this  time  there  were  only  four  dissenting 
places  of  worship  in  the  Colony;  three  for  the  Quakers  and 
one  for  the  Presbyterians. 

In  1722,  one  hundred  and  fifteen  years  had  elapsed  since 
the  first  clergyman  landed  in  Virginia  and  yet  the  state  of 
religion  was  far  from  satisfactory.  Incompetent  and  un- 
worthy ministers  were  often  sent  out  from  England,  and  un- 
der such  ministrations  you  could  not  expect  much  of  the  laity. 
The  Constitution  of  the  Church  making  it  dependent  on  the 
Mother  Church  of  England  for  complete  organization,  pre- 
vented the  raising  up  of  a  native  clergy,  and  seriously  hinder- 


8  The  Episcopal  Church 

ed  the  proper  administration  of  the  Church.  A  community  of 
Episcopal  Churches  without  a  Bishop,  is  a  body  without  a 
head.  Such  was  the  condition  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in 
Virginia,  and  it  is  no  wonder  that  grave  dangers  threat- 
ened its  very  existence.  Happily  the  Church  of  England  pur- 
sues a  very  different  policy  with  her  colonies  to-day,  and  with 
most  encouraging  results. 

It  ought  to  be  added  that  after  all  allowance  is  made  for 
want  of  Episcopal  supervision,  and  for  the  inferior  quality  of 
many  of  the  clergy  who  came  to  Virginia,  and  the  consequent 
difficulties  in  connection  with  their  support,  that  there  was 
in  the  minds  of  many  a.  suspicious  apprehension  of  Ecclesias- 
tical domination  founded  upon  some  of  the  past  incidents  of 
English  history. 

1731  -1746. 

Up  to  this  time  the  Episcopal  Church  was  almost  the  only 
religious  denomination  in  Virginia,  but  henceforth  she  is  to 
have  the  company  of  other  religious  societies  which  begin  to 
spring  up  around  her.  The  Quakers  and  Presbyterians 
seem  to  have  been  first  in  establishing  themselves,  and  after 
them  the  Moravians,  the  New  Lights  and  the  Methodists. 

1748-1771. 

By  proper  legislation  the  clergy  were  guarded  against  tres- 
pass on  their  glebes,  and  after  considerable  discussion,  money 
was  substituted  for  tobacco  in  paying  them.  This,  owing  to 
the  rise  in  tobacco  after  poor  crops,  worked  hardship  to  the 
clergy  and  they  claimed  damages.  It  was  on  this  question 
that  Patrick  Henry  distinguished  himself,  and  carried  away 
the  jury  by  his  eloquence,  which  was  as  extraordinary  as  it 
was  unexpected.  He  won  his  cause  against  the  clergy,  when 
the  jury  brought  in  a  verdict  of  one  cent  for  the  damages 
claimed. 

About  the  year  1765,  according  to  Leland's  Chronicle,  the 
Baptists  first  made  their  appearance  in  Amelia,  and  some  of 
the  adjacent  counties;  although  Semple  says,  that  some  few 


in  West  Virginia.  9 

came  from  England  in  1714,  and  some  from  Maryland  in  1743. 
It  must  be  confessed  that  they  were  very  harshly  treated,  be- 
ing not  only  imprisoned,  but  beaten,  and  with  the  usual  re- 
sult, that  persecution  made  friends  for  its  victims. 

In  1771  an  effort  was  made  to  secure  the  Episcopate,  but  it 
failed  to  receive  proper  support,  and  since  the  majority  of  the 
Legislature  belonged  to  the  Establishment,  it  is  most  prob- 
able that  the  opposition  rested  upon  political  considerations. 
It  was  not  deemed  expedient  at  that  time. 

1772-1778. 

About  this  time  the  Methodists  began  to  increase  in  Vir- 
ginia. When  they  made  their  first  appearance  they  claimed 
aliance  with  the  Church,  but  ultimately,  proceeded  to  the 
length  of  an  entire  separation. 

The  founder  of  Methodism,  Rev.  John  Wesley,  was  a  Pres- 
byter of  the  Church  of  England,  and  professed  a  strong  at- 
tachment to  it.  He  gave  his  followers  a  list  of  'i-easons  for 
not  separating  from  the  Church";  and  in  his  farther  appeal 
to  men  of  reason  and  religion,  he  thus  addresses  the  members 
of  the  Church  of  England:  "We  do  not  dispute  concerning 
any  of  the  externals  or  circumstantials  of  religion.  There  is 
no  room;  for  we  agree  with  you  therein.  We  approve  of.  wc 
adhere  to  them  all;  all  that  we  learned  together  when  we 
were  children,  in  our  Catechism  and  Common  Prayer  Book. 
We  were  born  and  bred  in  your  own  Church,  and  desire  to 
die  therein.  We  hold,  and  ever  have  done,  the  same  opinions 
which  you  and  we  received  from  our  forefathers." 

In  accordance  with  these  sentiments  the  first  Methodists  in 
America  acted.  Their  preachers  were  all  laymen;  they  never 
administered  the  sacraments,  but  received  the  Lord's  Supper 
themselves  at  the  hands  of  the  clergy  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land; and  they  claimed  to  be  nothing  more  than  members  of  a 
religious  society,  formed  within  the  bosom  of  the  Established 
Church  at  home,  and  extended  to  America.  The  language  of 
the  Methodist  preachers  was,  that  "all  who  lefl  the  Church 
left  the  Methodists."  Indeed  in  public  opinion  the  Methodist 


10  The  Episcopal  Church 

Society,  was  so  far  identified  with  the  Church,  as  to  share 
with  it  the  odium  which  from  political  causes  rested  upon  the 
Establishment  in  Virginia.  This  suspicion  derived  strength 
from  the  fact  that  Mr.  Wesley,  who  in  the  commencement  of 
the  dispute  between  England  and  the  Colonies  had  defended 
the  latter,  suddenly  changed  his  opinions,  and  wrote  and 
preached  against  the  American  cause  with  so  much  warmth 
as  to  provoke  that  memorable  rebuke  from  the  celebrated 
Junius. 

When  the  struggle  began  between  the  Colonies  and  Eng- 
land many  of  the  clergy  of  the  Established  Church  were  nat- 
urally in  a  very  embarrassing  position.  They  were  generally 
friends  to  their  mother  country;  attached  to  it  by  the  circum- 
stances of  birth,  and  bound  by  the  oath  of  allegiance.  As  has 
been  already  explained,  the  situation  of  the  Established 
Church,  without  Episcopal  supervision,  precluded  the  raising 
up  a  native  ministry.  It  would  perhaps,  be  not  far  out  of  the 
way,  if  we  should  say  that  about  two-thirds  of  the  Virginia 
clergy  were  loyalists.  The  great  mass  of  the  population,  and 
a  large  majority  of  these  were  Episcopalians,  were  opposed 
to  England.  Among  the  laity  were  General  Washington, 
Patrick  Henry,  Richard  Henry  Lee,  the  mover  of  the  Declara- 
tion of  Independence,  Francis  Lightfoot  Lee,  one  of  the  sign- 
ers, George  Mason,  Edmund  Pendleton,  Peter  Lyons,  Paul 
Carrington,  William  Fleming,  William  Grayson,  with  the 
families  of  the  Nelsons  and  Meades  and  Mercers,  and  Harri- 
sons and  Randolphs,  and  hundreds  of  other  names  deserv- 
edly dear  to  Virginia. 

In  the  Legislature  which  convened  in  October,  1776,  there 
was  a  great  contest  in  regard  to  Church  establishment.  The 
Baptists  and  Presbyterians  petitioned  against  the  establish- 
ment and  the  Churchmen  and  Methodists  petitioned  for  its 
continuance. 

The  great  advocates  for  the  Church  were  Mr.  Pendleton  and 
Robert  Carter  Nicholas,  and  its  great  opponent  was  Mr.  Jef- 
ferson.    The  question  was  finally  decided  against  the  estab- 


in  West  Virginia.  11 

lishment,  but  arrears  of  salaries  due  to  the  clergy  were  se- 
cured. Glebes  already  purchased  were  reserved  for  the  use 
of  the  Episcopal  clergy,  and  the  churches  and  chapels  al- 
ready built,  with  the  books  and  church  plate,  were  preserved 
for  the  use  of  the  Episcopalians. 

Under  these  circumstances  many  of  the  Established  clergy, 
who  were  thus  summarily  deprived  of  their  livings,  and  who 
on  account  of  their  politics  were  often  disliked  by  the  people, 
must  have  found  it  difficult  to  procure  a  subsistence  by  con- 
tinuing in  the  exercise  of  their  pastoral  duties.  In  the  situ- 
ation, to  which  they  found  themselves  reduced,  many  aban- 
doned the  country;  and  parishes,  from  time  to  time,  became 
vacant,  so  that  ere  long,  a  large  majority  of  the  cures 
were  left  unsupplied.  The  sacraments  were  no  longer  ad- 
ministered in  many  of  the  parishes,  and  this  condition  of 
affairs  led  to  an  effort,  on  the  part  of  the  Methodists,  to  reme- 
dy the  evil  by  an  irregular  ordination  of  ministers  among 
themselves.  Some  of  the  clergy  of  the  Church  advised 
them  against  this  measure,  but  in  vain,  and  in  1778,  a  consid- 
erable number  of  the  Lay  Preachers,  earnestly  importuned 
Mr.  Asbury,  a  prominent  preacher  among  the  Methodists,  "to 
take  proper  measures,  that  the  people  might  enjoy  the  privi- 
leges of  all  other  Churches,  and  no  longer  be  deprived  of  the 
Christian  Sacraments." 

Mr.  Asbury,  whoseemsatthis  time  to  have  been  suspicious- 
ly watched,  and  indeed  confined  in  the  State  of  Delaware,  as 
one  disaffected  to  the  American  cause,  professed  the  strong- 
est attachment  to  the  Church  of  England;  and  violently  op- 
posed the  proposed  plan;  nay,  he  went  so  far  as  to  write  to 
some  of  the  clergy  of  the  Establishment,  reproving  them  for 
not  having  checked  in  its  incipient  stage  this  approach  to  dis- 
order. 

Upon  the  refusal  of  Mr.  Asbury  to  co-operate  with  them  in 
their  plan  of  ordination,  a  majority  of  the  preachers  with- 
drew from  all  connection  with  him  and  Mr.  Wesley;  and 
choosing  from  their  number  three  senior  members,  these  last 


12  The  Episcopal  Church 

proceeded,  to  what  they  called  an  ordination  of  the  rest,  by 
the  imposition  of  their  hands;  and  the  preachers  thus  set 
apart  proceeded  to  baptize  and  to  administer  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, wherever  they  went,  to  those  whom  they  deemed  suita- 
ble recipients.  Afterward  Mr.  Asbury,  having  obtained  his 
liberty,  visited  Virginia,  and  by  all  the  address  in  his  power, 
with  indefatigable  labor  and  attention,  succeeded,  at  length, 
in  bringing  back  the  seceders  one  after  another,  and  by  a  vote 
of  one  of  the  Conferences,  the  ordination  was  declared  in- 
valid and  union  was  restored;  while  to  prevent,  as  far  as  pos- 
sible, a  renewal  of  the  complaint  of  the  want  of  the  sacra- 
ments, some,  at  least,  of  the  Episcopal  clergy  traveled  over 
large  circuits  for  the  purpose  of  baptizing  the  children  of 
Methodists,  and  administering  the  Lord's  Supper  and  con- 
tinued to  do  so,  until  the  final  separation  of  the  Methodists 
from  the  Church,  without  desiring  or  receiving  for  the  service 
the  smallest  compensation. 

1779-  1784. 

When  the  Revolutionary  war  begun,  Virginia  in  her  sixty- 
one  counties  contained  ninety-five  parishes,  one  hundred  and 
sixty-four  churches  and  chapels,  and  ninety-one  clergymen. 
She  came  out  of  the  war  with  a  large  number  of  her  churches 
destroyed,  oir  injured  irreparably,  with  twenty-three  of  her 
ninety-five  parishes  extinct  or  forsaken.  Of  the  remaining 
seventy-two,  thirty-four  were  destitute  of  ministerial  ser- 
vices; while  of  her  ninety-one  clergymen,  twenty-eight  only 
remained,  who  had  lived  through  the  storm,  and  these,  with 
eight  others  who  came  into  the  State  soon  after  the  struggle 
terminated,  supplied  thirty-six  of  the  parishes. 

Up  to  this  time  the  Methodists  had  continued  in  alliance 
with  the  Church,  and  professed  to  consider  themselves  as  a 
part  of  it;  but  the  time  had  now  come  for  their  final  separa- 
tion from  it.  The  incipient  steps  in  this  business  are  thus 
related  by  two  of  the  historians  of  Methodism.  (Life  of 
Wesley  by  Coke  and  More,  p.  351) :  "  When  peace  was  estab- 
lished between  Great  Britain  and  the  States,  the  intercourse 


in  West  Virginia.  13 

was  opened  between  the  societies  in  both  countries.  Mr.  Wes- 
ley then  received  from  Mr.  Asbury  a  full  account  of  the  prog- 
ress of  the  work  during  the  war;  and  especially  of  the  divis- 
ion which  had  taken  place  and  the  difficulties  he  met  with 
before  it  was  healed.  He  also  informed  Mr.  Wesley  of  the  ex- 
treme uneasiness  of  the  people's  minds  for  want  of  the  sacra- 
ments; that  thousands  of  their  children  were  unbaptized; 
and  the  members  of  the  society  in  general  had  not  partaken 
of  the  Lord's  Supper  for  many  years.  Mr.  Wesley  then  con- 
sidered the  subject,  and  informed  Dr.  Coke  of  his  design  of 
drawing  up  a  plan  of  Church  government  and  of  establishing 
an  ordination  for  his  American  societies.  But,  cautious  of 
entering  on  so  new  a  plan,  he  afterwards  suspended  the  exe- 
cution of  his  purposes,  and  wreighed  the  whole  for  upwards  of 
a  year.  At  the  Conference  held  in  Leeds,  1784,  he  declared 
his  intention  of  sending  Dr.  Coke  and  some  other  preachers 
to  America.  Mr.  Richard  WThatcoat  and  Mr.  Thomas  Vasey 
offered  themselves  as  missionaries  for  that  purpose  and  were 
accepted.  Before  they  sailed,  Mr.  Wesley  abridged  the 
Common  Prayer  book,  and  wrote  to  Dr.  Coke,  then  in  Lon- 
don, desiring  him  to  meet  him  in  Bristol  to  receive  fuller 
powers,  and  to  bring  the  Rev.  Mr.  Creighton  with  him.  The 
doctor  and  Mr.  Creighton  accordingly  met  him  in  Bristol, 
when,  with  their  assistance,  he  ordained  Mr.  Richard  What- 
coat  and  Mr.  Thos.  Vasey,  presbyters  for  America,  ami  did  af- 
terwards ordain  Dr.  Coke  superintendent,  giving  him  letters 
of  ordination  under  his  hand  and  seal,  and  at  the  same  time, 
a  letter  to  be  printed  and  circulated  in  America."  To  this 
statement  it  should  here  be  added  that  Dr.  Coke  wrote  Mr. 
Wresley  urging  him  to  ordain  him  bishop.  On  the  third  of 
November,  1784,  Dr.  Coke  arrived  in  New  York,  and  on  the 
fourteenth,  met  Mr.  Asbury  for  the  first  time,  who,  upon  hear- 
ing of  the  new  plan,  expressed  strong  doubts  about  it,  which 
by  some  means  or  other  were  soon  removed,  as  subsequent 
events  proved.  On  Christmas  eve,  a  general  conference  <>f 
the  Methodists  assembled,  by  appointment  at  Baltimore,  by 


14  The  Episcopal  Church 

which  a  circular  letter  from  Mr.  Wesley,  of  which  Dr.  Coke 
was  the  bearer,  dated  Sept.  10th,  1781,  was  published,  from 
which  the  following  extracts  are  presented.  The  letter  is 
addressed  to  Dr.  Coke,  Mr.  Asbury,  and  our  brethren  in 
America: 

"  By  a  very  common  train  of  providences,  many  of  the 
provinces  of  North  America,  are  totally  disjoined  from  their 
mother  country,  and  erected  into  independent  states.  The! 
English  government  has  no  authority  over  them,  either  civil 
or  ecclesiastical,  any  more  than  over  the  states  of  Holland. 
A  civil  authority  is  exercised  over  them,  partly  by  the  Con- 
gress, partly  by  the  provincial  assemblies.  But  no  one  either 
exercises  or  claims  any  ecclesiastical  authority  at  all.  In  this 
peculiar  situation,  some  thousands  of  the  inhabitants  of  these 
states  desire  my  advice1,  and  in  compliance  with  their  desire, 
I  have  drawn  up  a  little  sketch. 

"  For  many  years  I  have  been  importuned,  from  time  to 
time,  to  exercise  the  right  of  ordaining  part  of  our  traveling 
preachers.  But  I  have  still  refused;  not  only  for  peace'  sake, 
but  because  I  was  determined,  as  little  as  possible,  to  violate 
the  established  order  of  the  national  church  to  which  I  be- 
longed. 

"  But  the  case  is  widely  different  between  England  and 
North  America.  Here  there  are  bishops  who  have  a  legal 
jurisdiction.  In  America  there  are  none,  neither  any  parish 
ministers;  so  that  for  some  hundred  miles  together,  there  is 
none  to  baptize,  or  to  administer  the  Lord's  Supper.  Here, 
therefore,  my  scruples  are  at  an  end:  and  1  conceive  myself  at 
full  liberl  y,  as  I  violate  no  order  and  invade  no  man's  right, 
by  appointing,  and  sending  laborers  into  the  harvest. 

"I  have  accordingly  appointed  Dr.  Coke  and  Mr.  Francis 
Asbury  to  be  joint  superintendents  over  our  brethren  in 
North  America;  as  also  Richard  TVhatcoat  and  Thomas  Vasey 
to  act  as  elders  among  thiem,  by  baptizing  and  administer- 
ing the  Lord's  Supper.  And  I  also  advise  the  elders  to  ad- 
minister the  Supper  of  the  Lord  on  every  Lord's  day. 


in  West  Virginia.  15- 

''If  ;my  one  will  point  out  a  more  rational  and  scriptural 
way  of  feeding  and  guiding  those  poor  sheep  in  the  wilder- 
ness, I  will  gladly  embrace  it.  At  present  I  cannot  see  any 
better  method  than  that  I  have  taken." 

The  appointed  merely  of  Mr.  Asbury  does  not  seem  to  have 
been  deemed  sufficient  to  bestow  upon  him  any  new  powers, 
and  accordingly  we  find  him  receiving  such  ordination  to  the 
offices  of  deacon  and  priest  as  Dr.  Coke  could  bestow,  and 
afterwards  obtaining  from  the  same  hands,  what  was  deemed 
a  consecration  of  the  episcopate.  The  use  of  the  phrase, 
superintendent,  was  ere  long  discontinued,  and  that  of  bishop 
(which  has  ever  since  been  retained)  was  substituted  for  it. 
The  separation  between  the  Church  and  Methodists,  was 
made  entire  by  the  circumstances  just  related,  and  it  is  not 
here  necessary  to  pursue  further  the  history  of  the  latter;, 
there  are,  however,  certain  facts  connected  with  the  transac- 
tion which  form  a  part  of  its  true  history,  and  which,  there- 
fore, it  would  be  wrong  to  withhold. 

The  plan  of  ordination  and  Church  government,  which 
Mr.  Wesley  so  appropriately  termed  new,  does  not  appear 
from  the  account  given  by  Dr.  Coke,  to  have  been  communi- 
cated by  Mr.  Wesley  to  the  conference  prior  to  its  execution; 
he  declared  his  intention  simply  of  sending  Dr.  Coke  and 
other  ministers  to  America.  In  fact,  we  are  elsewhere  told 
that  information  of  its  actual  execution  was  never  given  to 
the  conference  until  1876,  before  which  time,  probably,  in- 
telligence of  the  act  had  reached  them  from  America.  It 
was,  therefore,  the  act  of  Mr.  Wesley  alone. 

It  was  an  <act,  upon  the  propriety  of  which  he  took  no- 
counsel  with  his  intimate  friends.  His  brother,  Mr.  Chas. 
Wesley,  in  a  letter  to  Dr.  Chandler,  written  in  1785,  thus  ex- 
presses himself: — 

"I  can  scarcely  yet  believe,  that  in  his  eighty-second  year, 
my  brother,  my  old  intimate  friend  and  companion,  should 
have  assumed  the  episcopal  character,  ordained  elders,  con- 
secrated a  bishop,  and  sent  him  to  ordain  the  lay  preachers 


16  The  Episcopal  Church 

in  America.  I  was  then  in  Bristol  at  bis  elbow;  yet  be  never 
gave  ine  tbe  least  bint  of  bis  intention.  How  was  be  sur- 
prised witb  so  rash  an  action?  He  certainly  pursuaded  him- 
self that  it  was  right." 

The  reasons  assigned  for  this  act,  by  Mr.  Wesley  were  not 
at  all  times  the  same.  In  his  letter,  as  published  by  the  con- 
ference, he  stated  that  his  scruples  were  at  an  end,  and  be 
considered  himself  at  full  liberty,  because  America  was  desti- 
tute of  bishops  and  belonged  not  to  the  jurisdiction  of  any 
English  prelate.  On  another  occasion,  when,  at  the  request 
of  Jones  of  Nayland,  inquiry  was  made  of  him  whether  it 
was  true  that  he  had  invested  persons  with  the  episcopal 
character,  and  sent  them  to  America;  after  some  hesitation, 
be  admitted  the  fact,  and  assigned  as  a  reason  for  his  con- 
duct, that  after  the  revolution  each  denomination  was  mak- 
ing efforts  to  swell  its  members,  and  the  Baptists  particu- 
larly were  greatly  increasing  to  the  injury  of  the  Church. 
[Life  of  Bishop  Home,  by  Jones  of  Nayland.]  He  bad,  there- 
fore, taken  the  step  with  the  hope  of  preventing  further  dis- 
orders. 

If  the  object  of  Mr.  Wesley  was  to  secure  to  America,  tbe 
episcopate,  tbe  course  pursued  was  rendered  unnecessary  by 
existing  circumstances.  Dr.  Seabury  of  Connecticut,  had  been 
nearly  two  years  in  England  soliciting  episcopal  consecra- 
tion, and,  in  consequence  of  difficulties  arising  entirely  from 
the  English  law,  was  on  the  point  of  going  to  Scotland  to  be 
consecrated  there,  at  the  very  moment  when  Mr.  Wesley 
laid  his  hands  on  Dr.  Coke,  and  it  cannot  be  supposed  that 
Mr.  Wesley  was  ignorant  of  these  facts,  particularly  as  we 
find  them  to  have  been  well  known  to  his  brother  Charles. 

The  latter  gentleman  in  tbe  letter  to  Dr.  Chandler,  already 
referred  to,  speaking  of  the  American  Methodists,  uses  this 
language: — 

"How  have  they  been  betrayed  into  a  separation  from  the 
Church  of  England,  which  their  preachers  and  they,  no  more 
intended  than  the  Methodists  here?    Had  they  had  patience 


in  West  Virginia.  17 

a  little  longer  they  would  have  seen  a  real  primitive  Bishop 
in  America,  duly  consecrated  by  three  Scotch  Bishops,  who 
had  their  consecration  from  the  English  Bishops,  and  are 
acknowledged  by  them  as  the  same  with  themselves.  There 
is,  therefore,  not  the  least  difference  between  the  members 
of  Bishop  Seabury's  Church  and  the  members  of  the  Church 
of  England.  I  had  the  happiness  to  converse  with  that  truly 
apostolic  man,  who  is  esteemed  by  all  that  know  him  as  much 
as  by  you  and  me.  He  told  me  that  he  looked  upon  the  Meth- 
odists in  America  as  sound  members  of  the  Church  and  was 
ready  to  ordain  any  of  their  preachers,  whom  he  should  find 
duly  qualified."  In  point  of  fact,  Bishop  Seabury  had  re- 
ceived consecration  on  the  fourteenth  of  November,  whereas 
the  conference  assembled  in  Baltimore  on  the  twenty-fourth 
of  the  succeeding  month. 

1784-  1825. 

The  controversies,  in  regard  to  the  ecclesiastical  affairs  in 
Virginia,  were  practically  settled  by  the  act  establishing  re- 
ligious freedom,  passed  the  26th  December,  1785. 

The  General  Convention,  in  Philadelphia,  September,  1785, 
had  from  Virginia  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith  and  John  Page,  Esq. 

Rev.  Dr.  Griffith  having  resigned  his  election  as  Bishop,  on 
the  assembling  of  the  convention  of  1790  in  Richmond,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Madison,  President  of  William  and  Mary  College, 
was  elected.  That  year  on  the  19th  of  September,  he  was  con- 
secrated in  the  Chapel  at  Lambeth,  by  the  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury  and  the  Bishops  of  London  and  Rochester.  So, 
after  an  existence  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-four  years,  the 
Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia  for  the  first  time  saw  a  Bishop 
within  her  borders.  In  1792,  Bishop  Madison  made  his  first 
visitation.  In  five  parishes  confirming  upwards  of  600  per- 
sons. He  found  the  outlook  somewhat  better  than  he  seems 
to  have  anticipated,  although,  there  was  still  much  cause  for 
discouragement  in  the  generally  low  state  of  religion  among 
the  people.  Bishop  Madison  died  in  March,  1812.  The  Rev. 
Richard  Channing  Moore  was  elected  to  succeed  him,  and  was 


18  The  Episcopal  Church 

consecrated  in  May,  1814.  Among  other  faithful  men,  were 
four  of  the  clergy  whose  names  deserve  a  place  in  the  rec- 
ords of  the  Virginia  Church,  and  who  should  be  held  in  hon- 
orable remembrance,  as  instruments  of  God  in  aiding  Bishop 
Moore  to  revive  the  prostrate  Church.  These  gentlemen, 
were  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Norris,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Dunn,  and  the  Rev.  William  Meade. 

A  great  impulse  was  given  the  Church  in  Virginia  from 
the  very  beginning  of  Bishop  Moore's  episcopate.  Interest 
everywhere  revived.  In  his  first  year  he  ordained  three  to  the 
ministry  and  enrolled  four  candidates  for  orders.  No  less 
than  ten  new  churches  were  reported  as  in  process  of  erec- 
tion, while  eight  of  the  old  ones  were  undergoing  repairs.  A 
society  was  formed  for  distribution  of  Prayer  Books  and 
Tracts;  a  fund  was  commenced  for  the  support  of  the  Epis- 
copate; the  Education  Society  was  also  formed  at  this  time, 
and  it  continues  its  good  work  to  this  day.  During  this  peri- 
od also,  we  date  the  founding  of  the  Theological  Seminary 

1825-  1835. 

The  exemption  of  the  Bishop  from  parochial  cares,  became 
an  object  of  increasing  concern.  At  length  in  1828,  when 
Bishop  Moore  was  in  his  67th  year,  although  infirmities  of 
age  had  not  disabled  him,  it  was  determined  to  give  him  an 
assistant;  and  in  1829  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  was  elected. 

Writing  in  1836.  Dr.  Hawks  says,  in  concluding  his  book, 
the  present  condition  of  the  Church  in  Virginia  is  one  of  grat- 
ifying prosperity.  With  more  than  one  hundred  churches, 
some  of  them  the  fruit  of  reviving  zeal  in  parishes  which 
once  flourished,  but  have  long  been  almost  dead,  the  Diocese 
now  numbers  more  than  seventy  clergymen;  and  with  a  mis- 
sionary fund,  unemployed  in  part,  because  missionaries  are 
not  to  be  had,  the  Diocese  is  laboring  to  supply,  in  some  meas 
ure,  its  necessities  by  means  of  its  Seminary  at  Alexandria. 
Of  this  institution,  it  may  be  said,  that  it  has  afforded  in- 
struction during  the  last  three  years,  to  s:xty  candidates  for 
orders,  and  has  given  thirty-six  clergymen  to  the  Church. 


in  West  Virginia.  19 


CHAPTER  II. 

The    Episcopal    Church    in   America   and    in   the  Diocese  of  West 
Virginia. 


The  Episcopal  Church  in  America. 

There  are,  no  doubt,  many  of  our  readers  who  are  some- 
times puzzled  to  understand  how  it  is  that  the  Episcopal 
Church,  which  today  claims  the  allegiance  of  so  large  a  pro- 
portion of  English-speaking  people  throughout  the  world, 
should  still  be,  in  America,  so  much  smaller  in  numbers  than 
some  of  the  other  Christian  bodies  around  us.  A  careful 
reading  of  the  following  "Historical  Sketch  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,"  will 
throw  much  light  upon  the  subject.  It  is  from  the  pen  of  the 
Bishop  of  Iowa,  and  was  published  in  much  greater  detail  in 
Whittaker>8  Almanac  for  the  year  1884: 

"The  close  of  the  struggle  for  national  independence 
brought  to  the  Churchmen  who  had  sympathized  with  the 
principles  of  the  Revolution  problems  of  grave  interest.  Prior 
to  the  war  the  centre  of  unity  for  the  Clergy  and  Laity  of 
the  Church  of  England  in  America,  had  been  the  recognition 
of  the  Bishop  of  London  as  their  Diocesan,  and  the  use  by 
Minister  and  people  alike  of  the  same  formularies  of  devotion 
and  the  acknowledgment  of  the  same  symbols  of  belief. 

'The  Prayer-Book  remained,  indeed,  when  the  war  broke 
out,  but  its  use  was  practically  interdicted.  The  presence  of 
the  State  prayers  rendered  it  unacceptable  to  those  who  sym- 
pathized with  the  revolt,  while  the  'loyalists,'  rather  than 
omit  these  supplications  from  the  accustomed  forms,  prefer- 
red the  closing  of  their  churches  and  the  cessation  of  all  pub- 
lic prayers.    But  the  allegiance  due  to  the  See  of  London  was 


20  The  Episcopal  Chupch 

wholly  destroyed.  The  Clergy  could  no  longer  depend  upon 
the  license  of  a  foreign  Bishop  for  induction  to  American 
Parishes.  The  laity  no  longer  regarded  a  foreign  prelate  as 
empowered  to  administer  discipline  and  exercise  oversight 
in  the  case  of  their  wayward  priests,  or  give  the  valid  com- 
mission to  their  aspirants  for  Orders. 

"The  Church  had  felt,  in  every  quarter,  the  effects  of  the 
war.  In  the  interruption  of  services,  the  removal  of  the 
Clergy,  the  suspension  of  grants  from  the  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  and  from  the  crown,  and  the  odi- 
um attaching  in  the  revolted  States  to  everything  derived 
from  and  dependent  upon  the  hated  mother-land,  the  Church 
sunk  to  the  lowest  depths  of  depression,  and  in  some  quar- 
ters, seemed  well-nigh  extinct.  The  leading  Clergymen  of  the 
North  had  warmly  espoused  the  cause  of  the  King,  and  al- 
though, in  the  Middle  States  and  the  South,  the  Clergy  were, 
in  general,  in  sympathy  with  the  popular  side,  still  in  the 
minds  of  the  multitude,  both  in  the  North  and  South,  the 
Church  was  regarded  as  closely  connected  with  the  tyranny 
from  which,  at  a  great  cost  of  blood  and  treasure,  the  land 
had  been  freed.  Even  the  Church  buildings  were,  in  many 
cases,  despoiled  and  destroyed,  and  the  end  of  the  struggle 
found  the  Church  existing  only  in  a  few  of  the  centres  of 
population,  or  else  where  the  piety  and  popularity  of  patriot- 
ic Clerg3'inen  had  enabled  its  adherents  to  weather  the  storm 
of  prejudice  and  ignorant  hate. 

«  There  had  been  attempts  to  secure  the  Episcopate,  and 
earnest  prayers  for  this  coveted  completion  of  the  order  and 
government  of  the  Church  in  the  colonies,  dating  back  for 
upward  of  a  century.  But  still  the  close  of  the  war  found 
no  Bishop  in  America,  and  but  few  Clergymen  scattered 
throughout  the  independent  States.  Even  where  the  Church 
had  been  established,  it  had  suffered  depletion  in  numbers 
and  the  spoiling  of  its  goods  and  glebes.  In  Virginia,  where 
prior  to  the  Revolutionary  struggle,  there  were  upwards  of 
one  hundred  and  sixty  churches  and  chapels,  with  nearly  a 


in  West  Virginia.  21 

hundred  Clergymen  ministering-  at  their  altars,  tlie  close  of 
the  contest  found  ninety-five  Parishes  extinct,  and  of  the  re- 
mainder nearly  one-half  were  without  ministrations.  Less 
than  thirty  Clergymen  remained  at  their  posts  when  the  war 
had  ceased.  Many  of  the  Churches  had  been  closed  or  con- 
verted to  other  uses  or  else  destroyed.  The  sacramental  ves- 
sels even  had  been,  in  many  cases,  taken  by  sacrilegious  hands 
and  devoted  to  unholy  purposes.  Here,  as  elsewhere  the 
Church  was  well-nigh  extinct. 

"But  there  were  those,  both  of  the  Clergy  and  Laity,  who 
were  alive  to  the  necessity  of  organization  and  the  creation 
of  a  fresh  bond  of  unity.  To  accomplish  these  purposes, 
meetings  were  held  in  various  parts  of  the  country — in  Con- 
necticut, in  Maryland,  in  Virginia,  in  New  Jersey,  in  Penn- 
sylvania, in  New  York.  At  length,  in  1784,  the  Kev.  Dr.  Sea- 
bury  received  consecration  at  the  hands  of  the  Bishops  of 
the  Church  in  Scotland  as  Bishop  of  Connecticut;  and  then, 
in  1787,  the  Dev.  Drs.  White  and  Provost  were  consecrated 
in  England  as  Bishops  of  Pennsylvania  and  New  York,  re- 
spectively, and,  in  1790,  the  Kev.  Dr.  Madison  was  also  con- 
secrated in  England  as  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

"The  period  of  organization  was,  however,  succeeded  by 
one  of  depression.  The  death,  one  by  one,  of  the  older  Clergy 
who  had,  to  a  large  extent,  come  from  England,  found  few 
prepared  to  take  up  the  ministerial  work.  The  lesson  of  self- 
sustention  was  to  be  learned,  now  that  the  stipends,  freely 
dispensed  by  the  venerable  Society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel,  were  withdrawn. 

"Besides  a  hatred  and  dread  of  things  English,  and  a  wide- 
spread adoption  of  the  manners  and  disbelief  of  the  French, 
reduced  religion  to  a  low  ebb,  and  made  the  Church,  though 
no  longer,  even  by  name,  a  dependent  of  England,  yet  dis- 
trusted and  disliked.  It  was  still  a  day  of  small  things  as  far 
as  the  influence  and  increase  of  the  Church  was  concerned. 
But  soon  tokens  of  revival  began  to  appear.  The  names  of 
Bishops  Hobart  of  New  V<»rk.  < '.Hsu old  of  the  Eastern  Oio- 


22  The  Episcopal  Chukgh 

cese,  Moore  of  Virginia,  and  Chase  of  Ohio,  will  always  be 
associated  with  this  period  of  our  history.  Nor  must  we  omit 
the  name  of  Bishop  Meade  of  Virginia.  He  was  ordained  in 
1812,  and  in  1829  was  consecrated  as  assistant  to  Bishop 
Moore.  It  was  largely  through  his  abundant  labors  that  the 
Church  was  revived  in  Virginia.  In  1821,  the  Constitution  of 
the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Church 
was  perfected,  and  in  1835,  the  epoch  of  the  great  develop- 
ment of  the  missionary  spirit  in  the  Church,  Bishop  Kemper 
was  sent  forth  to  this  Missionary  Episcopate,  comprising  the 
'Northwest,'  and  in  1838  Bishop  Polk  was  sent  to  the  South- 
west. 

Since  these  days  of  revival,  the  progress  of  the  Church 
has  been  steadily  onward.  The  excitement  of  the  civil  war 
did,  indeed,  involve  a  temporary  suspension  of  the  friendly 
relations  existing  between  the  Northern  and  Southern  Dio- 
ceses. But,  with  the  return  of  peace,  came  the  glad  return 
of  unity,  and  since  the  Church  was  united,  its  advance  has 
been  more  rapid  than  before.  Its  missions,  at  home  and 
abroad,  have  been  multiplied.  Its  literary  institutions  have 
taken  root  on  every  side.  Its  Dioceses  have  increased  by  the 
erection  of  new  Sees  and  the  division  of  the  older  and  larger 
ones.  Its  charities  have  reached  a  magnitude  and  importance 
claiming  and  receiving  the  praise  of  all  philanthropists,  and 
the  Episcopal  Church  in  America  enters  upon  its  second  cen- 
tury with  a  new  vigor  and  promise.  Giving  proof  of  its  ad- 
aptation to  all  classes  and  conditions  of  men,  its  future  bids 
fair  to  be  as  its  past,  only  more  abounding  in  influences  for 
good." 

The  Diocese  of  West  Virginia. 

A  division  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia  was  agitated  as  early 
as  1821,  but  the  first  practical  move  made  in  the  matter,  was 
at  a  Convocation  of  the  Clergy  in  Western  Virginia,  some 
seven  in  all,  held  in  Charleston,  Kanawha,  in  1851.  The  Kev. 
Jas.  D.  McCabe,  of  Wheeling,  had  prepared  a  memorial  look- 
ing to  a  division  and  it  was  presented,  but  Bishop  Meade,  who 
was  present,  opposed  the  move,  and  the  paper  was  withdrawn. 


in  West  Virginia.  23 

The  next  meeting  looking  in  this  direction  was  held  in  Clarks- 
burg, August  24,  1865,  but  as  there  was  no  guarantee  thai  a 
new  Diocese  could  be  supported,  the  effort  came  to  naught. 

The  subject  was,  however,  from  this  time  continually  agi- 
tated, and  on  November  15,  1872,  at  a  Convocation  held  in 
Charleston,  Kanawha,  Major  A.  T.  Laidley  was  appointed  to 
open  correspondence  with  the  Vestries  and  to  report  at  a 
Convocation  to  be  held  in  Volcano,  April  23,  1873.  The  re- 
sponse from  the  Vestries  was  so  meagre  and  incomplete,  that 
although  the  meeting  was  held,  nothing  could  be  done. 

On  January  19,  1874,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Vestry  of  St. 
John's,  Charleston,  another  effort  was  made  to  get  a  full 
expression  of  the  people  in  behalf  of  the  new  Diocese,  but  the 
effort  failed,  it  may  have  been  chiefly  on  account  of  the  oppo- 
sition in  the  eastern  counties. 

In  the  autumn  of  1875,  Bishop  Johns  expressed  himself  in 
favor  of  the  division,  provided  the  support  of  the  Diocese 
eould  be  secured,  and  on  April  19th,  1870,  at  the  twentieth 
annual  session  of  the  Convocation  of  West  Virginia,  held  in 
Wellsburg,  steps  were  taken  to  bring  the  matter  formally  be- 
fore the  annual  Council  of  Virginia,  meeting  in  Alexandria  in 
May.  That  Council  recommended  the  calling  of  a  conference 
of  the  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the  Parishes  and  Congregations 
within  the  limits  of  West  Virginia,  to  furnish  such  informa- 
tion as  might  enable  the  Council  at  its  next  session  to  act  in- 
telligently on  the  subject. 

This  Conference  met  in  Parkersburg  on  April  18th,  1N77. 
Two  sessions  were  held;  they  were  well  attended  and  the 
best  feeling  prevailed.  The  Conference  adjourned  to  meet  in 
Staunton  on  May  16th.  The  result  was  the  request  to  set 
apart  West  Virginia  as  a  separate  Diocese.  The  request 
was  granted  by  the  following  vote: 

Ayes-^Clergy,  !>1 ;  Laity,  94.     Noes— Clergy,  1;  Laity.  Id 

Bishop  Whittle  having  given  his  consent,  the  matter  was 
brought  up  before  the  Ceneral  Convention,  meeting  in  Bos- 
ton in  October,  and  by  them  ratified.    Thus  the  Diocese  of 


24  The  Episcopal  Church 

Virginia  was  divided,  and  the  new  Diocese  of  West  Virginia 
created.  The  primary  Convention  was  held  in  Charleston,  De- 
cember 5,  1877,  resulting  in  the  election  as  Bishop  of  the  Rev. 
J.  H.  Eccleston,  D.  D.  He  having  declined,  at  the  first  annu- 
al Council  held  in  Charlestown,  February  27,  1878,  the  Rev. 
George  W.  Peterkin,  of  Memorial  Church,  Baltimore,  was 
elected.  He  was  consecrated  in  St.  Matthew's  Church, Wheel- 
ing, on  Ascension  Day,  May  30,  1878,  by  the  Bishop  of  Ohio, 
assisted  by  the  Bishops  of  Pittsburg  and  Virginia,  the  Assist- 
ant Bishop  of  Kentucky  and  the  Bishop  of  Southern  Ohio. 

Clergy  List. 
The  following  clergy  were  connected  with  the  Diocese  at 
its  organization.     The  names  in  italics  indicate,  that  of  the 
original  clergy,  only  two  are  connected  with  it  at  the  begin- 
ning of  1902. 

Present  in  Charleston,  December,  i8jj: 

Rev.   James   G.  Armstrong. .  Wheeling 1877  tr.  1S7S. 

Rev.   Geo.  A.  Gibbons Fairmont   1877 

Rev.   R.   A.   Cobbs    Charleston    1877  ob.  1887. 

Rev.  James  Grammer   Middleway    1S77  tr.  1879. 

Rev.  Emil  J.  Hall Lewisburg 1877  tr.  187<J. 

Rev.   John  P.  Hubbard Shepherdstown    1877  tr.  1880. 

Rev.  Wm.  L.  Hyland Parkersburg 1S77  tr.  1879. 

Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy Pt.   Pleasant    1877  tr.  1 880. 

Rev  Jno.  W.  Lea Martinsburg   1877  ob.  1S84. 

Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell Hedgesville   1877  ob.  1S99 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason Union    1877  ob.  1 893 

Rev.  W.  H.  Meade Charlestown   1877  tr.  1883. 

Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins Volcano    1877  ob.  1SS5 

Err.   Jno.   F.   Woods Clarksburg   1877 


in  West  Virginia.  25 


CHAPTER    III. 

List  of  Clerical  and   Lay  Delegates  to  the  Annual  Councils  of  the 
Diocese  of  Virginia  from  the  churches  in  Western  Virginia. 


1785-1877. 

List  of  Clergy,  in  what  is  now  West  Virginia,  1785-1877. 
The  dates  do  not  give  the  time  of  ordination,  nor  of  first  par- 
ochial charge,  but  the  year  when  first  reported  in  the  Con- 
ventions or  Councils,  as  in  charge  of  congregations  in  the 
present  territory  of  Wrest  Virginia. 

It  is  to  be  noted  also  that  the  names  of  Parishes  do  not 
always  indicate  that  the  organization  was  complete  at  the 
date  given. 

Clergyman.  Parish.  County  or  Town.       Date. 

Addison,  Thos.  G St.  Matthew's    .  .  .Wheeling   1861 

Allen,  Benjamin  St.   Andrew's    Jefferson    1818 

Ambler,    Chas.    E Zion  Church Charles  Town    

Andrews,  Chas.  W Trinity  Ch Shepherdstown    .  .1842 

Armstrong,  William   St.   .Matthew's    ...Wheeling    1837 

Armstrong,  John St.   Matthew's    . .  .Wheeling    1823 

Armstrong,   J.   G St.   Matthew's    ...Wheeling   1875 

Barr,   David    St.  Mark's   St.    \  I  bans    L873 

Benton,    M.    M St.   John's    Wheeling   L870 

Braddock,   W.  L All  Saints'   Monroe    1873 

Broadnax,  W.  A Christ  Ch Clarksburg    1858 

Brooke,   Jno.    T    Norborne    Berkeley    1826 

Brooke,  Pendleton Christ    Ch Clarksburg    1870 

Bryan.   Jno.  L Christ    Ch Bunker  Hill    1  B 1 7 

Callaway,   C.  McK St.  Andrew's Jefferson    1851 

Carson,  T.  M Bunker   Hill    Berkeley    1866 

Castleman.  R.   A Christ  Ch Clarksburg 1853 

Chisholm,   James    Trinity  Ch Martinsbnrg 1844 

Clark.   Jonas  B St.   John's    Wheeling   1874 

Cobbs,    n.   A St.   John's    Charleston    1876 

Coffin.  \V.  H St.  John's    Brooke  Co  1853 


2(5  The  Episcopal  Church 

Clergyman.  Parish.  County  or  Town.      Date. 

Cowpland,    Joshua    St.   Johns    Wellsburg   1867 

Crampton,   S.   W Hampshire 1840 

Craik,  James   Kanawha Kanawha    1S40 

Curtis,  J.  F St.  Paul's Weston   I860 

Currie,  C.  George St.   Matthew's    . .  .Wheeling   1868 

Davis    11.  T Trinity  Ch Martinsburg  ....   1855 

Fisher,  Andrew St.    Paul's    Weston   1870 

Gibson    Isaac  Zion  Church  Charles  Town   .  .    1865 

Gibbons    G.  A Christ  Church   .  . .  Fairmont  1S75 

Good    W.  H.  Norborne    Berkeley  Co 1845 

Goodwin    Fred  D Kanwaha Kanawha    1831 

Goodwin!  James  Christ  Church   .  .  .Ft.  Pleasant  ....   1840 

Gordon,   John Frederick  Co. . . .   1754 

Grammer,  Julius  E Grace    Middleway    1856 

Grammer,  James   Grace    Middleway 1869 

Greer,  David  H Christ    Ch Clarksburg    1867 

Harrison    J    H  St.  J°hn's    Brooke  Co 1842 

Hall    Emile  J  Grace Pocahontas  Co...  1877 

Hanson    W.  D.  Trinity  Ch Martinsburg 1860 

Harden,   H.   E.  Christ   Ch Pt.  Pleasant  ....   1868 

Heath,  #  Trinity  Ch Shepherdstown   ..1800 

Hedge's,  Chapline  H Grace   Ch Middleway 1836 

Henderson,  D.  J. Kanawha    1855 

Horrell,  Thos.  .  Norborne    Berkeley 1817 

Howard,  C.  R St.    John's    Harper's  Ferry. .   1855 

Hubbard.  John  P.   .  .  #  Trinity   Ch Shepherdstown..   1876 

Hudson.  A.  J.  M.   .  ..St.    Mark's    Kanawha   1859 

Hurt.  John  Jefferson  Co.   . . .   1775 

Hyland.  Wm.  L Christ Wellsburg    1850 

Jackson.  Robt.  F Missionary Wheeling 1S77 

Jacobs,    Cyrus   M Trinity Martinsburg    . . .    1S36 

Jacobs.   W.   F.   M Trinity Marshall    1S59 

Johnson.  W.  P.  C Norborne    Berkeley 1832 

Jones.  Alex  St.   Andrew's    Jefferson  Co 1825 

Jones,  E.  Valentine    Trinity  Ch Huntington    1S73 

Lacy,  T.  H Christ   Pt.  Pleasant 1873 

Lea,  John   W Trinity  Ch Martinsburg 1S75 

Leavell,    Wm.    T Wyckliffe     Kabletown 1866 

Tinpitt,    E,    R Norborne, Berkeley  Co 1821 

T  owe,  Enoch  M Norborne Berkeley  Co 1819 

Manning,    Wm Berkeley  Co 1772 

Martin,  John   Kanawha Kanawha   Co.    . .    1835 

Mason.    R.   H All  Saints'  Union    1870 

May,   G.   S 

McCabe,   James   D St.  John's    Wheeling   1849 

McDonouffh,    A.    A St.  Paul's Weston    1874 

McGill,   John    St.  John's    Ripon 


in  West  Virginia.  27 

(  Lergyinan.  Parish.  County  or  Town.      Date. 

McGuire,  Wm Christ Bunker  Hill   1S57 

McMechen,    James    M Wood  Co 1S40 

Meade,   W.   II Zion    Charles  Town   . .    1 B61 

Mee,  C.  B St.  Mark's   Kanawha   Co.     . .    1S72 

Meldrum Frederick    1765 

Moore,    James     St.  John's    Wheeling-   1 861 1 

Morrison,  J.  Horace,    Trinity Shepherdstown. .    1839 

.Morrow,   W.   B St.   John's    Wheeling-   1S68 

Muhlenberg.     Peter     Berkeley  Co 1768 

Nash,  Norman  Hampshire    1821 

Nash,  Sylvester   Hampshire Hampshire    1824 

Nash,  F.  13 St.  Mark's   Kanawha    1845 

Nock,  Joseph  A St.   John's    Charleston    1868 

Ogilvie,    Jas    Berkeley  Co 1771 

Page,    James    J Berkeley  Co    I  S53 

Page,  Bernard    Trinity Martinsburg  ....   1795 

Page,  Chas.  H St.  Mark's   Kanawha    Co.    .  .    1823 

Page,   C.  Bandolph    Ravenswood Jackson    1873 

Perkins,  E.  T Missionary Parkersburg 1848 

Peterkin,  Joshna    Wickliffe    (lark    &   Jeff.    ..    1851 

Powell.    Jno.    D Wickliffe    Clark   &   Jeff.    ..    1855 

Price.  Jas Shepherdstown. .   1810 

Reynolds,  John  H Hardy    Hardy 1796 

Robertson.   John   J Norborne,    Berkeley 1822 

Sewell.  William  St.   John's    Brooke    1838 

Sharp.  Henry  T St.  Paul's Weston    1870 

«hiras,  Alex    Wickliffe    Clark    &   Jeff.    ..    1S40 

Smith,    Thompson    L est.    John's    Kanawha     1855 

Smith,  Joseph  H.   . . St.   John's    Wheeling    1858 

Smith.  Benj.  B St.    Andrew's    Jefferson    1822 

Smith,   Thomas Parkersburg 1543 

Smythe,  Thos.  H St.  Paul's Weston    1S5S 

Sprigg.  D.  F Trinity   Martinsburg 1S50 

Stewart,    Wm.    G St.    Mark's    Kanawha     1868 

Stubbs Shepherdstown..    1786 

St  ringfellow,    Horace,    Jr....  St.   John's    Harper's  Ferry. .   1851 

Sturgis,  Daniel   Trinity Martinsburg 1771 

Taliaferro,   Chas.  C Trinity    Martinsburg 1837 

Tompkins,  iS.  D St.    Paul's    Weston    L848 

Tongue,   Thos.  O Missionary Wheeling    1871 

Tyng,    Dudley  A Zion    left'erson    Co.    - .     1 851 

Tyng,  Jas.  H Trinity   Martinsburg 1830 

Veasy Martinsburg 1830 

Ward,  H.  D Kanawha     Fx'anawha  Co.    ...    L845 

Ward,  Wm.  N Christ  Ch Clarksburg   L835 

West Missionary     ..     ..   Kanawha    Co.    ..    1844 


28  The  Episcopal  Church 

Clergyman.  Parish.  County  or  Town.     Date. 

Wheat,  J.  Thomas  St.  Matthew's    . .  Wheeling  1830 

Wheeler,  A Jackson    1843 

Whittle,  P.  M St,  John's    Charleston 1848 

Wilson,   Francis    Trinity Martinsburg 1786 

Wilmer,  Emmanuel   

Woods,  John  F Trinity Moundsville 1865 

List  of  Lay  Delegates,  1785-1877. 

Laymen.  Parish.  County  or  Town.        Date. 

Allen,    Benjamin    St.   Andrew's    ...  Jerferson    1816 

Allen,    G.    11.    C Christ  Ch Clarksburg-    1853 

Andrews,  M.  Page  Trinity     Shepherdstown. .   1869 

Arthur,  Joseph  Norborne    Berkeley    1834 

Baxter,   VVm.  E St.  John's    Brooke    1870 

Baylor,  Col.  R.  W Zion    Charles  Town  . . .  1867 

Beall,  John  Y Zion    Charles  Town  . . .  1860 

Berkeley,   Prof.   R.   C Trinity Monongalia    ....    1877 

Berkeley,    Edmund    Kanawha Kanawha      1826 

Blackford,  Wm.  M Norborne Berkeley    1827 

Bonham,  Robt.  C St.   Matthew's    ..Wheeling   1852 

Brady,    S St.   Matthew's    . .  Wheeling   1876 

Brown,    James    St.   Andrew's    . . .  Jefferson   1832 

Brown,   Hiram  D St.  Matthew's    . .  Wheeling   185S 

Brown,    R.    T Zion    Charles  Town   . .   1874 

Bryan,  Dr.  C.  P Madison    Pocahontas    1874 

Bnrwell,   Dr.   Philip    Ravenswood   . . .     Jackson    1874 

Butler,  Chas.  T Trinity    :Shepherdstown. .    1850 

Chapline,    Isaac    Trinity    Shepherdstown..   1832 

Colston,   Edward    Norborne    Berkeley    1822 

Conrad,  D.  H Trinity    Martinsburg 1853 

Cordelle,   L.   C Zion    Charles  Town  . . .  1866 

Colton,  Dr.   Jno.   T St.    John's     Kanawha    1876 

Craighill,  Nathaniel   St.    Andrew's     ..Jefferson    1819 

Curtis.   Geo.  D Trinity    Marshall    i«70 

Dangerfleld.  Jno.  E Wiekliffe    Clark  &  Jeff.   . . .   1842 

Eoff.   Beverly  M St.   John's    Wheeling    1870 

Fitzhugh.  Burdett  Ravenswood    . .      Jackson    1853 

Fryatt.  Tillotson   Norborne Berkeley    1820 

Grantham,    J.    J Norborne Berkeley    ...    1870 

Griggs.  Thomas    St.   Andrew's    . . .  Jefferson    1830 

Hall,  Gen.  W Trinity Shepherdstown. .    1867 

Hammett.  Samuel    St.   John's    Pleasants 1853 

Howlev.  James  O St.  Paul's    Weston    1852 

Helm.  Strother  M Norborne Berkeley    1819 

Henderson.    David    E Zion    Charles  Town    ..    1872 

Hildreth.  S.  V iSt.  Matthew's    . .  .Wheelmsf   1875 


in  West  Virginia.  29 

Laymen.  Parish.  County  or    Town.      Date. 

Hoge,   Isaac    Trinity Marshall   Is52 

Hogeman,  Wm.  II St.  .John's Charleston 1S69 

Howard,   II.   R Pt.   Pleasant Mason   1870 

Hunter,  Edward  P Norborne Berkeley    1847 

Jackson,  Genl.  J.  J Trinity Parkersburg 1867 

Jacobs,  W.  F St.   John's Harper's  Ferry. .  .1851 

Jones,  Strother Kana  wha Kanawha    1824 

Kirk,   Thomas    Christ    Ch Brooke    1853 

Kreglow,  Geo.  T Mt.   Zion   Ch.    . . .  Hedgesville    1877 

Laidley,  Maj.  A.  T St.   John's    Charleston 1869 

Lee.   Edmund    T Trinity    Shepherdstown. .    1870 

Lee.  Charles  H Xorborne   Berkeley    1841 

Lee,  Richard  Henry   Trinity    Shepherdstown. .   1847 

Lockridge,  James  T Madison    Pocahontas   1877 

Lynn.  Geo.,  Jr Hampshire   Hampshire 1833 

Magill,  Archibald Xorborne   Berkeley    1831 

MeCandlish,  P.  J St.  Paul's    Weston   1853 

MeCluney.    Col.   James    St.  Matthew's  ..."Wheeling   1870 

MeXeer,  James   All  Saints'  Union    1875 

Moncure.  Br.  Jas.  D Trinity     Huntington 1872 

Morgan,  Wm.  A Trinity    Shepherdstown . .   1858 

Morgan,  Morgan    Xorborne Berkeley    1785 

Morgan,  Jacob    Trinity Shepherdstown..    1845 

Morgan,  Daniel Trinity    Shepherdstown..    1S36 

Myers,  Cromwell   Mt.   Zion  Ch.    . . .  Hedgesville   1872 

Nash,   Sylvester    Christ  Ch Berkeley    1819 

Nash,  Norman Hampshire    1819 

Xelson,   Francis    Hampshire Hampshire    1825 

Xelson,  Thomas   Noi-borne Martinsburg   ....    1S2S 

Xelson,  Mann  P Xorborne Berkeley    1833 

Norwood,  Wm.  Jr \11  Saints' Monroe    1874 

Oley,  Gen.  Jno.  H Trinity Huntington 1877 

Page.  John  W Hampshire Hampshire    1831 

Page,  William    Xorborne Berkeley    1816 

Patrick,  Dr.  Spicer   St.  John's    Charleston    1856 

Pendleton,  Wm.  H Xorborne Berkeley    1840 

Pendleton,  Wm Norborne Berkeley    1S53 

Fendleton,  William  Norborne Berkeley    1S15 

Pinkney,   Chas.  C Wickliffe    1834 

Reynolds,  John  H Hampshire    Hampshire    1799 

Robinson,   R.  K Trinity    Martinsburg 1873 

Rose,  Robert   Kanawha     Kanawha   1834 

Russell,  Joseph  A St.   John's Harper's  Ferry..    1850 

Sharpe,  George  Hampshire    ..    ..Hampshire    is:.'i 

Shepherd.  Abram St.  Andrew's refferson    1817 

Silver,  Francis   Xorborne Berkeley    1830 

Smith,  Aug.  J Trinity   Shepherdstown..   1865 


30  The  Episcopal  Church 

Laymen.  Parish.  County  or  Town.      Date. 

Smith,  Cruger  W..  Jr Christ  Ch Clarksburg   1870 

Staples,   E.   W Emmanuel    ..    ..Wood 1873 

Steele,  Thos.  G Christ  Ch Marion    1870 

Suydam,  Abraham Trinity Cabell    1870 

Tallant,  Henry   St.  John's    Wheeling   1853 

Thomas,  Jno.  L Christ  Ch Berkeley    1829 

Thompson,  Judge  Geo.  W...St.  Matthew's    ..Wheeling   1872 

Thompson,  Philip  E St.  Mark's   Kanawha   1836 

Thompson,  Francis St.  Mark's Kanawha   1853 

Triplett,  F.  M St.  John's    Pleasants  1870 

Veasv,  Geo.  W St.  John's    Brooke 1853 

Walker,  James   Norborne Berkeley    1818 

Ward,  Joel    Norborne    Berkeley    1818 

Washington,  Bushrod  C.    . . .  St.  Andrew's Jefferson   1823 

Watson,   W.  E Christ  Ch Fairmont   1877 

White,    S.    T Grace   Ch Middleway    1876 

White,  Nathan  S Zion Charles  Town   . .   1858 

Wilson,  John   Christ  Ch Berkeley    1832 

Woods,   Andrew  P St.    Matthew's    .Wheeling   1848 

Young,  J.  Thornton  Trinity Martinsburg 1876 


CHAPTER   IV. 


List  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates  to  the  Annual  Councils  of  the 
Diocese  of  West  Virginia— 1877-190  I. 


List  of  Clergy  in  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  1877-1901. 
The  date  gives  the  year  when  first  reported  at  the  Council. 

Clergyman.  County  or  Town.  Date. 

Ambler,   John    Fairmont   1S87 

Ambler.    John    C Grafton    1898 

Armstrong.    J.    G St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling 1877 

Birckhead,  Chas.  M St.  Albans   1886 

Blake,  Jas.  H.  W Middleway 1879 

Brittingham,  Jacob Parkersburg 1881 

Brooking,   Robt.   U Point  Pleasant   1892 

Buchanan,  Anselm WTellsburg   1879 


in  West  Virginia.  31 

Clergyman.  County  or  Town.  Date. 

Burkhart,  W.  Ilullihen  Bluefield 1890 

Burwell.    Walter    L Charles  Town   1887 

Campbell,  Chas.  M St.  Albans   1886 

Canlield,  Isaac  A Powellton 1895 

Card,   Gerald    Charleston 1897 

Caswell,  Bobt.  C.   (Tenn.)    Buckhannon    1900 

Chrisman,  Wilson  Page    Charles   Town    1894 

Chrisman,   Clayton   Alex    Wellsburg   Iyj5 

Cobbs,  B.  Addison  Charleston    1877 

Crook,  Guy  H Bonceverte    1901 

Cooke,  Thos.  W Clarksburg   1898 

Coombs,  L.  B.    (S.  Va.)    Lewisburg  1894 

Coupland,  Bobt.  S .Charles  Town 1900 

Cowpland,  Joshua  Pt.  Pleasant   1881 

Curran,  T.   J.   Oliver    Wheeling  (St.  Andrew's)    1900 

Davis,  Wm.  Lawrence   Parkersburg    ; 1895 

Deaver,  J  as.  N C  liarles  Town 1897 

Doggett,    Luther    W Fairmont    1895 

Douglas,   John   S Martinsburg 1899 

Dame,  Geo.  W Clarksburg    1880 

Easter,  Geo.  W Union   1S92 

England,   Howard   G.    (Va.) Bipon    1898 

Everett,   W.   B.    (Va.)    Harper's  Ferry  1889 

Fenton,  Arthur  K Powellton   1893 

Ferguson,    J.    Dudley    Moorefield  1878 

Fiek,   H.   L.   A St.  Mat  thew's,  Wheeling   1899 

F.ish.    Jas.    L W.  Grafton 1900 

Fitzpatrick,   J.  B St.  Albans  1885 

Fletcher,  Bobt.  (Center.  N.  Y.) . . .   (  liarles  Town 1898 

Forrest,  Douglas  F.,  D.  D Clarksburg   1892 

Foster,  John  T G  rat  ton    .  .' 1890 

Gantt,  J.  Gibson St.  Juke's,  Wheeling 1885 

Gibbons,   Geo.  A Fairmont    1877 

Gibbons,  J.  Howard    Point    Pleasanl    1901 

Gibson,    Bobt.    A Parkersburg    1878 

Gibson,  John  S Middleway 1852 

Grammer,  Jas Middleway    1877 

Gravatt,  Wm.  L Charles  Town 1S93 

Gray,    Arthur    P Lewisburg  18S8 

Griffith,    Saml.   H Moorefield   1884 

Grinnan,   Andrew  G PI.   Pleasant    1895 

Grnbb,    Curtis    Lewisburg 1886 

Hall,  Emile  J Lewisburg 1 R77 

Hammond.   Kensey  J Parkersburg- 1883 

Hannah,  C.  Gilbert   Morgantown    1899 

Hiatt,  Jacob  A Parkersburg 1900 

Howard,  David  W St.  Matthew's.  Wheeling 1900 


32  The  Episcopal  Church 

Clergyman.  Comity  or  Town  Date. 

Hubbard,  John  P Shepherdstown   1877 

Hyland,   Win.  L Parkers  burg 1877 

J  oyner,  J  olm  It St.  Albans,   1894 

Keeble,   J.   \Y Weston,    1882 

Laey,   T.   11 Point    Pleasant    1877 

Lea,  John  Willis   Martinsburg 1877 

Leavell,  Wm.  Thos Hedgesville  1877 

Lee,  Francis   D Lewisburg    1880 

Lewis,  Arthur  M Powellton   1900 

Lee,  E.  J Shepherdstown 1900 

Levering,   Lewis   R Grafton    1901 

Lightbourn,  John  S Huntington    1893 

Loltus,  J.  Totenham   Moorefield    1881 

Marley,  John  Tilton   rowellton,  1896 

Marshall,  W.  K Parkersburg 1S96 

Mason,    L.    K Shepherdstown   1882 

Mason,  Richard  H Union    1877 

Marshall,   Norman  E Huntington 1887 

Meade,  E.  A Hinton    1883 

Meade,    Wm.   H Charles  Town   1S77 

Moncure,  John   Union    1891 

Morgan,  ilobt.  J.   (Del.)    Charleston    1897 

Moore,  S.  Scollay,  D.  D Parkersburg 188S 

McGill,   John    (Va.)    Ripon    1878 

MacQueary,   T.   Howard Fairmont    1885 

Neilson,  W.  H.«  D.  D Shepherdstown    1891 

Poland,   R.   Grattan    Wellsburg 1884 

Pearson,   C.   C St.  Lidve's,  Wheeling 1882 

Penick,  lit.  Rev.  C.  C,  D.  D Fairmont  1S99 

Powers,  W.  H.  H Weston  1879 

Price,  Arthur  R .' Powellton    1900 

Roderick,   R.    Austin    Grafton    1889 

Roller,  Robt.  Douglas,  D.  D Martinsburg,    1879 

Shaw.    Chas.    E Harper's  Ferry  1899 

Shee.rin,    James    Morgantown 1S95 

Sommerville,  Grant  Paul •  Lewisburg  1890 

Spalding,    C.   N St.  Luke's,  Wheeling   1881 

Spurr,  B.   M Moundsville    1894 

Swan,  Thos.  E Buchannon   1897 

Swope,  Rodney  Rush.  D.  D St.   Matthew's,  Wheeling    1878 

Taylor,  Jefferson  R Montgomery    1888 

Thomas,  Nathaniel  Seymour St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling 1897 

Thomas,   Henry    Martinsburg    1888 

Thomas,  Harris  P> Lewisburg 1899 

Thompson,  P.  D.  (Va.)    Ripon    1892 

Tompkins,  Saml.  D Volcano    1877 

Tucker,  Dallas    "harles  Town    1883 


in  West  Virginia.  33 

Clergyman.  County  or  Town.  Date. 

Turner,  M.  Thurston  (Md.) Lewisburg    1897 

Tyler,  B.  B Charles  Town  1890 

Wager,  Peter    St.  Albans    1891 

Ware,   J.   W Clarksburg    1882 

Willis,   Andrew   J Middleway   1890 

WineeofF,    Thos.   E Morgantown   1898 

Wirgman,  Henry  T Parkersburg 1885 

Woods,  John  F Clarksburg,    1877 

Young,   Lee   H St.  Andrew's,  Wheeling 1896 

List  of  Lay  Delegates,  1877-1901. 

Names.  Residence.  Date. 

Adams,   D.   J Clarksburg 1878 

Aglionby,  John.  0 Shepherdstown    1891 

Alexander,  Herbert  L Martinsburg    1897 

Alexander,  J.  B Moundsville   1891 

Ambler,    B.    M Parkersburg   1SS0 

Angle,   Stephen  L Sistersville,    1899 

Aschman,  Dr.  G.  A .St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling 1894 

Baird,  Wm.  N Romney    1S94 

Bailey,   D.  M Weston, 1879 

Baker,  J.  L.  W Martinsburg   1877 

Baldwin,  D.  B Bluefield    1892 

Ball,    W.    J Wellsburg 1891 

Barbor,  H.  B Princeton   1891 

Bartlett,  C.  W Parkersburg   1892 

Barton,  D.   J Morgantown    1899 

Baxter,  Hon.  Felix  J Sutton 1894 

Baxter,  Geo.  A Wellsburg 1883 

Beckwith,  Hon.  Frank   Charles  Town   1893 

Berkeley,  Prof.  R.  C Morgantown   1878 

Bland,  E.  S Sutton   1897 

Blanchard,  H.   M Bluefield    1900 

Bloomer,    Geo.    C Lewisburg    1885 

Bowie,  E.  B St.  Luke's  Wheeling   1S94 

Boyd,  John  E.,  Jr Martinsburg    18S7 

Brady,  Hon.  S St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling 1880 

Brown,    Dr.    H.    M Union    1888 

Browne,    Robt.   W St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling 1S87 

Broun,   Maj.   Thos.   L Charleston   1878 

Bryan,  Dr.  C.  P Pocahontas  Co 1877 

Burns,    David    Clarksburg    1887 

Camden,  Dr.  T.  B Weston 1S78 

Carroll,  W.  C Charles  Town    1S91 

Chandler,   Ed.  W St.  Alban's  1883 

Chew.    Robt Charles  Town    1891 

Coe.  Chas.  Cleveland Kenova  1897 


34  The  Episcopal  Church 

Names.  Residence.  Date. 

Colston,   Capt.   W.   B Martinsburg    1892 

Cox.  Friend   Moundsville   1894 

Cotton,  Dr.  J ohn  T Charleston   1877 

Craighill,   Gen.   W.   P Charles  Town   1897 

Crawford,    Wyatt    C Huntington   1S95 

Creel,    Geo.   A Moundsville   18S0 

Crow,    G.    B Ripley    1898 

Cunningham,   Col.   J.   C St.   Albans    1877 

Curtis,  Robt Moundsville   18S3 

Dandridge,   Hon.   A.   S Shepherdstown    1889 

Davison,  Thos St.  Andrew's,  Wheeling 1896 

Davisson,   E.   G Weston  1899 

Derbyshire,  H.  J Huntington   1888 

Despard,  B .Clarksburg  1S93 

Devine,    John    C St.  Andrews,  Wheeling 1899 

Dimmiek,  M.   C Huntington    1894 

Du  Bois,  Jos.  D St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling 1894 

Dunlap,  Dr.  John  L Union 1879 

Eastham,  Hon.  P.  C Point  Pleasant   1890 

Emmons,    C.   D Huntington 1S97 

Ensign,  Ely    Huntington    1898 

Fowler,   Fred    Clarksburg    1899 

Frazier,    Wm.    C Summit   Point 1890 

Gallaher,    John    T Moundsville    1S96 

Gamble,   Dr.   H.  McG Moorefield    1S78 

Gamble,    Wm Moundsville   1883 

Gassman,   J Martinsburg   1893 

Gilbert,   W.   H Middleway   1899 

Gordon,   C.   W Parkersburg   1892 

Grantham,  James   Middleway 1887 

Green,   F.   H Ravenswood    1897 

Greer,    Jacob   R St,  Matthew's,  Wheeling 1886 

Greer,  W.  Homer Ripley    1894 

Haile,   Robt.   G Hinton    1899 

Hall,  F.  L Wellsburg , 1899 

Hall,  S.  Bruce New   Martinsville 1896 

Hall,  A.   C Wellsburg    1879 

Hall,   Geo.  W Shepherdstown 1878 

Hanson,  J.  W Harper's   Ferry 1895 

Hartley,   John    Leroy   1894 

Hartman,  Wm.  T Fairmont    1899 

Harrison,   W.    G Weston    1888 

Haymond,   A Morgantown   1880 

Henderson,   Richard    Charles    Town 1S98 

Henderson,  H.   C Williamstown   1895 

Henshaw,  Wm.  S Martinsburg    1878 

HigS'inbotham,   C.   C Buckhannon    1899 

Hildreth,    S.   P St.  Lukes  Wheeling 1883 


i\  West  Virginia.  35 

Names.  Residence.  Date. 

Hodgman,  13.  F Moundsville     1896 

Hogeman,    W.    H Charleston    1881 

Howell,   David    Charles  Town 1890 

Hubbard.  W.  G Charleston   1899 

Hunter,  Dr.  J.  H Martinsburg    1883 

Hunter,  C.  W Davis    1900 

Jackson,  C.  Edwin St.  Andrew's,  Wheeling I,vi; 

Johns.   Thus St.  Luke's.  Wheeling 1898 

Johnston,  A.   S Union    1885 

Jones,    Chas.   C Leetown    1900 

Keller,  B.  F Bramwell    1898 

Kennedy,  W.   S Charles    Town 1893 

Kilmer,   II.   B Hedgesville    1897 

Kilmer,  Win.  H Hedgesville    1884 

Klase,  Dr.  W.  N Montgomery    1897 

Knightstep.  W.  C Ripley 1  882 

Kreglow,  Geo.  T Hedgesville    1877 

Laidley,  Maj.   A.   T Charleston   1883 

Laidley,   W.   S Charleston   1889 

La  Rue,   Corbin Ripon   1900 

La   Rue,  F.  C Ripon L895 

Lee,   E.   I Shepherdstown    L877 

Lewis,    Mord Clarksburg  1893 

Lewis,  Comyn   St.  Matthew's,  Charleston 1S98 

Ligon,   Dr.   John Pocahontas  Co 1878 

Lingamfelter.  Lee   Hedgesville    1883 

Linthicum,   Jas.   M Moorefield    1880 

Lippitt,    Dr.    W.    F Charles  Town 1889 

Lobb,   C.   .las Moorefield    1899 

Logic,    Dr.  J Lee    Town 1877 

Logan,   Jos.   D Union    L887 

Londin,  William   Lorentz     1899 

Lucas.   Chas.   C Lee    Town 1900 

Lucadoe,  J.   D St.    Luke's,    Charleston L892 

Lyeth,  B.  F Martinsburg    1 886 

Martin.   Saml.  R New  Martinsville 1S98 

Martin.   Philip Moundsville    1897 

Martin,    C.    C Parkersburg L899 

Matthews,   S.   W .Moundsville    l^'.i". 

Mayo,  Dr.  M.  L Huntington    1S85 

Miller.   '.'.   A Martinsburg    1890 

Miller,   Jacob    Hedgesville 1895 

Mitchell.   J.   S Weston    1889 

Moler,    Lee     Shepherdstown 1  88  1 

Morgan,  R.  S Ravenswood   i^'» 

Morgan.  Morgan    Bunker   Hill    L881 

Moss.  II.  TL.  Jr Parkersburg    L899 

Moss.    H.    H Parkersbursr 1894 


36  The  Episcopal  Church 

Names.  Residence.  Date. 

Muzzey,  Frank  W Shepherdstown   1899 

Myers,    A.    H Hedgesville 1895 

MacLeod,  A.   E White  Sulphur 1900 

MeCandlish,  R.  J Parkersburg    1877 

McClure,  John    St.   i.uke's.  Wheeling 1SS4 

McConihay,  John  H St.   Albans    1S82 

McGill,  E.  W Okonoko   1895 

MeNeer,  Jas Union    1877 

McPherson,  Irwin  Leroy   1893 

Nelson,  Dr.  Mann  Page Middleway    1SS6 

Noble,    N.    A St.  Matthew's.   Wheeling 1S93 

Norris,   John   W Willow  Island 1S83 

Northcott,  G.  A Huntington    1890 

Norton,   Percy    Elm    Grove 1S94 

Nye,  Dr.  John  L St.   Albans 1880 

Oley,  Gen.  John  H Huntington    1877 

Orndoff,  Alex    Moorefiekl    1S99 

Park.    J.    A Ravenswood    1SS0 

Parks,  Alex Martinsburg    1894 

Parsons,    G.   W Romney  1S99 

Peck,   L.  Tenny Kenova    1899 

Peterkin,    W.    G Parkersburg    1S98 

Peterson,  B.  W. St.   Matthew's.   Wheeling 1895 

Peyton,    John   Howe Charleston    1895 

Poindexter,    Wm.    R Huntington    1SS3 

Potts,  H.  W Shepherdstown    1899 

Powell,   Simms    Parkersburg    1888 

Progler,  H.  S Kipley    1896 

Queale,   Wm Grafton   1S93 

Ealston,   Er    Weston    1SS7 

Rankin,    R.   ,1 Martinsburg    1878 

Peed,  Lloyd    Clarksburg   1S95 

Kit-hardson.  J.  Lynn Charleston    1899 

Richardson.   J.    J Fairmont   1899 

Ridgeley,  W.   C Wellsburg 1S86 

Robinson,    John    S Mannington    1893 

Rogers,  Thos Morgantown    1879 

Rogers,   Judge   J.   P St.  Luke's,  Wheeling 18S2 

Rogers,     Geo.    J St.  Luke's,  Wheeling 1S9S 

Russell,  Henry  McG Okonoko    1896 

Sands,   Jos.   E Fairmont    1898 

Sands,    Lawrence    E <St.  Luke's,  Wheeling 1889 

Sands,  O.  S Clarksburg    1S93 

Sehon,   Hon.   Edmund Pt.    Pleasant 1877 

Shaffer,  Philip  A Moundsville   1897 

Sharp,  Dr.  W.  H Volcano    1880 

Shirley,  Geo.  P Middleway    1S96 

Shirey,  C  A Bluefiehl    1900 


in  West  Virginia.  37 

Names.  Residence.  Date. 

Shrewsbury,  C.   M Parkersburg    1880 

Slaughter,  Ed.  L Charleston    1897 

Smith,   Judge   Jos Ravenswood    1877 

Smith,  Cruger  W Clarksburg   1879 

Smith,   Dr.  J.   E St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling   1884 

Snape,  Albert    Moundsville    1895 

Spillman,  H.  E Point  Pleasant 1899 

Spillman,  Gen.  B.  D Parkersburg    1890 

Springer,  Murray  L St.  Luke's,  Wheeling   1897 

Stalnaker,  Randolph    St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling 1895 

Staples,  E.  W Volcano    1878 

Stribling,  G.  W Pt.  Pleasant, 1887 

Stribling,  T Pt.   Pleasant    1880 

Strider,    Isaac     Leetown    1883 

Stuckey,  Chas Bunker  Hill 1878 

Swimley,    Wm Bunker  Hill,    1878 

Tatum,   Peebles    St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling 1891 

Tarr,   Clarence    Wellsburg   1883 

Taylor,  Archibald   St.  Luke's,  Wheeling 1S94 

Thayer,  Dr.  A.  H Grafton    1899 

Thomas,  Harris  B Grafton    1891 

Thompson.  Capt.  C.  L Huntington 1897 

Thompson,   Maj.   B.    S Hinton,    1897 

Thompson,  Judge  G.  W St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling 1877 

Tippett,  Geo.  W Pt.  Pleasant 1899 

Trapnell,    Joseph    Charles  Town 1896 

Triplett.    J.    M Willow  Island   1891 

Tyler,   W.  D Bramwell    1896 

Van  Antwerp,  F.  R Hinton    1895 

Vance,   J.   Carl    Clarksburg   1896 

Vandervort,   E.   M Weston  , 1894 

Warren,   A.   A Weston    1887 

Washington,   B.   C Charles    Town    1881 

Watsori,  W.  E Fairmont  1877 

Waters,  J.  T Charleston    1899 

Wet/ell,    D.    S Lewisburg  1885 

White,  N.  S Charles  Town 1877 

Williams,  J.  E Weston    1882 

Wilson,  W.  A St.  Luke's.  Wheeling   1899 

Wirgman,  E.   O Romney    1893 

Wolff,   M.   K" St.  Luke's,  Wheeling   1899 

Wood,  James  Ward    Moorefield   1879 

Woods,  C.  C Elm  Grove  1895 

Wynkoff .  Garrett  Hedgesville 1881 

Young.    J.    T Martinsburg    1884 


38  The  Episcopal  Church 


CHAPTER   V. 

Digest  of  Annual  Councils  of  Diocese  of  Virginia  1785-1877,  with 
Parochial  Reports  from  Churches,  in  what  is  now  known  as  the 
Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  and  full  statements  from  addresses  of 
the  Bishops,  having  reference  to  their  visitations  in  that  territory. 

There  is  not  in  our  land  a  Diocese  more  truly  historic  than 
Virginia.  It  was  within  her  borders  that  the  first  services  of 
the  mother  Church  were  enjoyed  in  the  United  States.  It 
was  upon  her  shores  that  there  were  made  the  first  efforts 
to  introduce  into  our  country  the  light  of  the  Gospel  as  it  is 
reflected  from  our  liturgy  and  other  standards.  Within  her 
bounds  there  are  still  extant  the  remains  of  the  first  sanctu- 
ary, built  within  the  limits  of  the  Union.  The  first  religious 
service  in  Virginia  was  held  at  Jamestown  on  the  14th  of 
May,  1607,  the  Rev.  Robert  Hunt,  a  clergyman  of  the  Church 
of  England,  officiated,  as  he  did  also  at  the  first  marriage 
service  ever  performed  in  Virginia  (1608).  He  was  instru- 
mental also  in  the  speedy  erection  of  a  church,  and  when  this 
was  destroyed  by  fire  in  a  few  months  a  new  and  substan- 
tial building  was  erected  (1608).  The  ruins  of  the  brick  tower 
of  this  church  may  still  be  seen  on  Jamestown  Island.  By 
the  year  1616  there  wTere  three  parishes  founded  and  settled, 
viz:  Henrico  and  Bermuda  Hundred,  (Rev.  Mr.  Whittaker. 
He  it  was  who  baptized  Pocahontas,  and  afterwards  married 
her  to  Mr.  Rolfe,)  and  Jamestown,  Mr.  Bucke.  Up  to  1610 
the  whole  number  of  clergy  who  had  come  over  to  the  col- 
ony was  seven,  viz.  Messrs.  Hunt,  Bucke,  Glover,  Whittaker, 
Keith,  Mease  and  Bargrave.  In  1619,  Messrs.  Hunt,  Glover, 
and  Whittaker  were  dead,  and  the  clergy  in  Virginia  were: 
Rev.  James  Bucke,  Jamestown  Church;  Rev.  George  Keith, 
Elizabeth  City  Parish;  Rev.  Thomas  Bargrave,  Henrico,  and 
Bermuda   Hundred,   Rev.  William  Mease. 


in  West  Virginia.   ,  39 

In  1621,  in  obedience  to  ;i  call  from  the  Governor.  Sir 
George  Yeardley,  the  assembly  of  Virginia  convened  in  its 
first  meeting,  in  the  Church  at  Jamestown.  The  session  was 
opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bucke,  and  the  enact- 
ments of  the  Legislature  formally  established  the  Church 
of  England  in  Virginia. 

Before  giving  a  list  of  the  Clergy  who  in  early  days  min- 
istered in  the  territory  now  known  as  West  Virginia,  it  may 
be  well  to  mention  a  few  well  known  facts  as  to  the  formation 
of  the  comities  in  that  section,  to  remind  us  that  the  familiar 
Virginia  names  covered  then,  what  is  now  West  Virginia  ter- 
ritory. 

Augusta  county  was  formed  in  1738,  and  included  all  of  the 
"utmost  parts  of  Virginia,"  and  extended  from  the  Blue 
Ridge  on  the  Easl  to  the  Mississippi  on  the  West. 

All  that  part  of  this  great  territory  which  stretches  from 
the  borders  of  the  present  Pocahontas  County,  on  the  Alle- 
gheny mountains,  northwest  to  the  Ohio  river,  was  for  some- 
time known  as  the  District  of  ^Yesl  Augusta,  and  from  this 
District  the  first  assembly  of  the  newly  declared  common- 
wealth of  Virginia  meeting  in  the  old  State  House  at  Wil- 
liamsburg, did  in  October,  1T7G,  form  three  distinct  counties, 
Monongalia,  Ohio  and  Youghiogheny.  It  will  further  be  ob- 
served that  up  to  1772,  the  county  of  Frederick  covered  all 
i  lie  territory  now  embraced  in  Berkeley  and  Jefferson. 

It  is  impossible  to  say  in  what  pari  of  these  extensive  dis- 
tricts  the  men  whose  names  are  mentioned  labored.  The  rec- 
ords are  not  very  full,  and  we  have  to  be  content  with  the 
general  statement. 

It  is  further  to  be  noted  here,  that  in  17.").")  all  that  part  of 
Frederick  west  of  North  Mountain  was  formed  into  Hamp- 
shire county. 

List  of  the  Clergy  from  1700  to  L785  who  labored  in  what 
is  now  West  Virginia. 

Names.  County.  Year. 

Cordon.  .John Frederick    17.14 

Henderson.  John \ugusta    1717 


40  The  Episcopal  Chfrch 

Names.  County.  Year. 

Hurt,  John Jefferson   1775 

Jones,  John Augusta 1752 

Manning,  William Berkeley  1772 

Meldrum Frederick 1705 

Muhlenburg,  Peter Berkeley 17<>8 

Ogilvie,  James Berkeley 1771 

Sturges.  Daniel Berkeley 1771 

In  his  Digest  of  the  Councils  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia, 
the  Kev.  Dr.  Dashiell  says,  in  speaking  of  the  Church  after 
the  Revolution:  While  we  look  at  the  published  records  for 
the  purpose  of  learning  what  was  the  mind  of  our  fathers  in 
the  Church,  yet  the  heart  of  those  ancestors  cannot  be  so 
easily  discerned.  No  report  of  resolutions  or  canons  passed, 
can  make  known  to  us  what  was  the  measure  of  religious 
feeling  that  prevailed.  Traditions  we  have  in  abundance  to 
tell  us,  that  like  unto  the  assembling  of  the  tribes  of  God's 
people  under  the  old  dispensation,  were  the  gatherings  to- 
gether of  Virginia  families  when  the  conventions  would  meet 
in  the  days  of  Bishop  Moore  and  Bishop  Meade.  They  were 
glad,  blessed  assemblings.  The  spirit  of  fraternal  affection 
was  ardent,  and  every  such  meeting  was  in  the  truest,  sweet- 
est sense,  a  family  reunion.  A  result  of  every  such  Conven- 
tion was  the  increase  of  the  spirit  of  religion  in  the  commu- 
nity where  it  met. 

For  a  number  of  years  before  and  after  the  Revolution  the 
Church  in  Virginia  was  in  an  exceedingly  depressed  condi- 
tion. She  went  through  and  came  out  of  the  war  suffering 
from  all  its  demoralizing  and  depressing  influences.  Poverty, 
dispersion  and  wickedness,  left  their  effects  upon  all  the  com- 
monwealth and  the  Church  had  her  full  share  in  these  mis- 
fortunes. She  suffered  much  in  the  loss  of  character  upon  the 
part  of  ministers  and  people,  and  also  in  the  loss  of  property 
of  which  she  was  plundered  by  iniquitous  legislation.  Not 
only  were  the  glebes  taken  away  from  the  Churches,  but 
in  seme  cases,  the  Communion  Plate  was  seized  and  sold  for 
public  purposes. 


in  West  Virginia.  41 

Convention  of  1785.     Richmond,  Va. 

There  were  present  •"><;  clergymen  and  71  laymen.  Among 
the  laymen  we  note  the  name  of  Morgan  Morgan,  Jsorborne 
Parish,  Berkeley  ( '<». 

Rev.  James  Madison,  1>.  I).,  was  President  of  the  Conven- 
t  ion. 

An  address  was  prepared  to  the  members  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  from  which  is  taken  the  fol- 
lowing: "For  more  than  eight  years  our  Church  hath  lan- 
guished under  neglect.  We  will  not,  however,  believe  That 
our  friends  have  revolted,  and  therefore  trust  that  a  knowl- 
edge of  her  present  condition  will  rekindle  their  former  af- 

feet  ion®. 

Of  what  is  the  Church  now  possessed?  Nothing  but  the 
glebes  and  your  affections.  Since  the  year  177<>  she  hath 
been  even  without  regular  government,  and  her  ministers 
have  received  but  little  compensation  for  their  services. 
Their  numbers  are  diminished  by  death  and  other  causes,  and 
we  have  as  yet  no  resource  within  ourselves  for  a  succession 
of  ministers.  Churches  stand  in  need  of  repair,  and  there 
is  no  fund  equal  to  the  smallest  want. 

By  the  favour  of  Providence,  indeed,  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  is  incorporated  by  law,  and  under  this  sanction 
are  we  now  assembled.  We  have  accepted  the  imitation  of 
a  Convention  lately  holden  in  New  York,  to  send  deputies  to 
another  to  be  holden  in  Philadelphia  in  the  fall." 

Convention  of  1786.     Richmond,  Va. 

There  were  present  L6  clergymen  and  47  laymen.  Rev. 
James  Madison  was' elected  President. 

The  State  was  divided  into  24  districts  for  assembling  the 
ministers  annually  in  Presbytery  for  conference  and  visita- 
tion. 

District  No.  12  contained  the  Counties  of  Frederick,  Berke- 
ley, Hampshire  and  Hardy. 

District  No.  14  contained  what  now  comprise  the  counties 
of  Botetourt,  Washington,  Montgomerv,  Jefferson,  Fayette, 


42  The  Episcopal  Church 

Lincoln,  Nelson,  Greenbrier  and  such  others  as  were  made 
during  the  last  session  of  the  Assembly. 

District  No.  18  contained  the  counties  of  Ohio,  Monongalia 
and  Harrison. 

The  Rev.  David  Griffith  was  elected  Bishop  by  a  vote  of 
32  out  of  49. 

Convention  of  1787.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  15  clergy  and  30  laymen. 

Rev.  David  Griffith,  President. 

The  convention  urged  the  churches  to  attend  to  the  duty 
of  supporting  their  pastors  with  a  moderate  but  adequate 
provision,  also  to  raise  the  funds  needed  to  pay  the  expenses 
incident  to  the  consecration  of  a  Bishop,  and  instructed  the 
standing  committee  to  apply  without  delay,  to  Bishops  White 
and  Provost,  or  to  either  of  them,  to  admit  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Griffith  to  consecration. 

Convention  of  1788.     No  Journal. 

Convention  of  1789.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  10  clergymen  and  23  laymen. 
Rev.  John  Bracken,  President. 

Rev.  David  Griffith  relinquished  the  appointment  of  Bishop 
to  which  he-had  been  elected  in  May,  17S7. 

Convention  of  1790.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  27  clergymen  and  29  laymen. 

Kev.  James  Madison,  D.  D.,  President. 

The  Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  Frederick  Parish,  Frederick 
Co.,  was  appointed  Visitor  for  District  No.  12  including  the 
counties  of  Frederick,  Berkeley,  Hampshire  and  Hardy. 

This  was  done  under  Canon  S,  which  is  here  given  as  of  un- 
usual interest,  showing  how  in  early  days  the  Church  at- 
tempted to  meet  the  lack  of*  Episcopal  supervision. 

('anon  8.  The  clergy  of  several  neighboring  parishes,  not 
less  than  three  nor  more  than  ten,  shall  assemble  in  pres- 
bytery annually,  on  the  second  Wednesday  in  April,  at  some 
convenient  place  in  the  district,  to  be  appointed  by  a  majority 


in  West  Virginia.  4*i 

of  the  ministers  in  rhe  same  district;  one  in  eacb  district 
shall  be  appointed  to  preside  at  their  meetings  with  the  title 
.if  Visitor,  who  shall  annual] ly  visit  each  parish  in  his  district, 
shall  attend  to  and  inspect  the  morals  and  conduct  of  the 
clergy,  shall  see  that  the  Canons  and  rules  of  the  Church  are 
observed,  and  1  bat  no  abuses  are  practiced,  shall  admonish 
mid  reprove  privately  those  clergymen  who  are  negligent,  or 
ad  in  an  unbecoming  manner,  and  shall  report  yearly  to  the 
Bishop,  if  there  be  one,  or,  if  there  be  no  Bishop,  to  the  next 
Convention,  the  state  of  each  parish  in  hi>  district,  noting 
down  the  offenders  and  their  offenses. 

The  Rev.  James  Madison.  1  >.  I).,  was  elected  Bishop,  and  a 
sum  not  exceeding  £200  voted  to  defray  the  expenses  of  his 
consecration. 

Convention  of  1791.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  23  clergymen  and  2-t  laymen. 

Bishop  Madison  presided,  he  having-  been  consecrated 
Bishop  at  Lambeth  on  19th  of  September,  1790,  by  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Canterbury  and  the  Bishops  of  London  and  Roches- 
ter. 

The  districts  formed  in  1786  were  rearranged;  only  one  cov- 
ering any  part  of  what  is  now  West  Virginia,  viz:  District  No. 
22.  containing  the  parishes  of  Frederick.  Norborne,  Hamp- 
shire  and  Hardy.     Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  Visitor. 

Resolutions  were  adopted  looking  to  the  better  prepara- 
tion and  training  of  candidates  for  orders  by  the  presby- 
teries; to  the  formation  of  a  society  for  the  relief  of  the 
widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  clergy;  to  set  apari  New 
Year's  dav  for  divine  worship;  ami  also  requiring  the  par- 
ishes to  pay  sixteen  dollars  each  to  enable  the  Bishop  to 
make  his  visitation. 

Convention  of  1792.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  23  clergymen  and  24  laymen. 

Bishop  Madison  presided.  He  reported  having  visited  U 
parishes  and  thai  in  5  of  them  upwards  of  600  persons  were 
confirmed. 


44  Thk  Episcopal  Church 

Convention  of  1793.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present    18  clergymen  and  27  laymen. 

Bishop  Madison  presided.  The  Bishop  was  allowed  £lou 
salary  and  his  traveling  expenses,  he  being  also  Rector  of 
James  <  'iiy  Parish. 

The  deputies  to  the  General  Convention,  were  unanimously 
instructed  to  vote  against  the  proposition  to  give  the  House 
of  Bishops  a  full  negative,  upon  the  proceedings  of  the  other 
House. 
Canonical  provisions  as  adopted  substantially,  in  1785.  "Min- 
isters shall  wear  a.  surplice  during  the  time  of  prayer  at  pub- 
lic worship  in  places  where  they  are  provided;  shall  wear 
gowns  when  they  preach,  where  they  conveniently  can;  and 
shall  at  all  times  wear  apparel  suitable  to  the  gravity  of  their 
profession. 

Bishops  and  Priests  shall  administer  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper,  at  least  four  times  in  the  year,  at  each  Church 
or  place  of  worship  in  their  respective  parishes. 

Convention  of  I  794.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  12  clergymen  and  IS  laymen. 
Bishop  Madison  presided. 

Convention  of  1795.     No  Journal. 
Convention  of  1796.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  20  clergymen  and  34  laymen. 

Bishop  Madison  presided. 

For  the  first  time,  in  the  record  of  these  Conventions,  we 
note  the  presence  of  a  clergyman  from  what  is  now  West  Vir- 
ginia, viz.  Rev.  John  H.  Reynolds,  Hardy  Parish. 

Convention  of    1797.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  21  clergymen  and  40  laymen. 

Bishop  Madison  presided. 

The  ( kmvention  was  especially  occupied  in  considering  the 
questions  arising  from  the  efforts  made  to  deprive  the  Church 
of  its  property,  and  protest  was  made  against  any  interfer- 
ence of  the  Assembly,  as  a  violation  of  the  rights  of  pri- 


in  West  Virginia.  -45 

vale  property,  and  of  one  of  the  fundamental  principles  of 
the  present  government. 

Convention  of  1798.     No  Journal. 
Convention  of  1799.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  1G  clergymen  and  21  laymen. 

Bishop  Madison  presided. 

As  the  sole  representative  from  West  Virginia  we  note  the 
name  of  John  H.  Reynolds,  as  lay  deputy  from  Hampshire 
Parish.  This  seems  inconsistent  with  the  record  of  the  Con- 
vention of  179G. 

Conventions  of   1800,  1801,  1802,  1803  and  1804. 

The  depressed  condition  of  the  Church  led  to  great  irreg- 
ularity in,  if  not  discontinuance,  of  Conventional  meetings 
during  these  years — indeed  from  this  period  up  to  1812.  It  is 
known  however  that  Conventions  were  held  in  1803  and  1805 
and  that  they  were  called  for  1802,  G,  7,  9  and  11,  although 
there  are  no  Journals  for  those  years. 

Convention  of  1805.    Richmond,  Va. 

These  Conventions  seem  to  have  been  held  uniformly  in 
Richmond,  and  to  have  met  in  the  Capitol  building  up  to 
L814;  in  1815  and  181G  in  Monumental  Church.  In  1817  the 
meeting  was  in  Fredericksburg.  After  that  the  course  was 
as  follows:  Winchester,  1818;  Petersburg.  1819;  Alexandria, 
L820;  Norfolk,  1S21;  Charlottesville,  1822;  Leesburg,  1823; 
Staunton,  1824;  Richmond,  1825;  Lynchburg,  1826,  &C,  &C. 

Present  in  1805,  1G  clergymen  and  2.'>>  laymen. 

Bishop  Madison  presided. 

Canons  were  passed  requiring  parochial  reports;  the  reg- 
ular election  of  Vestries;  also  requiring  ministers  to  attend 
Conventions  except  in  case  of  sickness,  or  other  good  reason. 

A  resolution  was  passed  to  elect  an  asisistanl  Bishop  in 
view  of  Bishop  Madison's  declaration  that  he  was  unable  to 
discharge  the  whole  of  the  arduous  duties  of  the  office.  The 
nomination  was  postponed  to  the  Convention  of  1806,  of 
which  we  have  no  Journal. 


46  The  Episcopal  Church 

Convention  of    1812.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  13  clergymen  and  12  laymen. 

Bishop  Madison  having  died,  March  6th,  1812,  the  Rev.  John 
Bracken.  D.  P..  of  Bruton  Parish,  Williamsburg,  was  elected 
President.    He  was  afterwards  elected  Bishop. 

A  resolution  was  adopted  reaffirming  the  canon  passed  in 
1805,  concerning  the  system  of  itineracy  for  the  vacant  par- 
ishes. 

Convention  of  18  13.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  9  clergymen  and  9  laymen. 

Bishop  Meade  says  7  clergymen,  and  it  is  this  Convention 
he  alludes  to,  when  he  says  "Our  deliberations  were  con- 
ducted in  one  of  the  committee  rooms  of  the  Capitol,  sitting 
around  a  table.  There  was  nothing  to  encourage  us  to  meet 
again.  I  well  remember,  that  having  just  read  Scott's  'Lay 
of  the  Last  Minstrel,'  as  I  took  my  solitary  way  homeward 
on  horseback,  I  found  myself  continually  saying  in  relation 
to  the  Church  in  Virginia,  in  the  words  of  the  elfish  page, 
'Lost,  lost,  lost;'  and  never  expected  to  cross  the  mountains 
again  on  such  an  errand." 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Bracken  was  chosen  President.  He  after- 
wards resigned  the  office  of  Bishop  to  which  he  had  been 
elected  by  the  Convention  of  1812. 

Convention  of  18  14.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  7  clergymen  and  17  laymen. 

Rev.  Win.  H.  Wilmer,  President. 

The  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  of  New  York, 
was  elected  Bishop,  after  being  first  elected  Rector  of  the 
Monumental  Church. 

It  being  resolved  that  committees  be  appointed  in  different 
towns,  to  assist  in  raising  funds  to  supply  vacant  parishes, 
for  Martinshurg  there  were  appointed  Mr.  Win.  Pendleton, 
Col.  Elisha  Boyd,  Mr.  Raleigh  Colston. 

Convention  of  1815.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  14  clergymen  and  28  laymen. 
Bishop  Moore  presided. 


in  West  Virginia.  47 

Two  of  the  laymen  were  from  West  Virginia,  viz.  William 
Pendleton,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  county,  and  Benjamin 
Allen,  Jr.,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  county. 

The  Committee  on  parochial  reports  say  that  the  reports 
from  the  Parishes  of  Norborne  and  St.  Andrews,  and  Hardy 
and  Hampshire  are  favorable,  though  no  statistics  arc  given. 

In  the  whole  State  about  GOO  communicants,  200  confirm- 
ations and  200  baptisms  were  reported. 

Convention  of  18  I  6.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present  16  clergymen  and  27  laymen. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia,  Benjamin  Allen,  Jr.,  St.  An- 
drew's Parish,  Jefferson  county,  and  William  Page,  Norborne 
Parish,  Berkeley  county. 

The  treasurer  of  the  Diocese  reported  having  received  $15 
from  Norborne  Parish  and  $15   from   St.   Andrew's. 

From  the  committee  on  parochial  reports: 

St.  Andrew's  and  Norborne — The  reports  from  the  Parishes 
of  St.  Andrew's  and  Norborne  are  highly  favorable.  A  new 
Church  has  been  finished  at  Shepherdstown.  Two  others. 
one  at  Bunker  Hill,  and  one  at  Charles  Town,  will,  il  is  ex- 
pected, be  finished  in  the  course  of  a  few  months.  Another 
at  Hedges  Chapel  is  just  commenced  and  is  expected  to  be 
under  roof  this  fall.  Well  grounded  hopes  are  entertained 
that  another  will  be  shortly  erected  on  Back  Creek  in  the 
Western  part  of  the  Parish  of  Norborne.  The  Rev.  Thomas 
llorrell.  of  Maryland,  has  been  elected  Rector  of  this  Parish. 
The  number  of  catechumens  in  these  parishes  is  about  300; 
baptisms,  85. 

"Bishop  Moore  in  his  report  says  that  in  August,  (1815)  he 
preached  at  Harper's  Ferry.  The  next  object  that  attracted 
my  attention  was  Shepherdstown,  in  which  place  1  found  a 
very  huge  and  respectable  assembly,  to  whom  1  preached 
and  administered  the  rite  of  continuation  to  upwards  of  50. 
From  there  1  proceeded  to  Mr.  Colston's  and  the  next  day 
preached  to  an  interesting  congregation  at  the  edge  of  the 


48  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

North  Mountain.    I  then  proceeded  to  Martinsburg  where  I 
officiated  and  confirmed   upwards  of  50. 

Since  my  residence  in  Virginia  three  Churches  in  Jefferson 
county,  and  three  in  Berkeley  have  been  furnished  with  reg- 
ular and  stated  worship  by  Mr.  Benjamin  Allen.  Martins- 
burg has  called  a  clergyman,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Horrell." 

Convention  of  1817.     Fredericksburg,  Va. 

Present  10  clergymen  and  24  laymen. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

From  West  Virginia,  Revs.  Benjamin  Allen,  St.  Andrew's 
Parish,  Jefferson  county;  Rev.  Thos.  Horrell,  Norborne  Par- 
ish. Berkeley  county;  and  Rev.  J  no.  L.  Bryan,  Christ  Church, 
Bunker  Hill,  and  Mr.  Abram  Shepherd,  St.  Andrew's  Parish. 

The  treasurer  of  the  Diocese  reported  $30  paid  by  St.  An- 
drew's Parish. 

The  committee  on  parochial  reports  say: 

There  are  two  Churches  in  Norborne  Parish,  one  in  Mar- 
tinsburg, and  the  other  in  the  gap  of  the  mountain,  eight 
miles  distant.  The  number  of  communicants  is  small  in  the 
Church  in  town.  The  congregation  belonging  to  the  moun- 
tain Church  is  numerous,  communicants  from  30  to  40.  The 
foundation  of  a  church  has  lately  been  laid  near  the  site  of 
the  old  one,  baptisms  21),  marriages  1,  communicants  in  the 
Parish  at  large  78. 

Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county.  Thirty-one  communicants, 
baptisms,  43,  catechumens,  35.  A  neat  and  commodious 
Church  has  just  been  erected. 

In  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  county,  there  are  100 
communicants;  baptisms  87.  The  new  Ohrarch  in  Charles- 
town  is  nearly  finished.    The  Church  is  in  a  progressive  state. 

Convention  of  1818.     Winchester,  Va. 

Present  IT  clergymen  and  20  laymen;  28  clergy  reported 
in  the  Diocese,  including  the   Bishop. 
Bishop  Moore  presided. 
From  West  Virginia,  present,  Rev.  Thos.  Horrell,  Norborne 


"Mk 


REV.    BENJAMIN    ALLEN,    1818. 


REV.    EDWARD    K.    LIPPITT,    1821. 


RT.    REV.    B.    B.    SMITH,    D.    D.,    1822. 


REV.    JOHN    ARMSTRONG,    1823. 


in  West  Virginia.  49 

Parish;  Rev.  -J no.  L.  Bryan,  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county; 
Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  St.  Andrew's  Parish. 

Messrs.  Abram  Shepherd,  St.  Andrew's  Parish;  Joel  Ward, 
Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county;  James  Walker,  Norborne 
Parish. 

The  treasurer  reported  $30  paid  by  St.  Andrew's  Parish, 
and  $30  by  Norborne  Parish. 

The  committee  on  parochial  reports  says: 

Since  the  last  meeting  of  the  Convention  a  neat  and  com- 
modious Church  has  been  erected  on  the  North  Mountain  in 
Norborne  Parish.  The  congregation  and  communicants  have 
increased;  communicants  90;  baptisms  10;  funerals  5;  mar- 
riages 3. 

In  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county,  no  change  has  taken 
place  indicative  of  a  revival  since  the  last  year's  report.  The 
regular  attendance  however  of  the  members  on  the  public 
worship  of  God  and  their  orderly  deportment  while  there,  en- 
courage the  hope  that  the  diligent  use  of  those  means  which 
Cod  in  his  word  has  promised  to  bless  and  make  effectual 
in  bringing  the  people  out  of  darkness  into  light,  and  from 
the  bondage  of  sin  and  Satan  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the 
children  of  Cod.  will  be  at  last  successful. 

Two  members  added  at  the  last  communion.  Number  of 
communicants  33;  baptisms  50;  catechumens  35;  1  marriage; 
1    death. 

Parish  of  St.  Andrew's — Communicants  150;  baptisms  153; 
funerals  (not  before  reported)  li':  marriages  (not  before  re- 
ported) L3. 

A  religious  library  has  been  established  in  each  of  the 
principal  congregations  of  the  Parish,  the  benefits  of  which 
are  extended  to  the  catechumens  and  the  poor.  Baptisms  1 
adult,  10  children,  by  the  minister  of  this  Parish  in  vacant 
Parishes  where  no  r<  gister  is  kept. 

Convention  of  1819.     Petersburg,  Va. 

Present  13  clergymen  and  1U  laymen. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 


50  The  Episcopal  Church 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Rev.  Jno.  L.  Bryan,  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county;  Rev. 
Benjamin  Allen,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  county;  Rev. 
Enoch  M.  Lowe,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  county. 

Messrs.  Nathaniel  Craighill,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson 
county;  Sylvester  Nash,  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county; 
Strother  M.  Helm,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  county;  Nor- 
man Nash,  Hampshire  county. 

The  treasurer  reports  $30  from  St.  Andrew's  Parish;  $15 
from  Christ  Church;  $30  from  Norborne  Parish,  also  $100 
from  St.  Andrew's  Parish  on  account  of  Fund  for  the  support 
of  the  Episcopate. 

Bishop  Moore  in  his  address,  says :  "Af  ter  leaving  the  Con- 
vention in  Winchester  last  May  I  repaired  to  the  congrega- 
tion at  Bunker's  Hill  at  which  place  I  consecrated  a  new 
stone  Church  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God;  preached  to 
a  devout  and  pious  people  and  confirmed  35  persons. 

I  then  visited  Martinsburg  at  which  place  I  preached  twice 
on  the  Sabbath  to  a  respectful  and  attentive  auditory  and 
confirmed  14. 

North  Mountain — I  visited  the  North  Mountain  where  I  pro- 
claimed the  truths  of  the  Gospel  to  a  large  and  attentive  as- 
sembly consecrated  a  new  and  beautiful  Church  and  confirm- 
ed 15. 

Shepherd stoicn — From  the  North  Mountain  I  went  to  Shep- 
herdstown,  at  which  place  I  preached  to  a  large  auditory  and 
confirmed  50. 

Charles  Town — From  thence  I  went  to  Charles  Town,  in  Jef- 
ferson county,  opened  a  new  and  elegant  church  and  con- 
firmed 25." 

From  the  committee  on  parochial  reports. 

Hampshire — The  Church  in  Hampshire  County  begins  to  ex- 
hibit some  symptoms  of  revival.  About  ten  congregations 
have  been  formed  since  July  last.  There  are  two  Churches 
nearly  completed,  and  preparations  are  making  to  repair  an 
old  one.    The  Rev.  Messrs.  Allen  and  Br  van  have  visited  these 


i.\  West  Virginia.  51 

congregations  and  baptized  15.  A  vestry  has  been  elected, 
and  a  number  of  persons  are  anxious  to  receive  the  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  Supper  when  an  opportunity  offers. 

Christ  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County — Rev.  Jno. 
L.  Bryan,  Rector.  Communicants  50;  baptisms  1;  adult  18; 
white  and  7  colored  children;  marriages  5;  catechumens  35; 
funerals  4. 

This  Church  has  lately  had  times  of  refreshing  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord.  Many  appear  to  be  truly  penitent  and 
are  inquiring  w^hat  they  shall  do  to  be  saved,  among  whom 
are  some  of  the  young,  who,  according  to  the  counsel  of  Solo- 
mon, remember  their  Creator  in  the  days  of  their  youth.  A 
Sunday  school  has  been  established  in  this  parish,  which 
promises  extensive  usefulness  to  society. 

Wickliffe — Wickliffe  is  a  new  Church  lately  erected;  the  con- 
gregation is  just  forming,  and  the  prospects  are  flattering. 

St.  Andrews'  Parish,  Jefferson  County — The  report  from  this 
Parish  states  200  communicants,  88  baptisms,  6  marriages,  15 
funerals,  and  the  collection  made  to  the  Episcopal  Fund 
amounted  to  $100.  Sunday  schools  have  been  established 
throughout  the  Parish  and  have  proved  extensively  useful. 

Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County — The  minister  being  only 
in  Deacon's  orders,  and,  consequently,  not  having  authority 
to  administer  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  has  not 
been  able  to  ascertain  with  any  certainty  the  number  of  com- 
municants in  his  Parish.  He  believes,  however,  the  number 
to  be  about  100.    Marriages  2;  baptisms  1;  funerals  3. 

The  prospects  of  religious  improvement  in  this  Parish  are 
encouraging.  The  Church  is  raising  her  drooping  head,  and 
the  Kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  is  rapidly  advancing. 
The  Vestry  of  this  Parish  has  purchased  for  their  clergyman 
a  comfortable  parsonage. 

Convention  of  1820.     Alexandria,  Va. 

Present  19  clergymen  and  26  laymen. 
Bishop  Moore  presided. 
Present  from  West  Virginia: 


52  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

Revs.  Jno.  L.  Bryan,  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  County;  Ben- 
jamin Allen,  St.  Andrews'  Parish,  Jefferson  County;  Enoch 
M.  Lowe,  Norborne,  Parish,  Berkeley  County. 

From  report  of  committee  on  parochial  reports. 

Christ  Church,  Berkeley  County — Communicants  50;  baptisms 
2  adults,  7  infants;  marriages  4;  funerals  2.  The  Sunday 
school  established  last  year  is  still  progressing  in  usefulness. 

Wickliffe  Church — Communicants  6;  baptisms  4;  funerals  1. 

Norbome  Parish — Communicants  101 ;  catechumens  45 ;  mar- 
riages 6;  baptisms  24;  funerals  16. 

Of  the  above  number  of  communicants,  24  have  been  added 
since  the  last  Convention;  several  are  now  in  preparation  for 
this  holy  ordinance.  The  prospects  of  the  Church  in  this 
Parish  are  flattering  in  the  highest  degree.  The  people  are 
spiritual  and  devotional,  and  manifest  a  growing  attachment 
to  the  principles  and  liturgy  of  their  Church. 

St,  Andrew's  Parish — There  has  been  an  increase  of  com- 
municants. Sixty  of  those  formerly  registered  in  this  Parish 
have  been  formed  into  a  church  in  Maryland.  Present  num- 
ber of  communicants  150;  baptisms  75;  marriages  9;  burials 
0.  The  Church  in  Shepherdstown  has  been  increased  in  capac- 
ity.   Contribution  to  Episcopal  fund  $50. 

Convention  of  1821.     Norfolk,  Va. 

Present,  17  clergy  and  24  laymen. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Revs.  Benjamin  Allen,  St.  Andrews'  Parish,  Jefferson 
County;  Edward  R.  Lippett,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  coun- 
ty. 

Mr.  Abram  Shepherd,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  coun- 

ty- 

From  report  of  committee  on  parochial  reports. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  County — Communicants  150; 
baptisms  45 ;  funerals  27.  This  Parish  within  the  last  two 
yeans  has  contributed  to  the  Episcopal  fund  more  than 
enough  to  redeem  its  pledge  of  $50  per  annum.    The  general 


in  West  Virginia.  53 

state  of  the  Church  is  improving,  though  nothing  worthy  of 
special  note  exists. 

Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County — Communicants  LOO;  bap- 
tisms 4(>:  marriages  3;  burials  8. 

Christ  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County — Communi- 
cants 50:  baptisms  2;  marriages  2. 

The  spiritual  state  of  this  Church  has  not  undergone  a 
material  change  since  the  last  report.  The  people  are  seri- 
ous and  attentive  to  the  word  of  God,  and  are  regular  in  their 
attendance  on  public  worship. 

Convention  of  1822.     Charlottesville,  Va. 

Present,  21  clergy  and  '2'2  laymen. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Revs.  Edward  R.  Lippitt,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  Coun- 
ty; Jno.  J.  Robinson,  Grace  Church,  Norborne  Parish;  Benj. 
B.  Smith,  St.  Andrews'  Parish,  Jefferson  County. 

Mr.  Edward  Colston,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County; 
Abraham  Shepherd,  St.  Andrews'  Parish,  Jefferson  County. 

To  treasurer  paid  by  Norborne  Parish,  $30,  and  by  St.  An- 
drews' Parish.  $30. 

Also  paid  to  fund  for  Theological  school;  Berkeley  county, 
$150;  Jefferson  County,  $515.33. 

Total  from  the  diocese,  $10,268.33. 

From  committee  on  parochial  reports. 

St.  Andreics'  Parish,  Jefferson  County — Baptisms  20;  3  of 
them  black  children;  marriages  6;  deaths  14;  to  the  com- 
municants no  additions. 

Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County — Communicants  100;  bap- 
tisms 11:  mariages  "'»;  burials  •"..  There  are  at  present  in  this 
Parish  four  places  of  stated  preaching,  at  all  of  which  there 
are  respectable  and  attentive  congregations.  The  prospects 
of  the  Church,  in  this  Parish,  are.  upon  the  whole,  encourag- 
ing. 

Bishop  Moore,  in  his  address,  after  speaking  of  a  visit  to 
Leesburu  ^avs:      "T  then  passed  cm  to  Charlesiown.  in  -letTer- 


54  The  Episcopal  Church 

son  county,  at  which  place  I  also  preached.  Leaving  Charles- 
town  I  hastened  to  Shepherdstown,  in  the  same  county  and 
there  I  also  officiated.  From  Shepherdstown  I  went  to  a 
chapel  at  the  North  Mountain,  where  I  preached  to  a  large 
congregation.  From  North  Mountain  I  proceeded,  in  com- 
pany with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lippitt,  to  Martinsburg,  at  which  place 
I  preached  twice  on  the  Sabbath  to  large  and  attentive  con- 
gregations, and  administered  the  rite  of  confirmation.  I 
then  passed  on  to  the  Church  at  Mill  Creek,  in  which  place, 
notwithstanding  the  weather  was  very  rainy,  I  preached  to 
a  devout  and  respectable  congregation. 

The  count}7  of  Hampshire  formed  the  next  object  of  my 
attention,  in  which  district  I  preached  in  three  different 
places.  In  Hampshire  but  two  or  three  years  since,  we  had 
not  a  single  place  of  worship  belonging  to  our  Communion. 
Through  the  laborious  efforts,  however,  of  the  Rev.  Norman 
Nash  there  are  two  respectable  churches." 

Episcopal  fund  reported,  f 2,850;  widows  and  orphans,  fund 
reported,  $4,783.67. 

Convention  of  1823.     Leesburg,  Va. 

Present,  18  clergy  and  23  laymen. 

In  the  absence  of  the  Bishop,  the  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  D. 
D.,  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia:  Revs.  John  Armstrong, 
Wheeling;  Chas.  H.  Page,  Kanawha  county;  Messrs.  Bush- 
rod  C.  Washington,  St.  Andrews'  Parish,  Jefferson  county; 
Edward  Colston,  Norborne  Parish,   Berkeley   county. 

Treasurer  reported  as  received  from  Zion  Church,  St.  An- 
drews' Parish,  $15. 

Parochial  reports: 

Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County — Communicants  !>T;  bap- 
tisms 31;  marriages  3;  burials  3. 

Christ  Church,  Berkeley  County — This  church  being  with- 
out a  pastor,  divine  service  is  performed  by  a  lay  reader.  The 


in  West  Virginia.  55 

congregations  are  attentive  and  zealously  engaged  in  the 
great  business  of  working  out  their  salvation.  It  is  hoped 
that  the  spirit  of  religion  is  increasing,  and  that  in  this  part 
of  our  Zion,  our  God  has  regarded  the  day  of  small  things. 

Kanawha  Parish — The  congregation  is  increasing  in  num- 
ber and  has  about  10  communicants;  baptism  3;  marriages  1. 
At  Goalmouth  the  congregation  is  in  a  very  flourishing  state, 
and  many  are  earnestly  seeking  the  pearl  of  great  price.  Com- 
municants 12;  baptisms  15. 

In  Gharlestown  and  in  Mason  it  is  expected  that  churches 
will  be  built,  and  there  is  one  now  building  at  the  mouth  of 
Goal.    There  are  two  Sunday  schools  in  this  Parish. 

Wheeling  Parish,  Ohio  County— The  Rev.  John  Armstrong 
has  been  engaged  in  this  station  for  about  two  years,  and 
signal  success  appears  to  have  attended  his  ministry.  In  this 
region,  which  was  but  lately  a  howling  wilderness,  the  seeds 
of  spiritual  life  have  been  sown,  and  the  dews  of  divine  grace 
have  fallen  with  prolific  virtue.  Under  the  care  of  the  pres- 
ent pastor,  an  Episcopal  Church  has  been  built  in  the  town  of 
Wheeling,  of  brick.  60x45,  containing  72  large  and  commo- 
dious pews,  an  organ  and  a  bell.  Ten  miles  from  this  place  by 
the  zealous  influence  of  the  same  reverend  gentleman  and  the 
blessing  of  God,  another  Episcopal  church  has  been  built. 
May  heaven  prosper  the  good  work  and  make  the  hearts  of 
His  people  to  rejoice.  Communicants  23;  baptisms.  In'  chil- 
dren and  6  adults;  marriages  16. 

Convention  of  1824.     Staunton,  Va. 

Present,  12  clergy  and  10  laymen. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Revs.  Sylvester  Nash,  Hampshire  Parish;  Chas.  B.  Page, 
Kanawha  Parish. 

Messrs.  George  Sharpe,  Hampshire  Parish;  Strother  Jones, 
Kanawha  Parish. 

Amounts  received   from   West   Virginia   churches:    I  lamp- 


56  The  E pis* opal  Church 

shire  Parish,  f  15.00;  Kanawha  Parish,  f  18.00;  Christ  Church, 
Berkeley  county.  $11.00. 

Parochial  reports: 

The  Church  in  Hampshire  County  has  suffered  much  for 
want  of  regular  ministrations  heretofore;  to  secure  which  its 
present  scattered  and  enfeebled  condition  renders  every  ef- 
fort necessary.  Those  efforts,  however,  they  appear  willing 
to  exert,  and  are  endeavoring  to  the  extent  of  their  ability 
to  render  the  administration  of  the  word  both  permanent 
and  frequent.  Seven  places  of  worship,  all  regularly  attend- 
ed, five  of  them  once  or  twice  a  month  on  Sundays,  and  other 
places  occasionally  on  Wednesdays.  Baptisms  32  (3  adults); 
marriages  3;  funerals  6. 

Kanawha — In  Kanawha  Parish  no  material  change  has  tak- 
en place  during  the  last  year.  In  the  congregation  at  the 
mouth  of  Coal  and  also  that  of  Charlestown  there  are  about 
12  communicants.  The  minister  has  once  visited  Cabell  Coun- 
ty, and  several  times  Mason  County,  where  he  found  the 
people  favorably  disposed  to  the  Church,  and  a  very  wide 
field  for  ministerial  labors.  Baptisms  35  (12  colored  chil- 
dren); deaths  60  (35  children);  marriages  12. 

Convention  of  1825.     Richmond,  Va. 

Present,  23  clergy  and  20  laymen. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Revs.  Chas.  H.  Page,  Kanawha  Parish:  Alex.  Jones,  St. 
Andrews'  Parish,  Jefferson  County;  Sylvester  Nash,  Hamp- 
shire Parish. 

Messrs.  Edward  Colston,  Xorborne  Parish,  Martinsburg; 
Bushrod  C.  Washington,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  coun- 
ty; Francis  Nelson,  Hampshire  Parish. 

The  trustees  report  21  students  and  2  professors  at  the 
seminary. 

Treasurer  reported  $18  received  from  St.  Andrews'  Parish. 

Parochial  reports: 

Hampshire — This  Parish  has  undergone  very  little  change 


REV.     FREDERICK    D.    GOODWIN,    1831. 


REV     JOHN    T.    BROOKE,   D.   P.,    1826. 


REV.   CHARLES  C.    TALLIAFERRO,    1837, 


REV.    WILLIAM    ARMSTRONG,    1837. 


ix  West  Virginia.  57 

since  the  last  report.  Its  prospects,  however,  arc  growing 
brighter.  Much  zeal  and  devotion  to  the  interests  of  the 
Church  are  displayed  by  the  few  who  have  there  rallied 
around  her  standard.  They  have  evinced  the  sincerity  of  their 
attachment  in  the  zealous  efforts  made  by  them  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  house  of  worship.  An  edifice  of  respectable  dimen- 
sions has  been  commenced.  Communicants  :'>4  ;  baptisms  5; 
funerals  1. 

Kanaicha  Parish — There  are  signs  of  considerable  improve- 
ment in  this  Parish.  The  Gospel  has  exerted  a  favorable 
influence  on  the  morals  of  the  people. 

Wheeling — 28  communicants;  baptisms,  l.*'.  children  and  2 
adults;  marriages  20. 

Convention  of  1826.     Lynchburg,  Va. 

Present.  21  clergy  and  16  laymen. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Revs.  ('has.  H.  Page,  Kanawha  Parish;  Jno.  T.  Brooke, 
Norborne  Parish;  Mr.  Edmund  Berkeley,  Kanawha   Parish. 

There  was  reported  $3,900  invested  towards  a  permanent 
Episcopal  fund.  The  contingent  fund  amounted  to  $493.25, 
of  which  Kanawha  and  Cabell  Parishes  paid  $13.00  and  Nor- 
borne Parish  $15. 

Parochial  reports: 

Kanawha  and  Cabell  Parishes — The  minister  reports  that  he 
has  been  regularly  preaching  at  the  mouth  of  Coal  and  at 
Charlestown  in  the  county  of  Kanawha,  and  at  Barbours- 
ville  and  Guyandotte,  in  Cabell  County,  at  which  places  the 
congregations  have  varied  from  KM)  to  150.  Serious  and  anx- 
ious attention  has  been  paid  to  the  services  of  the  sanctuary, 
ami  some  few  have  opened  their  hearts  to  receive  the  truth 
as  it  is  in  Jesus.     Baptisms  24:  deaths  13;  marriages  2. 

At  the  mouth  of  Coal,  an  edifice  has  been  erected  for  divine 
worship,  chiefly  through  the  liberality  of  one  family.  11  is 
called  Bangor  church.  Mr.  P.  T.  Thompson  says  this  was  the 
familv  of  !  »a\  is  Hudson. 


58  The  Episcopal  Church 

Mill  Creek — Rev.  Mr.  Jackson,  of  Winchester,  on  one  Sun- 
day in  each  month  officiates  to  a  very  attentive  country  con- 
gregation, at  Mill  Creek,  on  the  borders  of  Berkeley  county. 
In  the  effort  to  raise  $500  for  the  Bishop's  fund,  assessments 
were  made  on  West  Virginia  churches  as  follows:  St.  An- 
drews' Parish,  $15;  Norborne  Parish,  $15;  Kanawha  County, 
$10;  Romney,  $5;  Wheeling,  $10. 

Convention  of  1827.     Fredericksburg,  Va. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Revs.  Jno.  T.  Brooke,  forborne  Parish;  Alex  Jones.  St.  An- 
drews' Parish;  John  Armstrong,  Wheeling;  Mr.  Wm.  M. 
Blackford,  Norborne  Parish. 

Reported  from  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  County,  for  con- 
tingent fund,  $5.25;  for  assistant  Bishop,  $5.00;  St.  Andrews' 
Parish,  $15  for  contingent  fund,  and  Norborne  Parish,  $12  for 
assistant  Bishop. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  County — The  Rev.  Alex.  Jones 
reports:  "The  churches  under  my  care  are  in  much  the 
same  condition  as  when  last  reported.  If  there  is  any  circum- 
stance which  indicates  an  improvement,  and  affords  any  en- 
couragement, it  is  the  increase  of  the  congregations.  They 
now  are  large  and  generally  as  full  as  can  be  conveniently  ac- 
commodated; they  are  also  attentive  to  the  preaching  of  the 
word  of  God;  and  occasionally  one  or  two  persons  have  been 
added  to  the  Church,  of  such  as  we  hope  may  be  saved.  Three 
of  those  who  have  taken  up  the  Cross  of  Christ  and  professed 
to  the  world  that  they  are  His  disciples,  by  obeying  His  word, 
and  uniting  themselves  to  His  church,  are  young  men  of  sin- 
cere piety  and  much  promise,  who  are  anxious  to  preach  the 
Gospel,  and  are  now  preparing  with  zeal  and  diligence  to  en- 
ter the  seminary  at  Alexandria;  one  will  probably  be  entered 
at  the  commencement  of  the  next  session,  and  the  other  two 
a  year  from  that  period.  It  is,  however,  a  subject  of  lamenta- 
tion and  sorrow  with  the  pastor,  and  with  the  pious  under  his 
charge  that  there  is  a  great  and  general  indifference  preva- 


in  West  Virginia.  59 

lent  in  this  parish  to  the  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  that  but 
few  are  turned  from  the  error  of  their  ways.  An  auxiliary  Ed- 
ucation society  is  still  existing.  Baptisms  20;  marriages  7; 
addition  to  the  communicants  8;  whole  number  of  communi- 
cants, 110. 

Norborne  Parish — Kev.  Jno.  T.  Brooke  reports  10  baptisms; 
ft;  added  to  the  communicants. 

The  Female  Education  Society  has  not  diminished  in  num- 
bers or  in  zeal,  and  the  Union  Sunday  school  with  which  the 
Parish  is  connected  has  re-commenced  its  operations.  The 
spiritual  improvement  of  the  congregation  during  the  past 
year  is  encouraging,  and  the  zeal  of  some  members  of  the 
communion  is  worthy  of  remark  and  calls  for  gratitude  to 
God. 

WelUburg  and  Brooke  County — Rev.  John  Armstrong  re- 
ports: In  March,  1825,  the  rector  took  charge  of  St.  John's 
Church,  Brooke  County,  25  miles  from  Wheeling.  St.  John's 
Church  had  stood  in  an  unfinished  state  for  25  years;  the 
congregation  had  been  very  much  neglected.  In  the  fall  of 
the  year  1825  the  Church  was  finished,  and  it  is  a  source  of 
gratification  to  know  that  the  congregation  is  very  large,  and 
a  work  of  grace  seems  to  be  going  on  among  the  people. 
Communicants  34. 

I  preach  part  of  my  time  in  the  town  of  Wellsburg,  1G  miles 
from  Wheeling,  in  Brooke  County.  The  congregation  is  large 
and  very  attentive.  We  have  no  church  in  Wellsburg.  but  I 
hope  it  will  not  be  long  before  we  shall  have  one. 

Assessments  for  the  Episcopal  fund:  St.  Andrews*  Parish, 
$10;  Norborne,  $10;  Romney,  $5;  Wheeling,  $10:  Kanawha, 
$10. 

The  committee  on  parochial  reports,  remonstrate  against 
the  length  and  irrelevancy  of  some  of  the  reports,  and   re- 
gret that  they  should  have  to  strike  out  portions   as   do1 
tending  to  throw  light  upon  the  state  of  the  parishes. 
Convention  of  1828.     Petersburg,  Va. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 


60  The  Episcopal  Church 

Rev.  John  T.  Brooke,  Norborne  Parish. 

Messrs.  Thos.  Nelson,  Norborne  Parish,  Martinsburg;  Lewis 
Berkeley,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County. 

From  Christ  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  was  reported  for 
contingent  fund,  $5;  for  support  of  an  assistant  Bishop,  $2.12. 

Norborne  Parish — Rev.  Jno.  T.  Brooke  reports:  Communi- 
cant 80;  baptisms  7.  The  Rector  humbly  trusts  that  the 
spiritual  state  of  his  communion  has  improved  (luring  the 
past  year,  but  is  unable  to  report  any  wiio  have  come  out  for 
the  first  time  with  the  important  inquiry  "What  must  we  do 
to  be  saved?''  The  Union  Sunday  school  which  is  connected 
with  one  of  the  congregations  has  increased  in  numbers  and 
in  zeal. 

The  trustees  of  the  Seminary  report  purchase  of  property 
near  Alexandria  for  $5,000;  also  that  the  sum  of  $75  is  suf- 
ficient for  the  board  of  each  student  during  a  session  of  nine 
months. 

Convention  of    1829.     Charlottesville,  Va. 

Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  Meade  presided  in  Bishop  Moore's  absence. 
Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Mr.  John  L.  Thomas,  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  County. 
Reported  from  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  County,  for  the 
contingent  fund,  $5.00. 

The  Rev.  Wm.  Meade,  D.  D.,  was  elected  assistant  Bishop. 
No  reports  from  West  Virginia  churches. 

Convention  of  1830.     Winchester,  Va. 

Bishop  Meade  presided  in  Bishop  Moore's  absence. 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Rev.  Alexander  Jones,  St.  Andrews'  Parish;  Messrs.  Thom- 
as Greggs,  St.  Andrews'  Parish;  Francis  Silver,  Christ  Church 
Berkeley  county;  George  Sharpe,  Hampshire  Parish. 

Bishop  Meade,  in  his  report  says:  ''About  the  second  week 
in  November  I  made  a  visit  to  Berkeley  county,  preaching 
three  times  in  Martinsburg  and  twice  in  Hedge's  Chapel,  also 
once  at  Bunker  Hill,  in  the  church  which  is  under  the  care  of 


in  West  Virginia.  <>1 

the-Rev.  Mr.  Jackson,  of  Winchester.  While  in  this  county 
I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  and  the  ordinance  of  bap- 
tism at  Hedge's  Chapel.    The  Rev.  Mr.  Jas.  Tyng,  from  the 

diocese  of  New  England,  lias  accepted  a  call  from  this  Parish 
which  has  now  for  some  time  been  destitute,  and  it  is  hoped 
by  the  blessing-  of  God  will  be  an  instrument  of  good  to  it. 

And  again  on  Easter  Monday  1  set  out  for  a  visit  to  some 
of  the  parishes  in  Maryland,  bordering  on  the  Potomac,  which 
1  had  been  requested  to  attend  to  by  Bishop  Moore,  who  had 
been  invited  to  take  them  under  his  Episcopal  charge. 

In  the  evening  I  reached  Charles  Town,  where  1  preached. 
*  *  *  After  having  concluded  the  duties  required  of  me 
in  Maryland.  I  returned  homeward  by  the  way  of  Romney, 
which  I  reached  on  Saturday  April  '2'\.  preaching  there  that 
evening  and  twice  the  following  day.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Holiday 
Johns,  of  Maryland,  was  so  good  as  to  accompany  me  to  that 
place  and  assist  in  the  performance  of  divine  service,  as  also 
to  preach  once  on  the  Sabbath.  On  Tuesday  I  preached  in 
Zion  Church,  about  17  miles  from  Romney,  and  on  the  same 
evening  Mr.  Johns  officiated  at  Bethell.  Our  members  in  this 
Parish  are  few,  but  very  firm  and  decided,  and  in  two  of  the 
congregations,  meet  on  the  Sabbath  when  the  service  and 
a  sermon  are  read  by  a,  layman,  who  was  appointed  to  this 
duty  some  years  since." 

Contributions  to  the  contingent  fund:  Hampshire  Parish 
$3.00;  Zion  Church,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  $15.00;  Christ 
Church,  Mill  Creek,  Norborne  Parish,  $7.00. 

forborne  Parish. — The  Church  in  Norborne  Parish  under 
his  care  (Christ  Church)  is  well  attended  but  he  has  to  lament 
the  small ness  of  accessions  to  the  communion.  The  Church 
has  been  lately  thoroughly  repaired  by  the  parish  at  a  con- 
siderable expense,  and  it  is  now  a  very  comfortable  place  of 
worship.  J.  E.  Jackson. 

st.  Andrew's  Parish — The  Rev.  Alex.  Jones  reports  that 
though  the  Churches  under  his  care  exhibit  no  striking  evi- 
dences of  improvement,  they  are  still  in  such  a  state  as  to  call 
torth  his  gratitude,  and  give  some  encouragemenl  to  his  ex- 


62  The  Episcopal  Churcb 

fit  ions.  The  people  of  his  charge  are  generally  punctual  and 
regular  in  their  attendance  at  the  house  of  God.  Those  who 
have  professed  to  be  followers  of  Christ  are.  for  the  most  part 
consistent  and  without  reproach.  The  Rector  has  indeed,  for 
a  short  time  past  entertained  some  hope  from  the  increased 
zeal  of  the  pious,  the  religious  sensibility  of  an  unusual  num- 
ber of  his  people,  the  late  hopeful  conversion  of  six  youths, 
and  the  evident  seriousness  of  several  others,  that  there  was 
approaching  cue  of  those  seasons  of  "refreshing  from  the 
Lord"  so  much  to  be  desired  and  for  which  we  should  earn- 
estly pray.  There  ate  two  useful  associations,  one  in  connec- 
tion with  the  general  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  So- 
ciety, and  the  other  with  the  Education  of  the  Poor  and 
Pious  Youth  for  the  ministry.  The  American  Bible.  Tract 
and  Colonization  Societies  also  receive  a  cordial  and  liberal 
support,     Communicants  75. 

St.  Matthew's  Church.  Wheeling— Key.  -T.  Thos.  Wheat  re- 
ports: "Nine  years  ago  that  most  laborious  and  successful 
clergymen,  the  late  Rev.  John  Armsthong  came  to  this  place. 
Full  of  the  spirit  of  his  office  he  immediately  set  about  the 
collecting  of  a  congregation  that  should  worship  God  agree- 
ably to  the  forms  of  our  Church.  There  was  scarcely  any 
thing  to  encourage  the  making  of  an  effort  or  to  sus- 
tain it  when  begun.  Such  a  zeal  as  his.  needed  no  other  ex- 
citement than  the  fact  that  there  were  in  the  town  some  fam- 
ilies, who  not  belonging  to  any  other  Church,  might  by  judi- 
cious attention  be  induced  to  join  ours. 

1  hiring  six  years  he  persevered  with  varying  success  amidst 
the  greatest  discouragements,  such  as  are  known  only  to  a 
zealous  missionary  occupying  a  new  station  remote  from  the 
great  body  of  the  Church,  and  peculiar  local  hindrances  which 
would  have  disheartened  and  turned  back  a  less  holy  and 
devoted  servant  of  God.  The  work  of  the  Lord  prospered  in 
his  hands.  Assisted  by  a  few  pious  and  other  generous  in- 
dividuals, he  succeeded  in  procuring  the  erection  of  a  hand- 
some and  commodious  Church,  and  in  establishing  a  Parish. 
embracing  within  its  limits  about  forty  families,  among  the 


15  West  Vibgisia. 

ipectable  and  intelligent  in  the  plaee.    Ai 
his  maefa  lamented  death,  the  it  30  cominunic 

an<l  a  large  and  flourish..  _   - 
.   much  good. 

■  the  praise  of  our  late 

-  this.     Bj  judiciously  and  industriously  eeon 
time  and  labor,  ho  collected  large  eongi    .  -ral 

other  neighboring  -.  and  built  and  repaired  th: 

churches  in  this  State  and  Ohio. 

Th!-  -  —  *han  Apostolic  rnissiona:      -  -  an 

plincation  of  what  a  holy  zeal,  united  with  a  general 
dish  2   od  practical  omplish, 

when  animated  by  the  high  considerations  to    whi 
calle  'd"  only  are         ---  ble. 

Matthew's  Church  was  without  a  pasror  for  a 
after  Mr.  Armstrong's  death.  I  commenced  my  ministry  here 
in  August.  1S2S.     I  found  the  Sunday  School  flourishing:  it 
continues  to  be  <o.     Fifteen  families  and  ]U  communicants 
here  have  been  added  since,  making  the  present  numb- 
families  about  60  and  of  communicants     30.       Baptisms 
adults.  12  children:   marriages.  IS:   funerals.  7 

The  Bible  class  and  catechumens  preparing  for  confirma- 
tion are  in  regular  attendance  upon    -  I  ap»propriaT 

3     - 

1  >:  ■  •  'i*s  abounding  _  -  through  Christ,  we  are  at  this 
moment  rejoicing  at  the  cheering  indications  of  a  revival  and 
diffusion  of  experimental  practical  piety.  To  several  of  those 
who  have  been  for  some  time  regular  in  their  attendance 
upon  the  ordinances  of  the  Lord's  house,  the  Spirit  of  all  gra- 
cious affections  has  shown  their  ruined  state  as  sinners,  and 

-  led  to  that  faith  in  Christ  which  justifies  and  san< :~ 
have  peace  with  God  through  Jesus 
Lord." 

Convention  of  1831.     Norfolk.  Va. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Number  of  organised   I      -     pal  Churches  in  the 
LOO.    The  clergv  less  than  half  that  number. 


64  The  Episcopal  Church 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Mr.  -John  \Y.  Page,  Hampshire  Parish;  Mr.  Archibald  Ma- 
gill,  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county. 

Reported  as  from  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county.  $5.00, 
for  the  contingent  fuud,  and  $5.00  towards  the  support  of 
the  Bishop. 

Bishop  Meade  in  his  address  says:     "After  the  convention 
in  Winchester  in  May.  1830,  he  visited  Charlestown.  where 
he  preached  and  confirmed  two  persons.     On  August  10th  I 
set  out  to  visit  our  few  scattered  congregations  on  the  banks 
of  the  Kanawha  and  Ohio  rivers.     After  leaving  Staunton, 
I  reached  Charlestown  in  six  days.     In  this  place     and     the 
neighborhood  I  spent  two  Sabbaths,  and  the  intervening  days 
in  the  performance  of  ministerial  and  Episcopal  duties.    Dur- 
ing its  period  I  preached  ten  times,  consecrated  one  Church, 
baptized  one  adult  and  nineteen  children,  confirmed  sixteen 
and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  twice.     I  was  truly  grat- 
ified by  my  visit  to  this  Parish.     It  has  been  now  destitute 
for  some  years  of  the  ministrations  of  our  Church,  but  there 
are  a  goodly  number  of  pious  persons,  who  are  strongly  at- 
tached to  our  communion,  and  who  are  firmly  resolved  to  pro- 
cure the  services  of  some  faithful  minister,  whose  temporal 
wants  will,  I  am  confident,  be  well  provided  for.    I  trust  that 
it  will  please  the  great  Shepherd  soon  to  send  them  a  pastor 
after  his  own  heart.     From  Kanawha  I  directed  my  course 
toward  Wheeling,  which  I  reached  in  six  days.     It  was  my  in- 
tention to  call  at  Parkersburg  but  circumstances  prevented. 
While  in  Marietta,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  and  some 
miles  above,  I  learned  that  there  were  a  number  of  persons 
about  Parkersburg,  who  were  desirous  to  obtain  the  services 
of  an  Episcopal  minister,  and  that  if  a  suitable  one  could 
be   obtained,   a   union   would   be   probably   formed   between 
Parkersburg  and  Marietta,  which  might  offer  a  sufficient  field 
of  usefulness  to  a  pious  man  and  insure  him  a  moderate  sup- 
port.    I  reached  Wheeling  on  Saturday  evening   and  spent 
the  three  following  days  there,  preaching  four  times.     On 
Wednesday  I  went  to  Wellsburg  and  preached   to  ;>.   large 


REV.    ALEXANDER    .IONICS,    1).    I).,    1825. 


REV.   JAMES  CHISHOLM,   1844. 


REV.   JAMES  CRAIK,    U.   i).,    L.L.   1).,   1840. 


old  st.  John's,  Charleston,  consecrated  1837. 


in  West  Virginia.  65 

congregation  that  night.  On  Thursday  I  preached  at  St. 
John's  Church  about  eight  miles  from  Wellsburg,  and  in  the 
evening  in  Steubenville,  Ohio.  I  preached  again  at  St.  John's 
Church  Friday  morning,  when  I  confirmed  19,  and  on  Satur- 
day morning  I  preached  again  at  Wellsburg,  confirming  9. 
At  this  time  a  regular  Church  was  organized  at  Wellsburg 
and  a  Vestry  appointed.  I  feel  much  interested  for  this  new 
church  and  for  the  congregation  at  St.  John's.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Morse,  of  the  Diocese  of  Ohio,  has  kindly  nursed  them  for 
some  years;  but  he  informs  me  that  they  want  more  attention 
than  he  can  spare  from  his  other  charges.  Some  pious  minis- 
ter whose  chief  desire  is  to  save  souls  for  his  hire,  might  labor 
among  them  very  usefully  and  though  he  might  not  abound, 
he  would  not  I  think  isuffer  want.  He  would  have  comfort  in 
the  society  of  some  sincere,  humble  and  pious  souls,  and 
might  be  the  instrument  of  salvation  to  many  sinners.  After 
having  concluded  my  labors  in  Wellsburg  and  the  neighbor- 
hood, I  returned  to  Wheeling  and  spent  another  sabbath  in 
that  place  where  I  admitted  seven  persons  to  the  rite  of  con- 
firmation. The  Rector  of  the  congregation  in  Wheeling,  ap- 
pears to  be  earnestly  engaged  in  the  duties  of  the  ministry, 
and  will  I  trust  receive  the  blessing  of  his  divine  Master.  It 
was  my  intention  to  have  returned  by  way  of  Morgantown, 
Clarksburg  and  Moorefield;  but  being  unable  to  make  ap- 
pointments in  due  time,  I  took  a  different  route  and  reached 
home  after  an  absence  of  six  weeks.  In  the  month  of  October 
I  paid  a  visit  to  the  Churches  in  Berkeley  county,  and  also  to 
that  in  Sihepherdstown.  In  the  county  of  Berkeley  I  preached 
repeatedly,  admitted  26  to  the  rite  of  confirmation,  and  ad- 
ministered the  Holy  Communion.  Most  of  the  persons  con- 
firmed were  quite  young,  but  in  the  judgment  of  those  most 
competent  to  form  a  correct  opinion,  truly  engaged  in  seek- 
ing the  salvation  of  their  souls,  and  well  worthy  to  be  ad- 
mitted to  a  full  participation  in  all  the  privileges  of 
God's  House.  In  Shepherdstown  T  preached  twice  and  con- 
firmed 6." 
St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wlieeling—Rev.  J.  Thomas  Wheat,  re- 


66  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

ports:  "Having  obtained  help  of  God,  we  continue  unto  this 
day  progressing  steadily  if  not  rapidly.  The  visit  of  our  be- 
loved Bishop  was  a  season  of  refreshing  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord.  The  fallen  were  raised  up,  the  weak  hearted 
were  helped  and  comforted,  all  were  strengthened.  The 
Lord  has  added  a  few  to  the  Church  of  such  as  we  trust,  shall 
be  saved.  They  have  given  additional  body  and  weight  to 
the  body  of  communicants,  thirty-two  in  number,  in  whose 
confessions  of  Christ,  humility,  love,  and  devotion,  the  Rec- 
tor has  abundant  cause  of  rejoicing  and  hope.-' 

The  Sunday  School  is  flourishing.  Teachers  0;  scholars  100. 

The  two  congregations  in  Brooke  county,  so  long  and  faith- 
fully served  by  Rev.  Mr.  Morse,  of  Steubenville,  Ohio,  still 
continue  to  prosper  under  his  care.  The  number  of  communi- 
cants in  both,  is  I  believe  about  50. 

Convention  of    1832.     Alexandria,  Va. 

Bishop  Meade  presided  in  Bishop  Moore's  absence., 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Rev.  Alex.  Jones,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  county; 
Rev.  Frederick  D.  Goodwin,  Kanawha  county;  Messrs.  James 
Brown,  St.  Andrew's  Parish;  John  Wilson,  Christ  Church, 
Berkeley  county;  Isaac  Chapline,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherds- 
town;  Edward  Colston,  Norborne  Parish. 

Bishop  Meade  in  his  address,  says:  "From  Staunton  I 
proceeded  to  Kanawha,  reaching  Charlestown  on  the  follow- 
ing Saturday.  In  that  place  and  the  neighborhood  I  spent 
five  days,  preaching  seven  times,  administering  the  com- 
munion twice,  and  baptizing  six  children.  During  the  last 
fall  the  members  and  friends  of  our  Church  in  that  region 
obtained  the  services  of  the  Rev.  Frederick  Goodwin,  who 
is  now  with  us  to  render  a  more  specific  account  of  the  condi- 
tion of  tibat  portion  of  our  Zion. 

On  the  12th  April,  I  set  out  to  visit  according  to  appoint- 
ment, one  of  the  churches  in  Hampshire,  but  in  consequence 
of  the  sickness  of  my  horse,  was  unable  to  reach  the  place  of 
appointment.  I  was  obliged  to  retrace  my  steps,  in  order  to 
fulfill  an  engagement  at  Mill  Creek  on  Saturday,  11th. 


ix  West  Virginia.  67 

This  I  was  enabled  to  do  ns  well  ;is  to  reach  Martinsburg 
and  preach  there  the  same  evening-.  On  the  following  morn- 
ing 1  preached  again  in  Martinsburg,  baptized  a  child,  con- 
firmed 2  and  administered  the  Communion.  At  night  I 
preached  to  a  large  congregation  in  the  country,  a1  .Mi.  Zion 
Church,  and  the  next  day  1  preached  again,  baptized  one 
adult,  confirmed  L*  and  administered  the  Communion.  I  am 
happy  to  inform  the  convention  that  the  Kev.  Mr.  Johnson 
has  been  chosen  Rector  of  this  Parish,  and  will  enter  imme- 
diately on  his  duties. 

On  the  following  day  I  proceeded  to  Shepherdstown.  where 
I  preached  in  the  evening  and  also  the  next  morning.  From 
there  I  went  to  Charlestown,  where  I  also  preached  twice 
and  on  the  second  occasion  confirmed  nine  young  and  in- 
teresting disciples  of  our  Lord." 

Contribution  for  contingent  fund:  St.  Andrew's  Parish 
$15;  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county.  $8;  Norborne  Parish 
flO  (Alt.  Zion  Church,  Norborne  Parish)  also  $5,  for  Episcopal 
Fund. 

St.  John's  Parish,,  Brooke  County — In  this  Parish  there  are 
i  wo  congregations,  one  at  Wellsburg,  the  other  in  the  coun- 
try about  eight  miles  distant.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Morse,  or  Ohio, 
has  for  several  years  rendered  most  acceptable  and  efficient 
services,  though  necessarily,  only  occasionally,  to  both  con- 
gregations. Since  my  resignation  of  the  Parish  of  Wheeling 
this  spring,  1  have  taken  charge  of  that  of  Wellsburg.  Mr. 
Morse  now  officiates  for  the  country  congregation  more  fre- 
quently. Communicants  4o.  A  Sunday  school  has  just  been 
organized.  The  prospects  of  the  parish  generally  are  en- 
couraging. Four  communicants  have  been  added  to  the  num- 
ber at  Wheeling  this  year,  making  .*!."•  in  all.  The  Rev.  Win. 
Armstrong  of  Maryland  has  been  invited  to  the  rectorship 
of  this  Parish.  lie  has  accepted  it  upon  the  condition  of  a 
short  delay  in  removing,  and  will  probably  soon  be  here. 

Pew  .John  Thomas  Wheal. 

Mill  Creek— The  Kev.  .1.  F.  Jackson  reports:  The  church 
continues  to  be  well  attended  and  the  congregations  appear 


68  The  Episcopal  Church 

to  be  more  concerned  on  the  subject  of  religion  than  at  any 
former  period.  Four  added  to  the  communicants.  Present 
number  39. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  County — Rev.  Alex.  Jones  re- 
ports, that  though  he  perceives  many  causes  for  humiliation 
when  considering  the  state  of  his  parish,  he  nevertheless,  is 
also  reminded  of  some  for  encouragement  and  thankfulness. 
A  goodly  number  of  those  who  were  careless  and  impenitent, 
especiallly  among  the  young,  have  recently  joined  the  Com- 
munion. Bible  classes  and  Sunday  Schools  are  attached  to 
both  the  churches  forming  this  parish,  so  also  are  Mission- 
ary and  Education  societies.  Communicants,  115;  burials  6. 
Contributions  to  benevolent  objects  |153. 

Kanawha  Parish — Rev.  Frederick  D.  Goodwin  reports:  This 
Parish  previous  to  October  last  had  been  without  a  minister 
for  about  six  years.  In  Charlestown  we  have  no  house  of 
worship,  but  on  my  arrival  the  Methodist  Church  was  kindly 
offered  for  our  accommodation.  In  the  country  there  is  a 
small  brick  edifice,  called  Bangor  Church.  When  I  came  to 
this  place  there  were  24  communicants;  Present  number,  30; 
marriages  2;  funerals  3;  baptisms,  1  adult  and  G  infants. 

Lewisburg — I  have  visited  Lewisburg,  Greenbrier  county, 
twice  and  baptized  an  adult.  There  are  in  this  place  several 
warm  friends  of  the  Church,  and  a  few  are  anxious  to  join 
the  Communion. 

Convention  of    1833.     Richmond,    Va. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Mr.  George  Lynn,  Jr.,  Hampshire  Parish;  Mr.  Mann  P.  Nel- 
son, Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county. 

Reported  for  contingent  fund,  Christ  Church,  Berkeley 
county,  $5;  and  for  Episcopal  Fund,  Christ  Church,  $5  and 
Norborne  Parish  $11.25. 

Mill  Creek — Rev.  J.  E.  Jackson  reports:  The  congregation 
continues  very  flourishing.  The  Rector  deeply  regrets  his 
visits  to  the  Parish  can  only  be  monthly.  41  communicants,  2 
marriages;  9  baptisms. 


ix  West  Virginia.  69 

Norborne Parish — The  Rev.  W.  P.  C.  Johnson  reports:  When 
the  present  Rector  took  charge  of  this  Parish  in  June  last,  it 
was  under  discouraging-  circumstances.  For  sometime  pre- 
vious it  had  been  destitute  of  regular  services,  and  conse- 
quently the  usual  zeal  and  interest  of  Episcopalians  in  the 
prosperity  of  the  Church  had  in  a  measure  abated.  But  with 
gratitude  to  Almighty  God,  he  is  now  happy  to  report  a  more 
favorable  state  of  things.  Since  his  assumption  of  the  pas- 
toral charge  of  the  Parish,  the  Lord  has  been  graciously 
pleased  to  visit  it  in  mercy.  At  an  association  held  in  Sep- 
tember last  thirty-three  persons  were  added  to  the  com- 
municants. Many  more  are  still  in  an  inquiring  state  or  mind, 
but  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  procuring  regular  Communion, 
have  been  prevented  from  making  public  profession  of  re- 
ligion. We  have  a  flourishing  Sunday  school  and  two  Bible 
classes.  The  Education  and  Missionary  Societies  are  in  the 
way  of  receiving  liberal  encouragement.  Communicants  118; 
marriages  10;  baptisms  2  adults  and  8  infants. 
Convention  of   1824.     Staunton,  Va. 

Bishop  Meade  presided  in  Bishop  Moore's  absence. 

Present  from  West  Virginia: 

Rev.  Wm.  P.  C.  Johnson.  Norborne  Parish;  Mr.  ("has.  C. 
Pinkney,  Wickliffe  (and  Berryville):  Mr.  Robt.  Rose,  Kanawha 
Parish;  Mr.  Joseph  Arthur,  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county. 

Reported  for  contingent  fund,  Martinsburg  and  Zion 
Churches,  Berkeley  county,  $14;  also  Christ  Church,  Mill 
Creek  $5.    For  Episcopal  Fund,  Christ  Church,  Mill  Creek,  $5. 

Bishop  Meade  in  his  address,  says:  "On  the  7th  of  August 
I  set  out  on  a  tour  through  the  counties  of  Berkeley  and  Jef- 
ferson, preaching  (he  first  day  at  Bunker's  Hill.  On  the  8th 
and  9th  I  officiated  in  conjunction  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones, 
of  Jefferson,  at  Hedges  Chapel,  where  I  confirmed  20,  bap- 
tized  2  infants  and  administered  the  Communion.  Here  as 
usual  the  congregations  were  large  and  attentive,  assembling 
at  the  hour  of  eleven  o'clock,  engaging  in  holy  exercises  dur- 
ing the  customary  period,  leaving  the  house  of  God  for  a 
short  time,  then  reassembling  for  the  afternoon  services,  and 


70  The  Episcopal  Church 

again  filling  the  house  at  night.  A  large  proportion  of  the 
evening  congregation,  I  am  told,  consisted  of  those  who  re- 
mained at  home  during  the  two  first  services.  This  example 
is  worthy  of  imitation.  On  the  10th  we  repaired  to  Martius- 
burg,  about  seven  miles  distant,  Avhere  we  met  with  the  ReA  . 
Mr.  Drane  from  Hagerstown,  who  preached  on  the  occasion 
of  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Johnson,  who  was  then  clothed  with 
the  authority  of  a  priest.  I  preached  twice  in  Martinsburg, 
baptized  2  infants,  confirmed  7  and  administered  the  Com- 
munion. From  Martinsburg  I  went  to  Smithfield  where  I 
officiated  on  the  12th  and  13th  in  connection  with  Mr.  Jones, 
W.  M.  Jackson  and  Mr.  Johnson.  On  the  evening  of  the  13th 
and  the  morning  of  the  14th  I  was  in  Charlestown,  and  on  the 
latter  day  confirmed  9  persons.  The  loth,  10th  and  17th 
were  spent  at  Harper's  Ferry  where  I  was  aided  in  minis- 
terial duties  by  Wm.  M.  Jackson.  On  the  morning  of  the 
18th  I  proceeded  to  Shepherdstown,  and  found  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  place  in  the  utmost  consternation  by  reason  of 
the  cholera,  which  had  made  its  appearance  a  few  days  be- 
fore, and  hurried  some  of  its  citizens  into  eternity.  Not 
wishing  to  be,  or  seem  to  be,  either  rash  or  cowardly  in  duty, 
I  submitted  it  to  the  proper  guardians  of  the  health  of  the 
place,  whether  I  should  proceed  with  the  previously  appoint- 
ed services.  By  their  advice  I  omitted  all  night  services,  and 
only  convened  those  who  were  disposed  to  attend  in  the 
morning  and  afternoon  on  one  day,  and  on  the  morning  of 
the  following.  One  of  these  services  was  held  by  particular 
request,  in  the  Lutheran  Church,  whose  minister  was  absent. 
Mr.  Jones  and  myself  endeavored  by  suitable  discourses,  to 
improve  the  afflictive  season. 

Mill  Creek — Rev.  J.  E.  Jackson  reports;  the  congregation  at 
Mill  Creek  continues  very  interesting.  42  communicants; 
marriages  1;  baptisms  5;  deaths  2. 

Norborne  Parish — Rev.  W.  P.  C.  Johnson.  Communicants 
11!);  baptisms  4  adults  and  33  children;  confirmed  32;  mar- 
riages 11;  funerals  5;  contributions  to  benevolent  objects 
$103.75. 


ix  West  Virginia.  71 

Convention  of  1835.      Lynchburg,  Va. 

Bishop  Meade  presided  in  Bishop  Moore's  absence. 

Present  from  West  Virginia* 

Key.    William    N.   Ward,   Clarksburg,    Harrison    county. 

Reported  from  Norborne  Parish  fS  for  the  contingent  fund; 
|17  for  the  Bishop's  fund. 

Bishop  Meade  in  his  addres,  says:  "On  the  morning  after 
the  last  Convention  I  left  Staunton  on  my  way  to  the  West, 
and  reached  Lewisburg  on  the  third  day.  There  I  remained 
nearly  three  days,  preached  four  times  and  confirmed  three 
persons.  Our  friends  in  this  place  are  few  but  zealous,  and 
appeared  very  anxious  to  have  the  regular  services  of  the 
church  there.  It  would  be  very  desirable  to  have  a  mission- 
ary in  that  region  of  country.  On  leaving  Lewisburg  I  pro- 
ceeded to  Kanawha,  and  reached  Charlestown  on  Tuesday 
morning.  I  remained  here  two  days,  and  performed  service 
four  times,  confirmed  1;  baptized  7  and  administered  the 
Communion.  On  Tuesday  morning  I  left  Charlestown  for 
Coalsmouth,  about  12  miles  distant,  where  we  have  a  small 
church  and  congregation.  There  I  preached  twice,  confirmed 
one  person,  administered  the  Communion  and  baptized  7  chil- 
dren. The  prospects  of  the  church  in  Kanawha  are  bright- 
ening. A  zealous  and  acceptable  minister  is  now  laboring 
there.  A  church  will  soon  be  erected  in  Charlestown,  and  a 
larger  one  built  at  Coalsmouth.  It  is  hoped  that  ere  long 
the  services  of  two  ministers  may  be  required.  On  the  even- 
ing of  the  second  day  which  I  spent  at  Coalsmouth,  I  descend- 
ed the  Kanawha  in  a  steamboat,  and  ascending  the  Ohio 
reached  Parkersburg  on  the  20th,  and  spent  three  days  in 
that  place,  preached  five  Times,  baptized  1  child,  confirmed  4 
and  administered  the  Communion.  We  had  no  place  of  pub- 
lic worship  in  Parkersburg,  but  I  received  assurances  that 
this  deficiency  should  not  long  continue.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Wheat 
of  Marietta,  has  charge  of  our  little  flock  in  this  place,  and 
officiates  every  other  Sabbath.  I  tarried  one  day  with  him 
in  Marietta,  and  preached  once  in  that  place. 

On  Monday  night  I  proceeded  to  Wheeling,  reached  there 


72  Th  e  Episco  pa  l  Ch  i  k<  h 

the  following  day,  and  spent  the  4th  and  5th  days  of  June  in 
religious  services.  On  the  16th  I  proceeded  to  Steubenville, 
Ohio,  where  I  spent  a  day  with  the  Rev.  J.  Morse,  and  preach- 
ed once  for  him.  Mr.  Morse  has  for  many  years  rendered 
very  effectual  services  to  two  of  our  congregations  in  Brooke 
county,  the  one  at  Wellsburg,  and  the  other  at  St.  John's. 
He  accompanied  me  to  Wellsburg  where  we  spent  the  Sab- 
bath and  each  of  us  preached.  We  spent  Monday  and  Tues- 
day at  St.  John's,  about  seven  miles  distant,  where  I  preached 
twice,  confirmed  7  and  administered  the  Communion.  On  the 
following  day  I  preached  again  at  Wellsburg  and  confirmed  7. 

I  then  returned  in  company  with  Mr.  Morse  to  Wheeling, 
where  we  spent  several  days  in  frequent  services.  During 
my  stay  in  Wheeling  I  preached  or  lectured  twelve  times,  ad- 
ministered the  Communion,  and  confirmed  36.  I  now  turned 
my  steps  homeward  and,  passing  through  a  part  of  Pennsyl- 
vania reached  Uniontown  on  the  23rd  and  from  theme  went 
to  Morgantown,  where  I  preached  on  the  evening  of  the  24th, 
and  also  the  next  morning.  On  Thursday  I  reached  Clarks- 
burg, which  is  in  the  heart  of  Western  Virginia.  There  I 
spent  three  days,  preached  five  times,  baptized  1  adult  and 
12  children,  confirmed  5,  and  administered  the  Communion 
The  people  of  Clarksburg  and  Morgantown  expressed  a  strong 
desire  to  have  a  minister  sent  to  them,  and  I  was  truly  happy 
to  be  able  to  gratify  their  request  in  a  manner  well  calcu- 
lated to  promote  the  interests  of  religion  and  the  church 
in  that  region.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Ward,  who  was  ordained  in 
Alexandria  in  July  last,  went  to  Clarksburg  in  the  fall,  and 
has  since  been  faithfully  and  acceptably  laboring  in  these 
two  places.  On  Monday  following,  after  the  services  at 
Clarksburg,  I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  at  Mrs.  Watson's, 
about  thirty  miles  from  Clarksburg,  in  which  place  Mr.  Ward 
has  since  establiished  regular  services." 

Norhorne  Parish — Rev.  W.  P.  C.  Johnson  reports  communi- 
cants 115;  baptisms,  infants  9;  marriages  15;  funerals  4. 

There  have  been  no  material  changes  in  this  parish  since 
my  last   report.     The  various  benevolent   institutions   con- 


in  West  Virginia.  73 

nected  with  the  church,  still  continue  to  receive  encourage- 
ment. There  is  a  large  and  interesting  congregation  of  col- 
ored persons,  to  whom  I  officiate  once  a  month. 

Kanawha  Parish — Rev.  John  Martin  reports:  Communi- 
cants, Charlestown,  14;Coal  14;  Salines  3;  total  31.  Funerals 
1;  marriages  1;  baptisms  7.  $42.00  have  been  collected  for 
the  missionary  objects  of  the  Church,  and  $1,500  subscribed 
towards  the  erection  of  a  church,  and  the  hope  is  indulged 
that  the  building  will  be  commenced  during  this  summer. 

Harrison  and  Monongalia  Counties — William  Norvell  Ward, 
missionary,  reports:  Communicants  7;  baptisms  1  adult  and 
4  infants;  marriages  1;  funerals  2.  A  Sunday  school  at 
Clarksburg  promising  much  good.     Number  of  scholars  60. 

At  this  convention  the  amendment  to  the  constitution  re- 
quiring lay  delegates  to  be  Communicants  was  adopted. 
Convention  of  1836.     Fredericksburg,  Va. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia : 

Rev.  Chaplin  S.  Hedges,  Middleway  and  Harper's  Ferry; 
Rev.  William  M.  Jackson,  Wickliffe  Parish,  Jefferson  county; 
Rev.  Alexander  Jones,  St.  Andrew's  Parish  Jefferson  county. 

Messrs.  Philip  R.  Thompson,  St.  Mark's,  Kanawha;  Daniel 
Morgan,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown;  John  L.  Ransom, 
Zion  Church;  Edward  Colston,  Norborne  Parish. 

Bishop  Meade,  in  his  address  says:  "On  the  11th  October 
(1835)  I  set  out  on  a  visit  to  the  churches  in  Jefferson  and 
Berkeley.  On  the  evening  of  the  11th  I  reached  Smithfield 
and  preached  by  candlelight  and  the  next  day  being  Sabbath 
I  preached  twice  and  administered  the  Communion.  On  Mon- 
day the  12th,  I  preached  morning  and  evening  at  Martins- 
burg,  on  Tuesday  at  Mt.  Zion,  where  I  had  a  full  house,  ad- 
ministered the  Communion  and  baptized  a  child.  I  proceeded 
thence  to  Shepherdstown  where  I  met  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Andrews.  The  latter  preached  twice  and 
myself  three  times.  On  Friday  I  preached  in  Charlestown, 
and  then  returned  to  my  former  residence  in  Frederick 
countv." 


74  The  Episcopal  Church 

The  secretary  received  the  following  contributions  to  the 
contingent  fund  and  for  the  salary  of  the  Bishop. 

Zion  Church,  Charlestown,  $10,  contingent  fund;  $5,  Bish- 
op's fund;  Shepherdstown  Church,  $10,  contingent  fund;  $5, 
Bishop's  fund;  Wickliffe  Parish,  $8,  contingent  fund;  $4.42, 
Bishop's  fund;  St.  Mark's,  Kanawha,  $3.04,  contingent  fund, 
$1.96  Bishop's  fund.  Total,  $31.04,  contingent  fund;  $16.38 
Bishop's  fund. 

Parochial  Beports: 

Kanawha  Parish — John  Martin,  Rector.  There  is  nothing 
of  special  interest  to  report  from  this  parish.  A  church  is  be- 
ing built  in  Charleston,  and  will  probably  be  ready  for  use 
in  a  few  months.  Very  liberal  subscriptions  have  been  ob- 
tained towards  this  object.  The  congregation  is  increasing 
and  a  few  at  least,  it  is  hoped  are  enquiring  what  they  shall 
do  to  be  saved. 

Number  of  communicants  15.  I  have  preached  regularly 
to  large  congregations  in  the  Salines;  number  of  communi- 
cants 2;  removed  1. 

*S7.  Marie's  Parish,  Kanawha  County — John  Martin,  Rector. 
My  time  has  been  equally  divided  between  this  Parish  and 
Kanawha.  Here  is  an  interesting  congregation  which  is  rap- 
idly increasing.  The  services  of  another  minister  are  greatly 
needed  in  order  to  effect  any  permanent  good.  Number  of 
communicants  14;  baptisms,  infants  2;  marriages  3;  contri- 
butions to  the  amount  of  several  hundred  dollars  have  been 
made  by  the  members  of  this  parish  towards  the  erection  of 
a  parsonage  and  the  church  in  Charleston.  Collected  for 
other  objects  near  fifty  dollars. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  Count// — Alexander  Jones  Rec- 
tor— Communicants  115;  added  4;  died  2;  baptisms,  white  12; 
colored,  8;  funerals  13. 

The  rector  has  very  little  that  is  pleasiug  to  report  con- 
cerning his  charge.  Religion  is  respected,  and  the  ordinances 
of  grace  generally  well  attended.  The  accountable,  dying 
creatures  of  God,  are  however  still  walking  in  the  error  of 
their  ways,  and  the  means  of  grace  have  no  visible  effect. 


ix  West  Virginia.  75 

This  li»'  much  ascribes   to  hi>  own  unfaithfulness,  and   the 
want  of  practical,  serious,  zealous  faith  among  the  people  of 
God.    Other  clergy  in  West  Virginia  besides  those  mentioned 
above.  Kev.  William  Armstrong,  St.  Matthew's.  Wheeling. 
Convention  of    1837.     Petersburg,  Va.,  May  17. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Clergy  in  West  Virginia: 

Rev.  William  Armstrong,  St.  Matthew's.  W heeling;  Rev. 
Alexander  Jones,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson;  Rev.  John 
Martin,  Kanawha  Parish,  Kanawha  county;  Rev.  Charles  C. 
Taliaferro,   Norborne    Parish,   Berkeley,   Martinsburg. 

No  clergy  or  lay  delegates  from  West  Virginia,  present. 

No  visitations  reported  by  the  Bishops. 

The  committee  on  parochial  reports  say  that  4S  clergy  have 
reported,  embracing  about  70  parishes.  Marriages  207; 
funerals  357;.baptisms  580;  confirmations  147;  communicants 
2664,  a  net  gain  of  53  for  the  year.  Contributions  to  the  be- 
nevolent operations  of  the  Church  $8,438.21. 

Parochial  Reports: 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling — William  Armstrong,  Rector. 
As  the  Rector  of  this  church  has  not  enjoyed  the  privilege 
of  .il  lending  a  Convention  of  this  Diocese  since  his  settlement 
in  it,  and  having  neglected  to  make  a  report  of  the  state  of 
his  parish,  from  year  to  year,  as  required  by  the  canons,  he 
would  first  state  that  his  labors  in  this  place  commenced  in 
August,  1832.  The  condition  of  the  Parish  when  he  entered 
upon  his  duties  was  not  nourishing.  There  was  no  register 
to  which  he  could  have  access,  and  consequently  the  number 
of  communicants,  as  well  as  families,  attached  to  the  Church 
had  to  be  ascertained  by  personal  enquiry  on  the  part  of  the 
rector.  The  result  of  his  enquiries  was  that  25  persons  con- 
sidered themselves  communicants.  The  number  of  communi- 
cants which  has  been  added  is  72.  making  the  whole  number 
entered  upon  the  parish  register  97.  Of  these  6  have  died, 
8  have  removed;  1  has  withdrawn  and  1  has  been  suspended, 
making  i  he  present  number  of  communicants  81.  Of  bapi  isms 
there  have  been   infants  58,  adults  13;  total   71;  marriages 


76  The  Episcopal  Church 

63.  Number  of  persons  confirmed  by  fhe  assistant  Bishop  of 
the  Diocese  and  the  Bishop  of  Ohio  43.  The  vestry  are  now 
engaged  in  the  erection  of  a  new  church.  The  corner  stone 
of  the  edifice  was  laid  in  May  last,  and  its  entire  completion 
will  be  effected  some  time  in  August  next.  This  church  when 
completed  will  not  be  excelled  by  any  in  the  Diocese.  Its 
style  of  architecture  is  Grecian  Doric. 

Kanawha  Parish — John  Martin,  Minister.  Communicants 
added  5;  removed  3.  Total  19.  Baptisms,  3  adults.  5  in- 
fants; marriages  !);  funerals  10. 

The  Church  in  Charleston  mentioned  in  last  report  has  been 
finished  and  occupied  since  December.  The  cost  of  the  edifice 
was  about  f 4,000,  and  $500  are  still  owing.  The  Sunday  school 
is  not  very  flourishing;  it  numbers  about  30  scholars  and  7 
teachers.  The  attendance  on  public  worship  is  good,  and  ap- 
pears to  be  increasing;  great  unity  and  peace  prevail  among  us. 

St.  Mark's  Parish,  Kanawha  County — John  Martin,  Rector. 
Communicants  added  and  removed  2;  whole  number  12;  bap- 
tisms, infants  7;  marriages  1;  funerals  2. 

Congregations  are  at  present  large  and  attentive.  This 
parish  is  much  in  need  of  a  separate  minister,  for  whose  sup- 
port a  comfortable  provision  is  making.  Sunday  school  em- 
braces about  20  scholars  and  P>  teachers;  missionary  collection 
about  $20. 

Contributions  for  contingent  fund:    St.  Matthew's.  Wheel- 
ing, $20;  Mill  Creek,  (Norborne  Parish)  Berkeley.  $10. 
Convention  of   1838.    Winchester,  Va.,  May  I  6. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

West  Virginia  clergy  same  as  last  year.  Mr.  Jones  and  Mr. 
Taliaferro  were  present.  Laymen,  James  L.  Ransom.  Charles- 
town;  Francis  Silvers,  Christ  Church,  Mill  Creek;  Edmund  I. 
Lee,  Jr.,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown;  Edward  Colston, 
Xorborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County;  George  Sharp.  Hamp- 
shire County. 

Bishop  Meade  in  his  address  says:  "In  the  month  of  Octo- 
ber (1837)  I  set  out  on  a  visit  to  our  few  and  scattered  congre- 
gations in  the  more  western  part  of  Virginia.     On  Saturday 


in  West  Virginia.  77 

and  Sunday,  the  7th  and  8th,  I  preached  at  Romney  and  ad- 
ministered the  Communion.  Our  dear  friends  in  that  county 
would  rejoice  in  the  regular  services  of  the  Church,  of  which 
they  have  for  some  years  been  deprived.  On  Friday,  Saturday 
and  Sunday,  the  13th,  14th  and  loth,  I  engaged  in  performing- 
ministerial  duties  in  Clarksburg,  beyond  the  Allegheny  Moun- 
tains. There  I  baptized  five  children,  confirmed  four  persons 
and  administered  the  Communion.  I  preached  at  Springfield 
on  Monday  and  confirmed  two  persons.  Reaching  Morgan- 
town  that  evening  I  preached  that  night  and  the  following 
day.  These  three  places  were  for  some  years  supplied  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Ward,  but  are  now  destitute.  In  passing  on  to  some 
appointments  on  the  Ohio,  I  spent  a  day  or  two  at  Washing- 
ton and  preached  in  that  place. 

On  the  27th  I  officiated  in  Wellsburg,  and  was  assisted  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong,  of  Wheeling.  On  Monday  and  Tues- 
day, we  were  at  St.  John's,  about  eight  miles  from  Wellsburg, 
where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Morse,  of  Steubenville,  O.,  met  with  us, 
and  to  whose  nursing  care  this  little  congregation  is  much  in- 
debted. He  presented  eight  persons  for  confirmation,  and  we 
administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  very  considerable  num- 
ber of  communicants.  I  earnestly  wish  that  some  pious  man, 
who  could  live  on  three  hundred  dollars  a  year,  would  go  and 
labor  among  this  plain  but  kind  people. 

I  returned  with  Mr.  Morse  to  Steubenville,  as  I  always  do, 
and  tried  to  make  some  little  return  for  his  kindness  to  this 
congregation  by  preaching  for  him.  I  next  visited  Wheeling, 
where  I  spent  four  days  in  a  most  agreeable,  and  I  hope  not 
unprofitable,  manner.  There  was  a  noble  church,  costing 
120,000  to  be  consecrated,  and  not  less  than  eight  of  God's 
ministers  from  Virginia,  Pennsylvania  and  Ohio  were  con- 
vened. We  had  services  three  times  each  day  and  endeavored 
to  make  full  trial  of  our  ministry.  On  Sunday  I  ordained 
Mr.  McMechen,  a  young  man  of  the  Methodist  connection  and 
ministry,  to  the  office  of  Deacon,  and  administered  the  rite 
of  confirmation  to  twenty-five  persons.  On  the  following  day 
the  pews  were  offered  for  sale,  and  the  amount  raised  was 


78  The  Episcopal  Church 

more  than  sufficient  to  pay  the  debt  contracted;  so  that  the 
attention  of  the  vestry  was  immediately  turned  to  the  erec- 
tion of  a  parsonage.  An  affectionate  relation  subsists  be- 
tween the  minister  and  his  people,  and  the  blessing  of  the 
Lord  is  upon  them. 

From  Wheeling  I  descended  the  river  and  reached  Parkers- 
burg  on  Tuesday.  There  I  remained  until  Thursday  night, 
when  I  went  further  down  the  river.  While  there  1  preached 
repeatedly,  baptized  four  children  and  administered  the  Com- 
munion. 1  am  happy  to  state  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  MeMechen, 
whom  I  ordained  in  Wheeling,  is  now  settled  at  Parkersburg 
and  laboring  acceptably  among  our  friends  in  that  place. 
With  the  expected  increase  of  the  place,  we  may  hope  in  time 
for  a  congregation  of  good  size  and  a  house  suitable  for  God's 
worship  in  Parkersburg.  On  Friday  I  reached  Guyandotte, 
where  I  found  my  good  brother,  Mr.  Armstrong,  of  Wheel- 
ing, who  had  followed  me  in  order  to  assist  in  the  services 
which  awaited  me  in  Kanawha.  We  assembled  a  number  of 
the  people  of  the  village  that  evening  and  administered  the 
word  of  life  to  them. 

On  the  following  morning  we  proceeded  to  Coalsmouth, 
Kanawha,  where  I  spent  Sunday  and  Monday  in  religious 
services  and  where  the  Communion  was  administered  and 
three  persons  confirmed.  In  this  neighborhood,  where  we  have 
but  a  few  families  as  yet,  they  have  nearly  completed  a  par- 
sonage, and  expect  to  build  a  new  and  larger  church  before 
long.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Martin  has  been  officiating  alternately 
between  this  place  and  Charleston. 

On  Thursday  we  passed  through  Charleston  and  performed 
divine  service  at  the  Salines,  some  miles  up  the  river.  I 
preached  in  the  morning  and  Mr.  Armstrong  at  night. 

On  Friday,  the  10th,  I  consecrated  a  new  ami  handsome 
Church  of  the  Gothic  order  in  Charleston,  built  principally 
through  the  exertions  of  some  zealous  ladies  in  that  place. 
Mr.  Armstrong  and  myself  performed  services  three  times 
each  day  for  three  successive  days,  and  on  Sunday  I  confirm- 
ed thirteen  persons. 


in  West  Virginia.  79 

Leaving  Charleston  on  Monday  morning  I  reached  Lewis- 
burg  on  Tuesday,  and  preached  that  night  and  twice  the  next 
day,  confirming  one  person  and  administering  the  Commun- 
ion. In  Lewisburg  and  the  country  around  there  are  some 
zealous  friends  of  our  church,  who  are  very  anxious  for  the 
services  of  a  missionary,  who  might  take  an  extensive  circuit, 
and  present  the  blessed  gospel  in  connection  with  the  in- 
stitutions of  the  church,  in  the  manner  most  acceptable  to 
them,  and  I  sincerely  wish  they  could  be  gratified  and  hope 
it  will  not  be  long  before  the  Lord  will  direct  the  steps  of 
some  suitable  persons  towards  that  region. " 

Contributions  to  the  Contingent  fund  and  to  the  fund  for 
Episcopal  services: 

Mill  Creek  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  contingent  fund,  $15; 
Zion  Church,  Charlestown,  contingent  fund,  $15,  Bishop's 
fund,  $15;  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown,  contingent  fund, 
$15,  Bishop's  fund,  $15;  Christ  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  con- 
tingent fund,  $10;  Hampshire  Parish,  contingent  fund,  $5; 
St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling,  contingent  fund,  $20,  Bish- 
op's fund,  $10. 

Parochial  reports: 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling—  William  Armstrong, Rector. 
The  Rector  takes  pleasure  in  stating  that  the  new  church 
edifice  reported  to  the  last  Convention  as  having  been  com- 
menced, has  been  entirely  completed  and  consecrated  to  the 
service  and  worship  of  Almighty  God.  By  the  blessing  of  God 
upon  prudent,  united  and  persevering  efforts,  the  church  here 
is  attaining  a  maturity  of  strength,  wdiich  will  soon  enable 
her  to  rank  with  her  most  favorable  sister  churches  in  the 
diocese.  Her  house  of  prayer  is  wdiat  the  house  of  God 
should  be,  splendid  without  gaudiness,  neat,  beautiful  and 
appropriately  furnished.  The  attendance  upon  her  services 
lias  increased  with  her  means  of  accommodation,  and  a  com- 
fortable support  is  now  given  to  him  who  ministers  at  her 
altars. 

Baptisms,  adults  4;  infants  20;  communicants  removed  4, 
died  1;  present  number  02;  deaths  0;  marriages  11;  confirmed 


80  The  Episcopal  Church 

by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Win.  Meade  25.  The  Sunday  school  attached 
to  the  church,  the  rector  considers  in  a  flourishing  condition; 
the  number  of  children  in  regular  attendance  is  100;  the 
teachers  19  in  number,  and  the  superintendent,  deserve  much 
praise  for  their  zealous  and  unwearied  efforts  in  the  cause 
in  which  they  are  engaged.  The  number  of  volumes  in  the 
library  is  about  400. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Ghdrlestown  and  Shepherdstown,  Jeffer- 
son County — Alexander  Jones,  Rector.  Communicants  added 
8,  died  2;  total  112;  baptisms,  infants,  white  10,  colored  20; 
marriages  15;  funeral's  13. 

Amount  contributed  to  different  institutions  of  the  Church, 
$350.  The  rector  has  nothing  particularly  interesting  to 
state. 

Kanawha  Parish,  Charleston —  J.  Martin.  Rector.  Communi- 
cants added  5.  removed  2,  died  1;  total  21;  baptisms,  adults, 
1  white,  infants,  white,  3;  confirmations  13;  marriages  7; 
funerals  2;  number  of  families  25;  amount  collected  |30. 

In  addition  to  the  above  I  would  remark  that  the  congre- 
gation is  steadily  increasing,  a  large  number  of  prayer  books 
has  been  circulated,  and  much  attention  is  paid  to  the  re- 
sponsive part  of  the  church  service.  The  purchase  of  a  bell 
and  a  vigorous  effort  on  the  part  of  the  friends  of  the  church 
to  pay  off  the  remaining  debt,  have  prevented  a  larger  con- 
tribution, than  I  have  mentioned,  to  benevolent  institutions 
connected  with  the  Church.  The  plan  of  weekly  offerings  has 
been  commenced  and  promises  to  be  successful. 

St.  Mark's  Parish,  Kanawha  County — Communicants  added 
3,  removed  1,  died  2;  total  13;  baptisms,  infants,  white  2,  col- 
ored 12,  total  12;  confirmations  3;  funerals  2;  number  of  fam- 
ilies about  15;  amount  collected  about  $15. 

The  congregation  at  this  place  is  large  and  attentive.  With- 
in a  few  months  $1200  have  been  subscribed  towards  erecting 
a  new  Church  in  a  more  favora  le  situation  than  the  one  now 
used.  The  sum  of  $50  from  different  individuals  has  been 
raised  for  the  benefit  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Alexan- 
dria. 


REV.    FRANCIS    B.    NASH,    1845. 


REV.    CHARLES   W.    ANDREWS,    I).    I). ,'"1842. 


REV.    THOMAS    SMITH,    1843. 


in  West  Virginia.  81 

Vorborne  Parish,  Berkeley — Charles  0.  Taliaferro,  Rector. 
Since  I  submitted  my  last  report  to  this  body,  the  painful 
separation  between  me  and  the  people  of  Cumberland,  my 
first  charge,  and  over  which  1  had  watched  for  five  years, 
has  taken  place,  and  my  lot  cast  in  another  part  of  the  dio- 
cese. But  I  think  the  hand  of  the  Lord  ordered  my  way  to 
my  present  charge  in  Berkeley  County,  where  in  humble  re- 
liance on  His  grace  I  am  laboring,  according  to  the  ability 
He  hath  given,  for  His  glory  and  the  good  of  souls.  The 
church  register  which  I  found  in  the  Parish,  presented  the 
names  of  124  persons  as  communing  members  of  the  Church. 
This  list  was  made  out  in  1832  and  added  to  occasionally  af- 
terwards. Of  the  whole  number,  124,  only  95  are  now  proper- 
ly members  of  the  church;  7  were  improperly  recorded  at 
first  as  communicants  in  the  church;  16  have  been  lost  by  re- 
movals; 3  by  deaths;  3  stricken  from  register  for  evil  living, 
and  one  for  joining  another  denomination;  9  persons  have 
been  added  to  the  Communion;  4  confirmed;  14  children  bap- 
tized; 17  marriages  celebrated;  8  funerals,  since  I  regularly 
commenced  my  labors  in  the  parish,  which  was  last  February, 
12  months. 

1  have  endeavored  to  use,  according  to  my  ability,  the  com- 
mon means  of  instructing  and  blessing  the  rising  generation, 
such  as  catechizing  and  bringing  them  into  Sunday  schools 
and  Bible  classes.  My  time  is  principaly  divided  between 
Martinsburg  and  Hedgesville,  and  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
Sunday  in  the  latter  place  we  preach  at  Back  Creek,  where 
we  have  a  few  members,  but  a  very  respectable  congregation. 
In  Martinsburg  we  preached  first  in  the  Presbyterian,  then 
in  the  Lutheran,  and  at  present  in  the  Court  House.  The 
old  Church  is  out  of  repair,  and  so  inconveniently  situated 
that  the  vestry  have  determined  upon  building  a  new  one  in 
the  heart  of  the  town.  Nearly  $2,000  is  subscribed  and  a 
building  committee  appointed  to  plan,  locate  and  contract 
for  the  building  of  said  church.  T  regret  to  say  that  my  pros- 
pects for  usefulness  in  Martinsburg  are  not  so  brighl  and 
cheering,  as  in  other  parts  of  my  charge.     The  very  large. 


82  The  Episcopal  Chuhch 

various  and  devout  congregations  which  we  meet  in  Hedges- 
ville  greatly  encouraged  our  hearts. 

The  whole  amount  of  contributions,  besides  those  for  erect- 
ing a  Church,  are,  for  missions,  $189;  Education  Society,  $52; 
Colonization  Society,  about  $20;  Theological  Seminary,  $40. 

For  the  whole  diocese  of  Virginia  the  committee  report 
3,297  communicants,  an  increase  of  633. 

Convention  of   1839.     Norfolk  Borough,  May  15. 

Bishop  Moore  presiding. 

Number  of  clergy  in  Virginia,  78,  among  them.  Rev.  Alex- 
ander Jones,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  County;  Rev. 
John  Martin,  Kanawha  Parish,  Kanawha  C.  H.;  Rev.  Charles 
C.  Taliaferro,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley,  Martinsburg;  Rev. 
J.  Horace  Morrison,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown;  Rev. 
William  Armstrong,  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling. 

Present  Rev.  Messrs.  Jones,  Morrison,  Armstrong  and  Tal- 
iaferro. 

Bishop  Meade,  in  his  address,  says:  ''From  Charlottesville  I 
proceeded  to  the  west  in  order  to  participate  in  the  consecra- 
tion of  our  beloved  brother,  the  Rev.  Leonidas  Polk,  to  the 
Episcopate.  I  was  detained  two  days  in  Staunton  through 
some  accident  to  the  stage,  and  preached  repeatedly  during 
that  time.  I  was  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  pass  through  Lewis- 
burg,  where  I  had  intended  to  tarry  two  days.  This  was  oc- 
casioned by  the  delay  in  Staunton.  I  spent  the  10th  and  17th 
(November  1838)  in  Charleston,  Kanawha,  preaching  four 
times  and  confirming  six  persons.  On  the  18th  and  19th  I 
was  at  Coalsmouth,  in  Kanawha.  Friday,  Saturday  and 
Sunday,  I  spent  at  Point  Pleasant,  preaching  five  times  and 
baptizing  two  children,  and  administering  the  Communion. 
The  Rev.  James  Goodwin  is  officiating  in  this  place  and  in 
Jackson  County,  and  will,  I  hope,  succeed  in  establishing  the 
Church  in  that  region.  (The  consecration  was  December 
10th,  after  going  to  Chillicothe  with  Mr.  Peet.)  The  Bishop 
says:  "From  thence  I  proceeded  to  Wheeling,  where  I  spent 
three  days,  preaching  frequently  and  confirming  sixteen  per- 
sons.   A  severe  cold  prevented  me  from  preaching  in  Wells- 


in  West  Virginia.  83 

burg  and  at  St.  John's  in  Brooke  county.  1  am  happy  to  state 
that  these  are  now  supplied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sewell,  formerly 
in  Prince  William." 

Contributions: 

Zion  Church.  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  County,  con- 
tingent fund,  $15;  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling,  contin- 
gent fund,  $30;  Wellsburg,  Brooke  County,  contingent  fund, 
$7;  Trinity  Church,  Shepheidstown.  contingent  fund.  $10, 
Bishop's  fund,  $5. 

Parochial  reports: 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Whaling — William  Armstrong,  Rector. 
Communicants,  removed  5,  died  3,  total  100;  baptisms,  adults 
4,  infants  '»<>;  confirmations  16;  funerals  11. 

The  Rector  takes  pleasure  in  stating  that  the  condition  of 
his  parish  is  still  encouraging.  As  this  parish  has  never  been 
represented  by  a  lay  delegation,  the  hope  was  indulged  that 
on  this  occasion  it  would  have  been  fully  represented.  In  this. 
however,  he  has  been  disappointed,  but  hopes  thai  hereafter 
such  arrangements  will  be  made  by  the  vestry,as  to  secure  for 
this  parish  a  full  representation  in  the  councils  of  the  <  "hurch. 

Zion  Church.  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Charlestown^A\exander 
.Tones,  Rector.  Communicants  added  5;  died  5;  total  62;  bap- 
tisms, infants,  white  15,  colored  10;  marriages  20;  funerals  L3. 
Amount  collected  for  different  institutions  of  the  Church  $250. 

The  rector  has  nothing  worthy  of  observation  to  report. 

St.  Mark's  Parish,  Kanawha  County — r.Martin,Rector.  Com- 
municants  added  1,  removed  L,  total  12;  baptisms,  infants  L; 
marriages  1;  amount  collected  $30. 

There  is  a  good  congregation  at  this  place  and  some  devot- 
ed friends  of  the  Church.  The  entire  services  of  a  clergyman 
are  very  much  desired. 

St.  John's  church.  Kanawha  County  Communicants  8,  total 
31;  baptisms,  adults  1.  infants  l<>:  confirmatioD  •',;  marriages 
5;  funerals  2;  number  of  families  25;  amount  collected  $70. 

The  prospects  of  this  Church  are  quite  encouraging.  The 
congregation  is  good.  Five  hundred  dollars  have  been  raised 
in  the  last  few  months  for  the  purchase  of  an  organ. 


84  The  Episcopal  Church 

Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstoum — J.  Horace  Morrison,  Minis- 
ter. Communicants,  removed  1,  present  number  37;  baptisms, 
infants,  white  11,  colored  1;  marriages  2;  funerals  5;  amount 
collected  for  different  institutions  of  the  Church,  $199.  In 
addition  to  this  $34  have  been  contributed  to  purchase  a 
Sunday  school  library.  The  minister  took  charge  of  this  con- 
gregation last  August.  Although  none  have  been  added  to 
his  Communion,  yet  from  the  apparent  interest  with  which 
the  word  of  God  is  received,  he  indulges  a  hope  that  his  labors 
have  not  been  entirely  in  vain.  He  has  preached  about  once 
a  month  to  a  large  and  attentive  colored  congregation,  and 
from  the  eagerness  with  which  the  proclamation  of  the  Gos- 
pel is  listened  to,  he  hopes  that  his  endeavors  in  behalf  of  this 
portion  of  our  population  may  be  blessed  of  God.  A  Sabbath 
school  and  Bible  class  have  been  formed.  The  former  is  as 
prosperous  as  could  have  been  expected  at  its  commencement. 
The  latter  has  not  hitherto  succeeded  as  well  as  the  minister 
could  have  wished.  It  is  proposed  to  enlarge  the  church, 
which  is  at  this  time  small  and  inconvenient.  About  $2,000 
are  already  subscribed,  and  no  doubt  is  entertained  of  obtain- 
ing a  sufficient  sum  for  the  purpose. 

Christ  and  St.  John's  Churches,  Brooke  County — William 
Sewell,  Rector.  Communicants  removed  1;  total  40;  baptisms 
adults  1,  infants  7;  marriages  8;  funerals  3.  The  Rector  be- 
came connected  with  this  parish  in  January,  1839.  At  pres- 
ent it  is  a  missionary  station  and  receives  aid  from  the  Do- 
mestic Missionary  Society  of  the  diocese.  Christ  Church  is  in 
the  town  of  Wellsburg,  which  contains  about  three  thousand 
inhabitants.  The  rector  preaches  twice  on  Sundays,  lectures 
on  Wednesday  evening,  and  attends  a  Bible  class  on  Friday 
night.  He  has  also  organized  a  Sunday  school  which  is  in  a 
prosperous  condition.  St.  John's  is  eight  miles  distant  from 
Wellsburg.  Here  the  rector  preaches  every  fortnight.  This 
Church  was  organized  about  forty  years  ago  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Doddridge,  but  it  does  not  exhibit  that  flourishing  condition 
which  might  be  expected. 

Norbome  Parish,   Berkeley   County — Charles   C.   Taliaferro, 


•  in  West  Virginia.  85 

Rector.  The  Rector  of  this  parish  would  state  that  he  con- 
tinued his  labors  until  they  were  arrested  in  October  last, 
whilst  on  a  short  visit  to  his  friends,  by  a  severe  spell  of  sick- 
ness, since  which  time  lie  has  not  been  able  to  return  to  his 
field  of  labor  with  any  hope  of  rendering-  effectual  service, 
and  of  course  he  has  had  no  access  to  the  records  of  the 
Parish  from  which  to  make  a  correct  report;  and  offers  these 
words  only  as  the  reason  why  he  does  not  offer  a  proper  re- 
port. 

Convention  of  1840.     Charlottesville,  Va.,  May  20. 

Bishop  Moore  presiding. 

Clergy  in  Virginia  83,  of  which  in  West  Virginia: 

Revs.  William  Armstrong,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling;  James 
Craik,  Kanawha  Parish,  Kanawha  C.  H.;  James  Goodwin, 
Point  Pleasant,  Mason  County;  Alexander  Jones,  St.  An- 
drew's Parish,  Chaiiestown;  John  Martin,  St.  Mark's  Parish, 
Kanawha;  J.  H.  Morrison,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown. 

Mr.  McMechen  officiating  in  Wood  county,  Parkersburg; 
Charles  C.  Taliaferro,  Norborne  Parish,  Martinsburg. 

Present  Rev.  Messrs.  Martin  and  Morrison. 

Lay  delegates  present: 

William  H.  Pendleton,  Norborne  Parish,  Martinsburg. 

Bishop  Meade,  in  his  address,  says:  "On  the  7th  and  8th 
(December  1839)  I  officiated  in  Charlottsville,  where  I  admit- 
ted to  the  order  of  Deacons,  Mr.  James  Craik,  of  Kanawha, 
who  has  since  been  actively  and  acceptably  engaged  in  the 
ministry  in  that  county." 

Contributions  to  the  Episcopal  and  contingent  fund : 

Mt.  Zion,  Charlestown,  $11,63;  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley, 
|3.50;  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown,  $18.00. 

From  list  of  vestries  who  have  forwarded  their  quota  in 
part: 

Vestry  of  Zion  Church,  Charlestown,  due  $31;  paid 
$11.63,  balance,  $19.37;  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church,  Shepherds- 
town, due  $18.50,  paid  $18.00,  balance,  50c;  Vestry  of  Nor- 
borne  Parish,  Berkeley,  due  $51.50.  paid  $3.50,  balance  $48.00. 

From  list  of  vestries  which  have  forwarded  nothing: 


8G  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

St.  Matthew's  Parish,  Wheeling,  due  $50.00;  Christ  and  St. 
John's  Brooke  County,  due  $20. 

From  first  annual  report  of  the  executive  committee  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Association  for  the  promotion  of  Chris- 
tianity in  Virginia.  They  report  that  they  have  during  the 
past  year  employed  the  Kev.  Mr.  Sewell  at  Wellsburg,  paying 
him  $200;  the  Rev.  James  B.  Goodwin  at  Point  Pleasant,  in- 
cluding Gallipolis  and  Mercer's  Bottom,  $75;  the  Rev.  John 
Martin  at  Coalsmouth,  Kanawha,  $100. 

Parochial  Reports: 

St.  John's  Church,  Kanawha  County — James  Craik,  Minister. 
Communicants,  added  1,  removed  4,  died  1,  total  24;  funerals 
1;  number  of  families  27;  adults  60,  infants  55. 

This  Church  has  been  engaged  during  the  past  year  in  an 
effort  to  extricate  itself  from  the  debt  incurred  by  the  erec- 
tion of  its  house  of  worship,  the  purchase  of  an  organ,  pro- 
curing a  Sunday  school  library  and  other  expenses  incident  to 
the  recent  establishment  of  the  church  at  this  place.  The 
amount  of  the  public  collections  have  been  applied  to  these 
and  other  domestic  purposes. 

The  Rev.  John  Martin  resigned  the  charge  of  this  parish 
in  September  last.  The  present  minister  commenced  his 
labors  about  the  last  of  December  following. 

The  minister  divides  his  time  equally  between  the  Church 
in  Charleston  and  the  Kanawha  Salines,  a  village  six  miles 
above  on  the  river.  He  performs  divine  service  every  Sun- 
day at  each  place,  except  when  absent  at  some  other  mis- 
sionary point.  At  the  church  in  Salines  there  are  no  com- 
municants. Three  infants  have  been  baptized  and  the  congre- 
gation is  usually  large. 

Pt.  Pleasant  and  Mercer's  Bottom,  Mason  County — James  B. 
Goodwin,  Missionary.  Communicants,  added  3;  removed  2; 
total  3;  baptisms,  3  infants;  marriages  G. 

There  are  four  or  five  persons  who  are  expected  to  join  the 
Communion  the  first  convenient  opportunity.  Two  of  these 
with  their  children  are  candidates  for  baptism.  During  the 
first  eight  months  of  my  labors  in  this  place  I  devoted  one- 


in  West  Virginia.  87 

fourth  of  my  time  to  Jackson  County.  The  past  year  the 
same  portion  has  been  bestowed  upon  Gallipolis.  The  inter- 
ests of  The  Church  seem  to  be  slowly  but  surely  advancing. 
This  is  thought  to  be  an  important  and  encouraging  field  for 
missionary  labor. 

St.  Mark's  Parish,  Kanawha  County — John  Martin,  Minister. 
Communicants,  added  2  from  other  cures,  total  14;  bap- 
tisms, infants,  white,  3;  marriages  3;  families  !>;  amount  col- 
lected $10.00. 

Since  September  last  this  parish  has  had  the  undivided  la- 
bors of  th<-  minister.  But  little  improvement,  however,  is  ap- 
parent in  spiritual  things. 

The  parsonage  mentioned  some  time  ago  as  being  begun  is 
now  nearly  completed.  The  house  is  well  situated  and  com- 
modious, and  has  about  eight  acres  of  excellent  land  con- 
nected with  it.  at  a  cost  of  from  $1,200  to  $1,300. 

The  minister  of  this  parish  has  also  occasionally  extended 
his  labors  to  other  neighborhoods,  and  recently  to  Point 
Pleasant  and  the  vicinity  on  the  Ohio  river,  where  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Goodwin  is  zealously  laboring,  and  not  without  consider- 
able promise  of  success,  to  establish  the  church. 

Trinity  Church,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Shepherdstown — J.  H. 
Morrison.  Rector.  Communicants,  added  8,  (from  other  par- 
ishes) removed  3,  present  number  37;  baptisms,  white,  infants 
o;  marriages  4;  funerals  8;  amount  collected  for  different  in- 
stitutions of  the  church  $136. 

Since  the  last  convention  the  rector  has  taken  charge  of 
a  parish  in  the  diocese  of  Maryland,  to  which  he  devotes  every 
other  Sabbath. 

Vorborne  Paris]/.  Berkeley  County — C.  C.  Taliaferro.  Since 
the  Rector  of  this  parish  hist  reported  in  1838,  he  has  lost  by 
(lea lb  !>  communicants,  has  added  7,  which  leaves  the  present 
number  L03;  baptisms,  adults  2,  infants,  white  17.  colored  1; 
funerals  5;  marriages  7.  Contributed  the  last  year  for  benev- 
olent purposes  $133.36.  We  are  still  making  efforts  to  erect 
a  new  church  in  Martinsburg.     He  commenced  regular  ser- 


88  The  Episcopal  Church 

vices  in  the  parish  the  1st  of  last  October,  having  lost  through 
sickness  and  its  consequences  nearly  twelve  months. 

Christ  Church,  Mill  Creek — By  the  consent  of  the  vestry  of 
Norborne  parish,  and  by  the  invitation  of  the  vestry  of  this 
church,  I  took  charge  of  it  officially  last  June,  but  preached 
only  once  before  October.  I  preach  here  one  Sunday  in  the 
month  by  engagement,  but  have  afforded  this  Church  services 
nearly  equivalent  to  two  Sundays  in  the  month.  I  have  not 
been  able  to  get  a  correct  list  of  the  communicants  of  this 
church,  there  not  having  been  one  made  out  for  some  years. 
I  can  only  make  out  25  communicants,  one  of  which  has  been 
added  this  year.  The  Rector  thinks  that  he  sees  in  the  in- 
creased size  of  his  congregation  and  in  the  increased  zeal  of 
its  members  some  token  for  good. 

Convention  of  1841.     Alexandria,  Va.,  May  19. 

Bishop  Moore  presided. 

Clergy  in  Virginia  89,  of  which  there  are  in  West  Virginia 
7,  viz: 

Revs.  William  Armstrong,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling; 
xJames  Craik,  Kanawha  Parish,  Kanawha  C.  H.;  James 
Goodwin,  Point  Pleasant,  Mason  county;  xAlexander  Jones, 
Charlestown,  Jefferson  county;  xJ.  H.  Morrison,  Trinity 
Church,  Sbepherdstowu ;  xJames  H.  McMechen,  Clarksburg, 
Harrison  county;  Charles  C.  Taliaferro,     Norborne    Parish, 

Those  marked  thus  x  present. 

Lay  delegates:  Chas.  H.  Lee,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley; 
Cassius  F.  Lee,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown;  B.  C.  Wash- 
ington, Zion  Church,  St.  Andrew's  Parish. 

Bishop  Meade,  in  his  address,  says:  "In  September  (IStO)  I 
visited  the  churches  in  Jefferson  and  Berkeley,  spending  two 
days  in  Charlestown,  confirming  nine  persons  and  exhorting 
the  people,  not  without  success  to  the  providing  of  a  com- 
fortable parsonage  for  their  minister.  During  this  visit  I 
spent  two  days  in  Shepherdstown,  where  they  are  about  to 
enlarge  the  church;  also  one  day  in  Martinsburg,  where  I  laid 
the  corner  stone  of  a  new  Church;  and  two  days  at  Hedges 
Chapel,  where  I  confirmed  twelve  persons." 


ix  West  Virginia.  89 

Domestic  Missionary  Society  paid  to  Rev.  James  Goodwin, 
$125;  paid  to  Rev.  James  H.  McMechen,  $100;  paid  to  S.  W. 
Ciampton,  (in  Hampshire)  $100. 

Treasurer  reports:  received  from  Rev.  J.  H.  Morrison,  for 
Jefferson  county,  $18;  received  from  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong, 
Wheeling,  $40. 

Contributions  to  contingent  fund: 

Xorborne  Parish,  Berkeley $20.87 

St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling 30.00 

St.   John's,   Kanawha 12.5(1 

Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown 19.00 

Zion  Church,   Charlestown 10.50 

Zion  Church  balance  on  last  year r.).:'>7 

Parochial  reports: 

Clarksburg — James  H.  McMechen,  Missionary.  Communi- 
cants :•>;  marriages  1;  collected  for  church  institutions  $50. 

The  Rector  has  occasionally  visited  Morgantown  and  Smith- 
field  in  Monongalia,  and  Weston,  in  Lewis,  finding  in  each  of 
these  places  one  or  two  members  of  the  church. 

Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley — C.  C.  Taliaferro,  Rector.  Com 
municants,  added  11  (two  from  other  parishes),  confirmed  12, 
died  3,  removed  1,  total  111;  funerals  1;  baptisms,  infants  4; 
marriages  3;  contributions  to  benevolent  objects  $118.25. 
There  has  been  raised  and  paid  towards  the  erection  of  a  new 
Episcopal  Church  in  Martinsburg  about  $1500.  I  have  con- 
tinued within  the  year  past,  to  divide  my  time  between  the 
congregations  of  Martinsburg,  Hedgesville  and  Bunker  Hill, 
statedly,  giving  three  Sundays  in  the  month  to  the  former, 
and  one  to  the  latter.  During  the  summer  and  fall  months 
I  preached  at  a  place  on  Back  Creek,  about  10  miles  from 
Martinsburg,  and  at  all  these  four  places  last  summer  and  fall 
I  performed  services  once  a  fortnight,  either  in  the  morning, 
afternoon  or  night. 

Hunker's  Hill,  Berkeley  ( '.  O.  Taliaferro,  Rector.  Communi- 
cants 26;   funerals  2;   marriages  2. 

Point  Pleasant,  Mason  County — I.  B.  Goodwin,  Missionary. 


90  The  Episcopal  Church 

Communicants,  added  11,  total  14;  baptisms,  adults  i,  in- 
fants, white  5;  marriages  7;  funerals  4. 

A  parish  has  been  organized  in  Mercer's  Bottom,  and  $400 
subscribed  towards  building  a  church.  A  beautiful  site  has 
been  selected,  and  it  is  expected  that  the  building  will  be  so 
far  advanced  before  winter,  that  it  can  be  used  for  preaching. 
Four  hundred  and  thirty  dollars  have  also  beeu  subscribed 
for  building  a  church  in  Gallipolis.  We  have  received  an 
excellent  Sunday  school  library  of  100  volumes  from  friends 
belonging  to  Grace  Church,  Providence,  R.  I. 

$t.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling — Wm.  Armstrong,  Rector. 
Baptisms,  infants  15;  communicants  ST;  marriages  8;  deaths 
G. 

aS7.  John's  Church,  Kanawha  Parish — James  Craik,  Rector. 
Communicants,  added  3,  one  from  another  parish,  removed  1, 
withdrawn  1,  total  25;  baptisms,  infants  10;  funerals  1;  fam- 
ilies 27,  adults  00,  infants  55.  Collections  for  miscellaneous 
purposes,  $27.00.  Subscription  to  build  a  church  in  the  Kan- 
awha Salines,  $2,000. 

Trinity  Church,  &hepherdstoum — J.  H.  Morrison,  Rector. 
Communicants,  added  2,  from  the  diocese  of  Maryland,  died  2, 
total  30;  baptisms,  white,  infants  3,  colored  0;  marriages  1  (of 
colored  persons);  funerals  2.  Amount  collected  for  different 
institutions  connected  with  the  church,  $185. 

The  Rector  sees  little  to  encourage  him  in  the  portion  of  his 
field  of  labor  belonging  to  the  Virginia  diocese.  Half  of  his 
time  is  still  devoted  to  a  parish  in  the  diocese  of  Maryland. 
His  church  edifice  in  Virginia  is  at  present  in  process  of  being 
enlarged  and  in  other  respects  greatly  improved,  at  the 
cost  of  something  upwards  of  $2,200.  Owing  to  the 
pressing  demand  for  the  means  of  carrying  on  this  work, 
he  has  not  felt  himself  at  liberty,  to  urge  on  his  congre- 
gation the  duty  of  contributing  to  other  objects.  He  has 
been  prevented  by  ill  health  from  preaching  for  more  than 
three  months  past.  Agreeably  to  a  resolution  of  the  conven- 
tion, he  would  assign  as  the  reason  for  not  attending  its  last 
meeting  the  insufficienc}'  of  his  resources. 


ix  West  Virginia.  91 

Zion  Church,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson — Alexander 
Jones,  Rector.  Communicants,  added  18,  removed  1,  died  2, 
present  number  81;  baptisms,  white,  infants  11,  colored  5; 
confirmations  12;  marriages  8;  funerals  '.).  Amount  expended 
for  objects  not  connected  with  the  parish,  $285.  The  Rector 
reports  with  unfeigned  gratitude,  the  abounding  liberality  of 
his  people,  in  kindly  and  considerately  administering  to  his 
necessities,  and  also  in  purchasing  for  him  a  neat  and  commo- 
dious parsonage.  They  have  likewise  bought  a  new  and  ex- 
cellent organ,  the  old  organ,  though  a  good  one,  being  found 
to  be  loo  small,  and  have  al30  expended  much,  not  only  in 
rendering  the  house  of  God  more  comfortable  but  handsome 
and  appropriate  for  his  worship.  Amount  expended  for  ob- 
jects connected  with  the  parish,  $2,700.  He  also  reports  that 
on  every  other  Sunday  he  preaches  in  Smithfield  in  the  after- 
noon, where  there  are  a  tew  devout  persons  zealously  attach- 
ed to  the  church,  and  where  he  hopes  soon  to  have  a  neat 
building  erected  for  the  worship  of  God. 

Convention  of  1842.    Staunton,  Va.,  May  18. 

Bishop  Meade  presided. 

Clergy  in  West  Virginia : 

Revs.  William  Armstrong,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling;  James 
Craik,  Kanawha  Parish,  Kanawha  C.  H.;  James  Goodwin, 
Point  Pleasant,  Mason  county;  J.  H.  Harrison,  Wellsburg, 
Brooke  County;  Alexander  Jones,  St.  Andrew's  Parish, 
Charlestown;  James  H.  McMechen,  Clarksburg,  Harrison 
County. 

Present,  Rev.  .Mi*,  .Jones. 

Bishop  .Meade,  in  his  address,  says:  "Early  in  April,  I  set  out 
on  the  journey  which  has  ended  at  this  place.  On  the  first 
Sunday  I  preached  in  Zion  Church,  Hampshire  County,  where 
only  a  very  few  of  the  small  congregation,  gathered  there 
many  years  since,  now  remain.  These  few  seemed  glad  once 
more  to  unite  in  a  worship,  which  is  very  grateful  to  their 
hearts.  Crossing  the  mountains  I  proceeded  to  Clarksburg, 
where  I  was  pleased  to  find  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  McMechen  had 
established  a   female  seminary,  adapting  one  department    of 


92  The  Episcopal  Chuech 

the  building  to  public  worship,  where  service  is  performed 
each  Sabbath,  for  those  who  are  partial  to  our  church.  I 
baptized  one  adult  and  several  children,  and  confirmed  three 
while  there,  besides  preaching  repeatedly  and  administering 
the  Communion.  Could  a  missionary  of  suitable  character 
unite  his  labors  with  those  of  Mr.  McMechen,  who  must  neces- 
sarily be  much  occupied  with  his  school,  it  is  believed  that  a 
door  is  now  opened  in  that  place,  and  several  others  in  coun- 
ties around,  for  laying  the  foundation  of  Episcopal  Churches, 
which  might  gradually  be  built  up  with  the  general  improve- 
ment of  the  country.  A  portion  of  his  support  will  at  once 
be  contributed  by  friends  in  Western  Virginia.  From  Clarks- 
burg I  went  towards  Morgantown,  stopping  a  short  time  at 
the  house  of  Mrs.  Watson,  about  ten  miles  from  Morgantown. 
In  this  neighborhood  are  some  families  which  could  easily  be 
formed  into  a  small  church,  which  might,  by  God's  blessing, 
be  enlarged  in  time  to  come.  I  baptized  several  children  and 
confirmed  one  person  in  this  place.  At  Morgantown  I  was  un- 
able through  indisposition  of  body  to  preach  as  was  expected, 
but  baptized  a  number  of  children,  most  of  them  colored  ones, 
being  the  property  "of  a  kind  Christian  master,  who  feels  for 
their  souls,  as  well  as  provides  for  their  bodies.  I  should  be 
glad  to  see  many  others  follow  his  example,  and  act  as  spon- 
sors for  the  little  ones  born  in  their  houses.  My  next  ser- 
vices were  in  St.  John's  Church  in  the  neighborhood  of  Wells- 
burg,  where  I  preached  and  confirmed  three  persons.  The 
following  day  I  consecrated  a  very  neat  brick  church  in 
Wellsburg,  which  was  chiefly  built  by  the  zeal  and  liberality 
of  one  family.     I  also  confirmed  eight  persons  in  the  same. 

After  spending  two  days  in  Wellsburg  I  went  to  Wheeling, 
where  in  conjunction  with  some  brethren  from  Virginia  and 
Ohio,  five  days  were  spent  in  continuous  religious  exercises. 
On  the  Sabbath  fifty-five  persons  were  confirmed,  and  admit- 
ted immediately  after  to  the  Lord's  table. 

From  Wheeling  I  proceeded,  accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Armstrong  to  Parkersburg.  This  place  has  increased  of  late 
years  bevond  all  others  in  Western  Virginia.  Manv  excellent 


in  West  Virginia.  93 

and  handsome  houses  have  been  built  on  its  beautiful  sites, 
and  among  them  two  houses  of  worship.  There  was,  however, 
none  to  consecrate,  according  to  the  forms  of  our  chinch,  as 
I  had  hoped  when  I  last  visited  it.  There  is  still,  I  think,  an 
opening  here,  and  in  the  adjoining  county,  for  the  successful 
operation  of  a  suitable,  faithful  and  zealous  minister. 

A  Her  spending  two  days  in  Parkersburg  1  proceeded  to 
Point  Pleasant,  where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Goodwin  officiates  as  mis- 
sionary. Here  1  spent  three  days  in  religious  services,  aided 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong,  of  Wheeling,  and  Mr.  Craik,  of 
Kanawha.  Eight  persons  were  confirmed  on  the  occasion, 
and  some  baptisms  administered.  I  had  hoped  to  have  been 
called  upon  to  consecrate  a  new  church  about  twelve  miles 
from  Point  Pleasant,  but  it  was  not  ready  for  that  ceremony. 

On  my  way  from  Point  Pleasant  to  Coalsmouth  I  stopped 
for  a  short  time  at  a  little  village  on  the  Kanawha,  where  Mr. 
Armstrong  preached,  and  I  administered  the  rite  of  confirma- 
tion U)  two  persons.  After  this  1  spent  one  week  with  our 
friends  at  Coalsmouth,  Charleston  and  the  Salines,  at  the 
latter  of  which  places  a  neat  brick  church  was  almost  ready 
for  consecration.  During  oar  exercises  twenty-five  persons 
w«re  confirmed,  and  a  number  of  adults  baptized. 

Thus  ended  my  labors  in  Western  Virginia,  concerning 
which  portion  of  the  Diocese  I  would  remark  that  it  becomes 
each  year  a  more  proper  subject  for  the  operation  of  the  Do- 
mestic Missionary  Society  of  the  church  in  Virginia.  Although 
I  dare  not  promise  great  immediate  results  from  missionary 
labors  judiciously  distributed  over  this  mountainous,  but 
rich  and  interesting  region,  yet  it  is  highly  proper  that  the 
church,  in  its  efforts  for  its  religious  improvement,  should 
keep  pace  with  that  spirit  of  enterprise  which  now  seems  to 
animate  the  citizen  of  Western  Virginia  in  other  things,  and 
which  bids  fair  to  render  it  one  day  a  very  important  part  of 
our  Slate  and  country.  Two  or  three  missionaries  might  now 
be  well  employed  in  places  which  have  hitherto  received  but 
little  attention. 

Having  concluded  my  notices  of  Western  Virginia,  I  feel 


94  The  Episcopal  Church 

it  to  be  an  act  of  justice  to  my  brethren,  the  clergy  of  that 
portion  of  the  diocese,  to  notice  a  circumstance  which  has  ob- 
tained publicity  through  some  of  our  religious  papers,  in  such 
;i  way,  as  to  make  a  false  impression  as  to  their  participa- 
tion in  the  same.  I  allude  to  the  proposition  for  the  formation 
of  a  new  diocese  out  of  parts  of  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia, 
and  for  which  it  has  been  stated  the  clergy  of  Western  Vir- 
ginia are  particularly  desirous.  The  fact,  as  stated  to  me  by 
the  worthy  brother,  who  first  made  the  suggestion,  is  simply 
this:  On  meeting  with  a  Presbyter  of  Pennsylvania  dur- 
ing the  last  summer,  he  mentioned  the  subject,  not  having 
consulted  with  any  one  of  the  other  four  who  compose  the 
clergy  of  Western  Virginia.  The  suggestion  being  well  re- 
ceived, a  time  was  proposed  for  a  meeting  of  the  clergy  to 
take  the  matter  into  consideration;  when  it  was  insisted 
upon  by  the  brethren  of  Virginia  that  it  should  be  held  at  a 
time  when  1  was  expected  in  Wheeling,  so  that  the  consul- 
tation might  be  in  my  presence.  At  a.  subsequent  time,  it 
was  proposed  by  the  same  that  the  laity  should  be  invited  to 
attend.  Only  two  others  of  the  clergy  of  Western  Virginia 
had  ever  heard  of  the  proposition,  until  they  saw  it  announc- 
ed in  the  public  papers.  All  of  these  are  however,  now  well 
satisfied  that  any  plan  which  would  disjoin  Western  from 
Eastern  Virginia,  would  be  highly  injurious  to  the  former. 

My  chief  reason  for  adverting  to  this,  is  the  desire  to  do 
away  with  the  impression  which  the  publication  referred  to 
is  calculated  to  make,  that  on  the  part  of  the  clergy  of  West- 
ern Virginia,  there  was  a  want  of  due  consideration  for  the 
Episcopal  office,  in  not  conferring  with  me  on  the  subject. 
Even,  if  it  were  wrong  to  consider  such  a  matter  without  the 
previous  consent  of  the  Bishop,  (which  I  am  far  from  main- 
taining) in  this  case  the  worthy  brother,  who  begs  to  be  con- 
sidered alone  responsible  among  the  clergy,  of  Western  Vir- 
ginia, for  what  was  meditated,  resolved  that  nothing  should 
be  wanting  in  the  way  of  due  regard  to  myself  and  office." 

On  February  20,  a  motion  was  made  looking  to  a  division 
of  the  Diocese,  on  account  of  extent  of  territory  and  the  mini- 


IN  West  Virginia.  95 

ber  of  the  churches.     After  short  discussions  it  was  laid  on 
the  table.    The  same  day  Bishop  Meade  asked  for  an  assisl 
ant,  and  on  Saturday  21,  Dr.  John  Johns,  of  Maryland,  was 
elected,  receiving"  43  out  of  4!)  clerical  votes,  and  25  out  of  33 
lay  votes. 

Contributions  to  contingent  fund:  Clarksburg  (by  Bishop 
M.)  $7;  Hampshire  (do)  $2;  Kanawha  Parish  (do)  $27.75;  Mor- 
gantown  (do)  $25;  Parkersburg  (do)  $10;  St.  Matthew's 
Church,  Wheeling,  (do)  $35;  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown, 
$10;  Zion  Church,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson,  $41. 

Parishes  delinquent:  Bunker  Hill,  Berkeley,  $13;  Point 
Pleasant,  Mason  county,  $4.50;  Norborne,  Berkeley,  $55.50; 
St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling,  $8.50;  Trinity  Church,  Shepherds- 
town,  $12. 

Missionary  Appropriations:  Rev.  J.  B.  Goodwin,  of  Point 
Pleasant,  $200;  Rev.  Joshua  H.  Harrison,  Wellsburg,  $200. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Clarksburg,  Harrison  Count)/ — James  H.  McMechen,  Rector. 
Communicants,  5;  baptisms,  adults  1,  infants  8;  confirma- 
tions 3;   marriages  3. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Zion  Church,  Jefferson  Count// — Alex- 
ander Jones,  Rector.  Communicants  added,  3;  present  num- 
ber, 82;  baptisms  infants,  white  14;  colored  10;  marriages  5; 
funerals  8.     Contributions  to  benevolent  objects,  $400. 

*S7.  Mark's  Parish,  Bangor  Church,  and  Kanawha  Parish,  St. 
John's  Church — J.  Craik,  Rector.  Communicants  added  22; 
died,  1;  total  59;  baptisms  adults,  white  8;  infants,  white  14; 
colored  1;  confirmations  25;  marriages  3;  funerals  7:  fami- 
lies 40;  adults  122;  children  135. 

In  addition  to  these  two  organized  parishes,  the  rector  has 
charge  of  a  congregation  in  the  Kanawha  Salines,  and  there- 
fore combines  the  whole  in  one  view.  The  building  at  the  Ka- 
nawha Salines,  for  which  in  May  last  $2,000  was  reported  as 
having  been  subscribed  is  nearly  completed  and  will  cost 
$3,300.  A  part  of  the  sum  not  then  subscribed  has  been  pro- 
vided, and  the  effort  to  complete  the  building  absorbs  all  our 
resources. 


96  The  Episcopal  Church 

St.  John's  Church  and  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg,  Brooke 
County — J.  H.  Harrison,  Rector. 

St.  John's  Church — Communicants  died  1;  added  1;  total  be- 
tween 30  and  40;  baptisms,  infants  S;  adults  1;  confirmations 
3;  marriages  2;  funerals  5. 

Christ  Church,  Wellsourg — This  church  was  opened  for  di- 
vine services  the  6th  June,  1841,  and  has  since  been  opened 
for  worship  once  in  two  weeks.  Communicants  added  4;  died 
1;  total  20;  baptisms,  infants  10;  adults  3;  confirmations  S; 
marriages  2;  funerals  2. 

Report  of  James  B.  Goodwin,  Missionary  at  Point  Pleasant 
and  Mercer's  Bottom,  Mason  County — Communicants  added  5; 
removed  1;  died  1;  total  19;  baptisms,  adults  2;  infants  9; 
marriages  4;  confirmations  12.  Four  or  five  candidates  for 
confirmation  were  unavoidably  absent  when  the  rite  was  ad- 
ministered. One  third  of  my  time  the  past  year  has  been  di- 
vided between  Gallipolis  and  Pomeroy,  Ohio. 

The  church  in  this  place  is  daily  gaining  strength,  increas- 
ing we  think,  not  only  in  numbers,  but  in  the  spirituality  and 
zeal  of  its  members. 

James  Chisholm,  at  Present  Officiating  in  Berkeley  County,  Ta. 
respectfully  reports,  that  for  several  months  of  the  past  year, 
his  ministerial  labors  were  devoted  to  the  colored  population 
of  three  or  four  contiguous  plantations  in  Albemarle.  It  was 
my  custom  to  hold  two  services  each  Sunday,  at  different 
preaching  stations  and  to  accompany  these  services  by  oral 
catechism.  I  have  no  occasional  offices  to  report  in  connec- 
tion with  tliis  sphere  of  labor. 

Convention  of  1843.     Richmond,  Va.,   May    17. 

Bishop  Meade  presided. 

Present  from  West  Virginia:  Rev.  Messrs.  Armstrong  and 
Chisholm. 

Missionary  Appropriations:  Rev.  Joshua  H.  Harrison, 
Wellsburg,  $200;  Rev.  A.  Wheeler,  (Springfield,  Jefferson 
county,  Ohio);  Jackson  county,  $150.  Rev.  J.  B.  Goodwin, 
Point  Pleasant,  $100. 


REV.    EDMUND     T.    PERKINS,    D.    D.,    1848. 


REV.    RICHARD    T.    DROWN,    1846. 


9  _ 

RT.    REV.    FRANCIS   MCN.    WHITTLE,    D.    D.,    184/. 


in  West  Virginia.  97 

Contributions  to  Missionary  fund:     Cash  from  Mrs.  Mary 
Jackson,  for  church  in  Wellsburg  $5. 

Contributions  to  contingent  fund:  Kanawha  and  St.  Mark's 
Parish,  Kanawha,  $47;  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstiwn,  $36; 
St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling,  $75. 
Parochial  Reports: 

St.  John's  and  St.  Lukes  Churches,  Kanawha  Parish  and 
Bangor  and  St.  John's  in  the  Valley,  St.  Mark's  Parish— James 
Craik  Rector.  Communicants  added,  13;  removed  1;  died  1; 
withdrawn  1;  total  68;  baptisms,  adults  3;  infants,  white  27; 
colored  3;  total  33;  confirmations,  none;  marriages  2:  funer- 
als 4;  families,  about  50;  adults,  about  150;  infants  about  150. 
Amount  collected  for  the  different  institutions  connected  with 
the  church  $25.00. 

We  reported  something  under  this  head  last  year  but  the 
Secretary  or  publisher  of  the  Journal  has  omitted  to  state  it. 
We  cannot  do  much,  but  do  not  like  to  be  published  as  alto- 
gether unmindful  of  our  obligations. 

A  part  of  the  ground  included  in  the  above  report  is  mis- 
sionary, and  I  am  happy  to  say  that  if  the  poor  had  nearly 
failed  out  of  our  churches,  as  was  most  sadly  true,  they  are 
beginning,  in  one  portion  of  this  field  to  return.  On  this  ac- 
count I  have  not  attempted  at  one  of  these  points,  to  collect 
the  conventional  fund,  or  in  any  way  to  speak  of  pecuniary 
contributions. 

Xorhornc  Parish,  Berkeley  County—  Churches,  Mt.  Zion, 
Hedgesville  and  Trinity,  Martinsburg,  James  Chisholm,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  added  0;  removed  6;  died  1;  total  94  (of 
which  2  added  from  other  parishes);  baptisms,  adults,  white 
2;  infants.  8  white,  and  2  colored;  confirmations  none;  mar- 
riages 5;  funerals  2.  Number  of  families  about  70;  adults 
200;  infants  150.  Amount  collected  for  institutions  connect- 
ed with  the  church  $40,  for  other  benevolent  purposes  $1G. 

Remarks — There  are  in  the  parish  three  Church  Sunday 
schools,  containing  together  100  pupils,  and  served  by  20 
teachers.  In  one  of  the  schools  there  are  classes  of  young 
colored  catechumens  who  are  orally  taught.    By  the  aid  of  a 


98  The  Episcopal  Church 

devoted  Lav  Reader,  the  Rector  is  able  to  maintain  constant 
service  within  the  parish,  ten  miles  distant  from  either  of 
the  two  parish  Churches.  It  is  expected  that  the  congrega- 
tion at  Martinsburg,  which  has  been  sometime  without  a 
stated  place  of  worship,  will  during  the  summer  enter  their 
new  church.  In  Mount  Zion  Church,  divine  service  is  per- 
formed for  colored  congregations,  in  the  afternoon  of  every 
communion  day. 

Trinity  Church,  Shephcrdstown — C.  W.  Andrews,  Rector. 
Communicants  added  3;  died  1;  total  36;  baptisms,  infants, 
1;  families  35;  parts  of  families  10;  parish  library  of  100  vol- 
umes. Amount  collected  since  December  for  different  insti- 
tutions connected  with  the  church  $225.64. 

The  Rector  took  charge  of  this  parish  in  November  last,  and 
thinks  it,  although  small,  an  interesting  and  promising  field 
of  labor.  During  the  past  year  the  congregation  have  erect- 
ed a  new  church  edifice,  which  the}7  have  furnished  with  an 
organ,  bell  and  clock,  and  they  are  out  of  debt. 

aS7.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling — Wm.  Armstrong,  Rector. 
Communicants  100;  baptisms,  adults  5;  infants  20;  marriages 
8;  funerals  8;  Sunday  school,  100  children,  18  teachers.  The 
rector  has  nothing  of  special  interest  to  report  concerning  the 
spiritual  condition  of  his  congregation.  In  common  with 
many  of  the  churches  throughout  the  West,  our  means  for 
rendering  assistance  to  the  benevolent  institutions  of  the 
church  have  been  seriously  affected.  The  offerings  of  this 
congregation,  however,  though  less  in  amount,  are  now  as 
much,  if  not  more  in  proportion  to  the  means  of  his  people, 
than  when  times  were  considered  favorable. 

St.  John's  Brooke  Count u — J.  H.  Harrison,  Rector.  Commu- 
nicants added  3;  total,  33.    Burials,  infants  2. 

Christ  Church,  Wellsburg —  J.  II.  Harrison.  Rector.  Commu- 
nicants 2  added  and  2  deceased,  total  18;  marriages  4;  burials 
2  adults;  1  infant;  baptisms  1  infant. 

My  time  has  been  equally  divided  during  the  past  year  be- 
tween the  parish  of  St.  John's,  in  the  center  of  the  county,  and 
the  parish  of  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg,  with  the  exception 


in  West  Virginia.  99 

of  four  Sundays,  two  of  which  were  spent  in  the  parishes 
in  Ohio. 

Convention  of    I  844.     Lynchburg,  Va.,  May  15. 

Bishop  Meade  presided. 

Dr.  S.  H.  Tucker,  lay  delegate  from  St.  Andrew's  Parish, 
the  sole  representative  from  West  Virginia. 

Bishop  Meade  in  his  address  mentions  visiting  Jefferson 
and  Berkeley  counties,  but  does  not  give  details. 

Bishop  Johns  in  his  address  says:  The  16th,  17th  and  18th 
of  October  (1843)  were  passed,  day  and  night,  in  the  stages  be- 
tween Staunton  and  Charleston,  Kanawha.  On  this  journey 
and  as  far  as  Point  Pleasant,  I  was  accompanied  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  McElroy,  to  whom,  as  well  as  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craik,  I 
was  indebted  for  much  important  aid. 

October  19.  Preached  at  Charleston.  October  20.  Conse- 
crated St.  Luke's  Church,  at  the  Salines  and  preached.  Also 
at  night  and  the  next  morning,  after  the  Rev.  Mr.  McElroy. 
October  21.  Preached  at  night  at  Charleston.  October  22. 
Preached  and  confirmed  five  persons  at  Charleston,  and  again 
at  night  confirmed  two.  October  23.  Preached  at  Coals- 
mouth.  October  24.  Preached  at  St.  John's  in  the  Valley 
and  confirmed  ten. 

This  place  is  designated  by  a  beautiful  name.  The  congre- 
gation is  one  of  great  interest.  Though  the  building,  which 
they  occupy  is  of  the  humblest  pretensions,  yet  it  is  most 
happily  changed  from  its  original  use.  It  is  only  recently  that 
the  Church  has  been  introduced  into  this  neighborhood, 
through  the  voluntary  missionary  efforts  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Craik,  who  has  indeed  been  doing  the  work  of  an  evangelist 
throughout  that  region.  The  building  to  which  I  have  allud- 
ed was  once  a  distillery,  and  is  now  commonly  called  "Still 
House  Chapel."  Its  former  apparatus  of  death  has,  of  course, 
been  dislodged,  and  a  floor  having  been  laid,  and  a  rough 
chancel  and  benches  provided,  it  is  converted  into  a  dispensa- 
ry of  the  waters  of  life.  Here,  under  a  roof  by  no  means  im- 
pervious to  wind  and  rain,  quite  a  large  congregation  of  plain 


100  The  Episcopal  Church 

people  assemble  to  join  in  the  simple,  solemn  services,  and  re- 
ceive the  evangelical  instructions  of  our  venerable  Church. 
So  recently  have  most  of  the  persons  attending,  become  pos- 
sessed of  a  prayer  book,  that  in  conducting  public  worship, 
the  Rector  still  deemed  it  expedient  to  aid  them,  by  naming 
as  he  proceeded,  the  page  of  the  particular  portion  about  to 
be  used.     With  this  assistance,  the  whole  service  was  en- 
gaged in  by  old  and  young  with  an  appearance  of  devotion  and 
fullness  of  response  which  I  shall  long  remember.  The  Rector 
was  expecting  as  his  associate  here  and  at  Coalsmouth,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  West,  an  aged  servant  of  Christ,  but  still  animated 
with  youthful  zeal  in  his  Master's  cause.     He  was  then  de- 
tained by  sickness  at  Ravenswood.  I  may  mention  that  it  is  in 
contemplation  to  erect  a  suitable  house  of  worship  for  the  use 
of  this  congregation,  and  as  their  own  means  are  limited,  I 
beg  leave  to  commend  their  case  to  Christians  elsewhere  as 
one  that  has  peculiar  claims  on  their  liberality.  October  25. 
At  Buffalo,  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  McElroy,I  address- 
ed the  congregation,  and  confirmed  two  persons.    October  26* 
At  Point  Pleasant  addressed  the  congregation  at  night,  after 
a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craik.    October  27.    This  was  the 
day  appointed  for  consecrating  the  Church  at  Mercer's  Bot- 
tom, eight  miles  below  Point  Pleasant,  and  near  the  Ohio 
river.     The  snow  which  fell  during  the  night  rendered  trav- 
eling rather  difficult.     But  accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
McElroy,  Craik  and  J.  Goodwin,  missionary  at  this  station, 
we  reached  the  place  in  time.    The  state  of  the  roads  and  the 
weather  prevented  many  from  attending.    The  building  which 
is  of  brick,  neatly  finished,  and  located  on  a  mound  in  the 
midst  of  a  grove,  I  consecrated  by  the  name  of  Bruce  Chapel, 
a  name  selected  by  the  minister  and  vestry,  as  an  expression 
of  gratitude  for  the  liberal  assistance  received  from  Mrs. 
and  the  Misses  Bruce,  of  Halifax,  to  whose  generous  contri- 
butions not  a  few  of  our  feeble  congregations  are  indebted 
for  their  ability  to  complete  their  respective  houses  of  wor- 
ship.    In  this  chapel  I  preached  and  confirmed  four  persons. 
After  the  services  we  became  the  guests  of  General  Steinber- 


in  West  Virginia.  101 

gen,  and  were  refreshed  by  the  kind  attention  of  his  hospita- 
ble family,  with  whom  we  tarried  until  the  next  day  at  noon, 
and  then  returned  to  Point  Pleasant.  October  28.  I  ad- 
dressed the  congregation  at  Point  Pleasant,  at  night,  after 
a  sermon  by  the  Key.  Mr.  Craik.  October  29.  I  preached  at 
Point  Pleasant  in  the  morning.  In  the  afternoon  addressed 
a  meeting,  convened  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  McElroy,  the  agent  of 
the  Bible  Society  of  Virginia.  And  again  at  night,  I  address- 
ed the  congregation  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craik. 
October  30.  Took  a  boat  for  Ravenswood,  reached  it  the 
same  night.  October  31.  Preached  at  Ravenswood  in  a  pri- 
vate house,  and  confirmed  two  persons. 

I  here  met  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  West,  who  on  his  way  to  his 
missionary  field  at  Teays  Valley,  had  been  arrested  by  a  dis- 
ease, which  threatened  a  termination  of  his  labors.  For 
several  weeks  he  was  detained  at  Ravenswood,  under  the 
roof  of  Mr.  Quarrier,  who  with  the  several  members  of  his 
family,  performed  the  part  of  the  Good  Samaritan  towards 
this  aged  and  suffering  servant  of  Christ,  ministering  to  his 
wants,  and  alleviating  his  affliction  with  a  delicate  and  un- 
tiring attention,  which  calls  for  our  grateful  acknowledgment. 
In  this  whole  county,  there  is  not,  as  I  was  informed,  a  single 
house  for  public  worship  belonging  to  any  denomination.  Our 
friends  at  Ravenswood  design  attempting  the  erection  of  a 
small  and  unpretending  church.  I  trust  they  will  not  be  dis- 
couraged, for  a  knowledge  of  the  necessities  of  that  region, 
must  ensure  aid  from  the  more  favored  sections  of  the  Dio- 
cese. November  1.  Accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craik,  I 
reached  Parkersburg  at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning.  It  was 
my  intention  to  have  spent  two  days  at  this  place  aitl  then 
pass  to  Clarksburg  and  Weston.  The  arrangement  of  the 
stages,  however,  rendered  this  impracticable,  except  by  in- 
terfering with  other  appointments;  and  as  the  brethren  with 
whom  I  conferred  concurred  in  opinion  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  T. 
Smith,  the  missionary  at  those  places,  I  concluded  to  relin- 
quish my  visit  to  the  interior  and  give  the  time  to  Parkers- 
burg.    I  am  happy  to  know  that    my    unavoidable    failure, 


102  The  Episcopal  Church 

which  I  then  much  regretted,  will  secure  for  Clarksburg  and 
Weston  an  earlier  visit  from  Bishop  Meade. 

At  Parkersburg,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craik,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  we  conducted  religious  services  twice  a  day 
on  the  1st,  2nd  and  3rd,  of  November.  November  3rd.  I 
baptized  two  infants.  November  -1th.  Before  morning  ser- 
vice I  confirmed  in  private  a  sick  person.  At  eleven,  I 
preached  and  confirmed  six  persons,  and  united  in  the  admin- 
istration of  the  Lord's  Supper.  We  have  no  house  of  worship 
in  this  place,  but  were  cheerfully  accommodated  by  our  Pres- 
byterian and  Methodist  brethren.  The  prospects  of  our  mis- 
sionary here  are  certainly  encouraging;  and  from  the  inter- 
est manifested  in  our  services,  I  shall  be  disappointed  if 
Parkersburg  does  not  soon  furnish  a  congregation  respecta- 
ble in  numbers,  and  possess  a  Church  corresponding  with 
its  local  importance.  The  enterprising  missionary,  associates 
with  his  official  duties  the  superintendence  of  a  female  acad- 
emy just  established,  and  which,  if  sustained  as  it  should 
be,  must  exert  an  extensive  influence  for  good.  November 
4th.  At  the  solicitation  of  the  Rector  and  certain  members 
of  the  congregation  in  Marietta,  Ohio,  I  crossed  the  river  and 
preached  in  their  Church  at  night,  hoping  that  this  incon- 
siderable service  will  be  more  than  repaid  to  us  by  my  Right 
Rev.  Brother  of  Ohio  in  his  visitations  along  the  border  of 
his  Diocese.  November  5th.  Took  a  boat  at  Marietta,  and 
reached  Wheeling  next  morning  at  6  o'clock.  The  same  day, 
accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong,  I  proceeded  to 
Wellsburg,  Brooke  county.  November  7th.  In  the  morning 
preached  in  Wellsburg  and  confirmed  three  persons.  Preach- 
ed again  at  night.  November  8th.  A  violent  cold,  contracted 
by  exposure  on  my  ride  to  Wellsburg,  confined  me  to  the 
house,  and  prevented  me  from  meeting  my  appointment  in 
the  vicinity  at  St.  John's.  The  services,  however,  were  con- 
ducted by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Harri- 
son, Rector  of  the  Parish.  November  12th.  Preached  twice  in 
St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling  and  confirmed  eighteen. 


in  West  Virginia.  103 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Society  reports  appropriations: 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Goodwin  at  Point  Pleasant  $200,  of  which 
$50  were  for  the  previous  year's  services.  To  the  Rev.  Thom- 
as Smith  at  Parkersburg  $200,  and  also  $50  for  the  purpose 
of  making  a  tour  of  exploration.  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Harrison 
at  Wellsburg  $200;  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wheeler  in  Jackson  coun- 
ty, $150.  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  West  in  Kanawha,  $150.  The  com- 
mittee says:  The  western  part  of  the  Diocese,  where  all  our 
missionaries  are  actively  employed,  is  an  exceedingly  impor- 
tant part  and  demands  now  faithful  and  nurturing  care.  The 
present  time,  if  embraced,  will  enable  us  to  plant  the  Church 
there;  which  in  a  little  time  will  not  only  sustain  itself,  but 
repay  with  interest  our  present  fostering  care. 

Contributions  to  Diocesan  missions,  through  Bishop  Johns, 
Kanawha  county,  $21.50;  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling, 
$30.00. 

Payments  to  Contingent  fund  from  Diocese  $1,310.72,  of 
which  from  West  Virginia:  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown, 
$10;  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling,  $75;  St.  John's  and 
St.  Mark's  Churches,  Kanawha,  $36;  St.  Andrew's  Parish, 
Zion  Church,  $80.50. 

Returned  as  delinquent:  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  coun- 
ty, $94;  Church  at  Parkersburg,  $18;  Church  at  Clarksburg, 
si:  Weston  Church,  $(!. 

Balance  due  from  parishes:  Trinity  Church,  Shepherds- 
town,  $19;  St.  John's  and  St.  Mark's  Churches,  Kanawha,  for 
1813,  $12,  for  1S14,  $32. 

Parishes  delinquent  for  181.".:  Christ  Church,  Clarksburg, 
$5;  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  county,  $94;  St.  John's  Church, 
Brooke  county,  $20. 

Parishes  which  have  made  no  report  i<»  this  Convention: 
Christ  and  St.  John's  Churches,  Brooke  county:  St.  Andrew's 
Parish,  Zion  Church,  Jefferson  county. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Report  of  James  Craik,  Rector  of  si.  John's  and  si.  Luke's 
churches,  Kanaicha  Parish,  Kanaicha  Con  ill  if.  Mm/  10.  L844 — 
Communicants   added    1.".:    removed    10;    suspended    L;    with- 


104  The  Episcopal  Church 

drawn  1;  total  36;  baptisms,  white  adults  4;  infants  11;  con- 
firmations 19;  marriages  3;  funerals  5;  number  of  families 
about  26;  individuals  connected  therewith,  about  80.  Amount 
collected  for  the  different  institutions  connected  with  the 
church  $54. 

At  the  date  of  the  last  report  St.  Mark's  Parish  (St.  Al- 
bans) constituted  a  part  of  my  charge,  and  was  included  in 
the  report.  That  connection  continued  until  last  fall,  when  it 
was  dissolved  by  the  happy  circumstance  that  the  parish  was 
enabled  to  secure  the  services  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  West  as  rector. 

Report  of  Rev.  James  Chishohn,  Rector  of  Isforborne  Parish, 
Berkeley  County,  (Churches,  Mt.  Zion,  Hedgesville  and  Trinity, 
Martinsburg) — Communicants  added  7;  removed  4;  died  3; 
suspended  2;  total  94;  baptisms,  adults  3,  viz.  white  2,  colored 
1;  infants  25,  viz.  white  20,  colored  5;  total  28.  Confirmations 
10;  marriages  4;  funerals  13.  Amount  collected  for  the  differ- 
ent institutions  connected  with  the  church:  for  the  Educa- 
tion society  $25;  other  contributions  $57.50;  total  $82.50. 

Trinity  Church,  Hhepherdstown — C.  W.  Andrews,  Rector. 
Communicants  added  27;  removed  2;  total  59;  baptisms, 
adults  3,  infants  18;  marriages  7;  funerals  3;  number  of  fam- 
ilies 42;  parts  of  families  8.  Amount  collected  for  different 
institutions  connected  with  the  church  $350,  including  im- 
provements upon  the  church  building  $550.  The  memory  of 
the  past  3rear  will  be  precious  to  many  connected  with  this 
Church. 

Report  of  Rev.  Thomas  Smith,  Parkersburg — Communicants 
added  14;  removed  1;  died  1;  total  18.  Baptisms,  adults, 
white  3;  infants,  white  24;  confirmations  7;  marriages  5; 
funerals  3. 

Clarksburg — Communicants  7;  baptisms,  infants  7. 

Weston  Church — Communicants  added  3;  total  6. 

My  duties  at  Parkersburg  and  vicinity  are  important,  en- 
grossing and  encouraging.  Our  church  is  contracted  for,  and 
we  hope  to  have  it  enclosed  this  summer,  and  with  assistance 
from  abroad  to  have  the  interior  finished.  Our  Female  Sem- 
inary has  opened  its  second  term  with     more     encouraging 


in  West  Virginia.  105 

prospects  than  heretofore.  It.  is  likely,  though  now  expensive, 
after  awhile  to  be  productive.  It  bids  fair  to  be  of  command- 
ing influence  for  the  church.  This  parish  was  only  organized 
17th  July,  1843,  since  which  I  have  baptized  24  infants  and 
3  adults;  married  5;  buried  3.  I  found  4  communicants  aud 
have  admitted  14;  removed  1;  death  1;  confirmed  7. 

Convention  of    1845.     Fredericksburg,  Va.,  May  2  I. 

The  assistant  Bishop  presided. 

West  Virginia  clergy  present: 

Rev.  0.  W.  Andrews,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown;  Rev. 
W.  H.  Good,  Middleway,  Jefferson  county;  Rev.  Alex.  Jones, 
D.  D.,  Charlestown,  Jefferson  county;  Rev.  Thomas  Smith, 
Missionary,  Parkersburg, 

Absent — Rev.  Win.  Armstrong,  St.  Matthew's  Church, 
Wheeling;  Rev.  James  Chisholm,  Norborne  Parish,  Hedges- 
ville;  Rev.  James  Goodwin,  Missionary,  Point  Pleasant;  Rev. 
F.  B.  Nash,  Coalsmouth,  Kanawha;  Rev.  H.  D.  Ward,  Kan- 
awha Parish,  Kanawha. 

Lay  Delegates  present: 

James  L.  Ransom,  Zion  Church,  Jefferson;  Jacob  Mor- 
gan, Trinity,  Shepherdstown;  Dr.  M.  P.  Nelson,  Christ 
Church,  Berkeley. 

No  visitations  reported. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Society  reports  a  total  appropria- 
tion of  $1,837.50,  of  which,  to  Rev.  W.  H.  Good,  Mill  Creek, 
Jefferson  county,  $275;  of  which,  $50  special  and  $75  on  last 
year;  to  Rev.  Thos.  Smith,  Parkersburg,  $215;  to  Rev. 
James  B.  Goodwin,  Point  Pleasant,  Mason  county,  $112.50; 
to  Rev.  Joshua  H.  Harrison,  Brooke  county,  $50;  Rev.  Mr. 
West,  Kanawha,  $112.50;  Bishop  Johns  collected  this;  Bruce 
chapel,  $4.00;  Church  at  Point  Pleasant,  $9.18;  Church  at 
Parkersburg,  $11.90. 

There  was  also  reported,  By  cash  from  Mrs.  Ann  Hender- 
son, St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  for  Church  at  Parkers- 
burg, $10,  and  by  cash  from  Trinity  Church,  Portsmouth,  for 
same,  $5;  also,  By  cash,  from  two  ladies  at  a  distance  for  mis- 
sions in  Western  Virginia,  $200.     Contributions  to  the  con- 


106  The  Episcopal  Church 

tinge nt  fund,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown,  $50.00;  Christ 
Church,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley,  $20.00;  Norborne  Par- 
ish, $18.00;  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Zion  Church,  $101.50;  St. 
Matthew's,  Wheeling,  $75.00;  Kanawha  Parish,  Kanawha 
county,  $23.00. 

Received  from  parishes  reported  delinquent  at  the  last 
convention:  Norborne  Parish,  $2.00.  Delinquencies,  1844: 
Church  at  Parkersburg,  $18;  Weston  Church,  $6;  Trinity 
Church,  Shepherdstown,  $10;  Church  at  Clarksburg,  Har- 
rison county  $7;  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  county,  $01;  St. 
John's  and  St.  Mark's  Churches,  Kanawha  county,  $32. 

Delinquencies  1845:  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley,  $67;  Trin- 
ity Church,  Wood  county,  $24;  Rev.  Thos.  Smith,  Clarks- 
burg, Missionary,  $7;  Weston,  $5;  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Trin- 
ity Church,  Shepherdstown,  $12. 

Parishes  which  have  made  no  report  to  this  convention: 
Brooke,  St.  John's  and  Christ  Churches;  St.  Mark's  and  St. 
John's,  Kanawha;  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling. 

Parochial  Reports : 

St.  Andrew' 8  Parish,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown — C.  W. 
Andrews,  Rector.  Communicants  63;  baptisms  10;  candi- 
dates for  confirmation  33;  contributions  for  purposes  out  of 
the  Parish,  $425,  of  which  $100  was  for  the  sufferers  by  fire, 
in  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Pittsburg;  for  purposes  within  the 
Parish,  $300;    total,  $725. 

'Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County—  Churches,  Mt.  Zion, 
Hedgesville;  Trinity,  Martinsburg;  Calvary,  Valley  of  Back 
('reek — James  Chisholm,  Rector.  Communicants,  85;  bap- 
tisms, 15. 

Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley — Wm.  H.  (iood,  Rector.  Com- 
municants, 13,  1  colored:  baptisms  1;  contributions  to  the 
convention  on  Bishop's  fund,  $20.00.  The  Church  at  Smith- 
Beld  numbers  7  communicants. 

Zion  Church,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  .Jefferson  County— Alex. 
Jones,  Rector.  Communicants  105;  baptisms,  white  22;  col- 
ored 17.  Amount  collected  for  different  institutions  of  the 
church,  $326.27. 


in  West  Virginia.  107 

Trinity  finish.  Wood  Count// — Thomas  Smith,  Missionary. 
Communicants  24;  baptisms  T.  Clarksburg,  communicants 
7.     Weston,  communicants  5. 

Convention  of  1846.     St.  Paul's,  Petersburg,  May  20. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

Two  clergy  present  from  West  Virginia.  New  name 
among  the  clergy,  Rev.  Templeman  Brown,  Middleway. 

Lay  Delegates  present:  Step.  D.  Watkins,  St.  Andrew's 
Parish,  Shepherdstown. 

In  ins  address  Bishop  Meade  says: 

•In  September  (1845)  I  set  out  on  a  visit  to  the  congrega- 
tions in  Western  Virginia.  1  was  prevented  by  indisposition 
from  reaching  Clarksburg,  or  Weston,  in  which  places  there 
are  a  few  families  attached  to  our  Church,  and  where  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Kinsolving  has  been  officiating  since  September  last. 
We  met  at  Morgantown  and  held  two  services  in  that  place. 
Thence  I  proceeded  to  Wheeling,  where  I  spent  several  days, 
and  where  nine  persons  were  confirmed.  While  there  I  vis- 
ited Wellsburg  and  St.  John's  in  the  vicinity;  both  of  which 
places  were  destitute  of  a  minister.  Thence  I  went  to 
Parkersburg  where  I  spent  several  days,  and  confirmed  nine 
persons;  thence  to  Ravenswood,  where  one  was  continued: 
thence  to  Point  Pleasant  and  Mercer's  Bottom,  at  the  last  of 
which  places  three  were  confirmed.  Thence  to  Coalsmouth, 
Charleston  and  the  Salines,  all  of  them  in  Kanawha  county. 
At  Charleston  six  persons  were  confirmed. 

Bishop  Johns,  in  his  address,  says:  "July  26th.  Preached 
at  Bunker  Hill.  July  27th.  Preached  at  Martinsburg  and 
confirmed  two  persons.  July  28th.  Preached  in  the  Church 
at  Hedgesville  in  the  morning,  and  at  night  addressed  the 
congregation  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Andrews. 
July  29th.  Preached  in  the  same  church  and  confirmed  six- 
teen persons.  I  cannot  pass  from  the  notice  of  my  visit  to 
this  chapel,  without  recording  the  satisfaction  which  it  af- 
forded me.  Everything  was  plain,  simple  and  solemn,  the 
congregations  were  large  and  remarkably  attentive  and  seri- 


108  The  Episcopal  Church 

ous,  the  entire  service  of  the  church  was  conducted  with  a 
fullness  of  response  and  manifestation  of  feeling,  which 
made  it  more  impressive  to  my  mind  than  the  most  imposing 
cathedral  service.  The  addition  to  the  church  too,  furnished 
good  evidence,  that  the  word  which  had  been  preached  to 
them  proved  profitable.  If  any  one  supposes  that  the  peculiar 
arrangements  of  our  church,  are  not  adapted  to  all  classes  of 
society  let  him  visit  the  church  on  Hedges  mountain,  or  St. 
John's  in  Teays  Valley,  Kanawha,  and  his  error  will  be  cor- 
rected. 

July  30th.  Rode  to  Shepherdstown  and  lectured  there  at 
night.  Juty  31st.  Preached  in  the  same  church  in  the  morn- 
ing and  at  night.  August  1st.  Preached  in  the  same  church 
in  the  morning  and  confirmed  twenty-three  persons.  August 
2nd.  Preached  in  the  church  in  Charlestown.  August  3rd. 
Preached  in  the  same  church  in  the  morning  and  confirmed 
four  persons.  In  the  afternoon  addressed  the  congregation 
after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Andrews.  August  4th.  On 
this  day  I  had  designed  to  intermit  my  services,  but  the  in- 
terest manifest  in  the  congregation  induced  me  to  open  the 
church  again  and  I  preached  in  the  evening.  August  5th. 
[  preached  at  Sinithfield. 

Diocesan  Missionary  Committee  Reports — Have  contributed 
to  20  missionaries.  Among  them:  Rev.  W.  H.  Good,  Middle- 
way,  $100;  Rev.  James  Goodwin,  Mason  county,  $93.50,  also 
$10  for  Prayer  Books;  Rev.  Thos.  Smith,  Wood  county,  $200, 
also  $20  for  Prayer  Books.  Rev.  O.  A.  Kinsolving,  Harrison 
county,  $100;  Rev.  R.  T.  Brown,  Jefferson  county,  $50. 

In  whole  Diocese,  632  Prayer  Books  and  44,468  pages  of 
tracts  distributed. 

Receipts  for  the  year,  $2,673.34.    Disbursements,  $2,250.84. 

A  glance  at  the  destitution  of  the  Western  part  of  the 
State  will  show  the  necessity  of  exertion.  There  are  20 
Episcopal  clergymen  west  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  of  which  13  are 
in  the  valley,  leaving  but  seven  west  of  the  Allegheny,  a  part 
of  the  State  containing  forty-two  counties  and  260,000  souls. 


in  West  Virginia.  109 

Here  is  a  "field  white  already  for  the  harvest",  demanding  the 
zeal  and  energy  of  youthful  laborers,  together  with  the  ma- 
tured wisdom  and  prudence  of  riper  years  and  rich  experi- 
ence. The  record  of  the  past  affords  strong  encouragement 
for  the  future.  As  we  look  back,  we  thank  God  and  take 
courage.  In  1S39  our  receipts  were  but  $20.00.  During  the 
next  three  years  the  average  number  of  missionaries  was  5. 
In  1843,  there  were  10.  In  1841  and  '45,  there  were  each 
year  13;  and  during  the  last  year  20  have  been  assisted,  and 
the  receipts  have  been  $2,073.34.  Yet,  how  inconsiderable 
are  those  contributions,  will  appear  from  the  facts  that  they 
do  not  exceed  fifty  cents  for  each  communicant  in  the  Dio- 
cese. 

The  great  want,  however,  is  not  funds,  (for  the  Diocese  has 
never  refused  what  was  asked)  but  men,  faithful,  laborious, 
heavenly  minded  ambassadors  for  God.  And  we  cannot  but 
believe  there  is  a  great  want  of  faithful  men,  on  the  part 
of  parents  as  wrell  as  of  ministers  in  this  matter.  Were  a  more 
careful  attention  bestowed  upon  the  young,  were  they  trained 
up  for  God,  and  consecrated  from  their  infancy  to  His  ser- 
vice, we  cannot  but  think  that  more  would  choose  the  minis- 
try for  their  profession,  and  we  should  see  fewer  instances  of 
misdirected  talents,  and  energies  wasted  in  the  trifles  and 
follies  of  the  world. 

Contributions  from  four  churches  in  West  Virginia, 
$116.12.  .  Contingent  Fund— Five  Parishes  paid  $152.  Eight 
Parishes  were  delinquent  $239.  Four  Churches  make  no  re- 
port. 

The  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Church,  say  that  as 
our  civil  authorities  never  call  upon  us  to  observe  a  day  of 
yearly  thanksgiving,  there  is  reason  to  fear  that  it  is  to  gen- 
erally neglected  by  the  clergy  of  the  Diocese. 
Parochial  Reports: 

Trinity,  Martinsburg  ;  Mt.  Zion,  HedgcsriUc,  and  Calvary  in 
the  Back  Greek  Valley— James  Chisholm,  Rector.  Communi- 
cants 93;  baptisms  23;  confirmations  18.    Contributions  $55. 


110  The  Episcopal  Church 

Clarksburg  and  Weston — O.  A.  Kinsolving,  Missionary. 
Communicants,  G  and  3  respectively;  2  communicants  at  Mor- 
gantown. 

Trinity  Parish,  Wood — Thomas  Smith,  Rector.  Communi- 
cants 32;   confirmed  9;   baptisms  16. 

The  building  of  the  church  is  progressing;  but  its  erection 
will  be  according  to  funds  in  hand.  It  is  hoped  it  will  be 
ready  for  consecration  at  the  next  Episcopal  visit. 

A  very  flourishing  congregation  has  been  organized  in  the 
upper  part  of  the  Parish,  and  another  in  the  lower  part, 
awaits  the  action  of  the  Rector,  whose  health  has  forced  him 
to  delay  the  necessary  proceedings  towards  a  similar  result. 
A  Parish,  it  is  hoped,  and,  with  western  promises  of  success, 
will  soon  be  organized  in  Tyler  county.  The  Sunday  school 
still  exists,  though  it  is  not  in  a  flourishing  state  for  the  want 
of  suitably  qualified  teachers. 

In  Jackson  county,  adjoining  Wood,  a  Parish  called  St. 
James,  has  been  organized.  1  has  been  confirmed :  7  infants 
baptized;   2  communicants  have  removed. 

Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown — Charles  W.  Andrews,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants,  61;  baptisms,  3;  confirmed  23;  contribu- 
tions $366. 

Convention  of   1847.     Winchester,  May  I  6. 

Bisnop  Meade  presiding.  Five  clergy  from  West  Virginia 
present. 

Lay  Delegates: 

Bushrod  C.  Washington,  Zion  Church,  Charlestown;  Rich- 
ard Henry  Lee,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown;  Edmund  P. 
Hunter,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley;  Win.  G.  Morgan,  Christ 
Church,  Mill  Creek,  Berkeley. 

In  his  address,  Bishop  Meade  says:  "I  visited  (November, 
1846)  the  congregations  in  Jefferson  and  Berkeley,  beginning 
at  Smithfield,  where  one  was  confirmed.  Spending  a  day  at 
Leetown;  then  two  at  Charlestown,  where  four  white  and 
three  colored  persons  were  confirmed;  then  two  days  at 
Shepherdstown,  where  two  were  confirmed;   two  at  Martins- 


in  West  Virginia.  Ill 

burg,  where  four  were  confirmed;  two  at  Hedges ville,  con- 
firming one  at  Back  Creek;  where  a  new  church  was  conse- 
crated; one  at  Bunker  Hill,  where  two  were  confirmed. 
This  was  the  last  of  my  appointments,  and  brought  me  to  the 
winter  season." 

The  Bishop  also  said:  "In  the  death  of  Mr.  Thomas  Smith, 
of  Parkersburg,  we  have  lost  a  fellow  laborer  who  from  his 
first  entrance  on  the  ministry,  has  been  spending  and  being 
spent,  in  the  service  of  the  church.  In  his  disposition  and 
manners,  he  was  kind  and  charitable,  and  thereby  as  well  as 
by  his  active  zeal,  secured  to  himself  warm  friends  in  the 
places  where  he  exercised  his  ministry." 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Committee  reported  one  mission- 
ary in  Western  Virginia,  Kev.  R.  T.  Brown,  Jefferson  county, 
at  $200  per  annum.  They  say:  "In  Eastern  Virginia,  there 
are  many  sections  which  require  missionary  aid;  and  the 
whole  of  Western  Virginia  is  almost  an  uncultivated  field. 
In  all  the  region  West  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  containing  a  popu- 
lation of  more  than  500,000  souls,  our  Church  has  now  but 
fifteen  ministers;  of  these  ten  were  confined  to  the  valley, 
leaving  but  five  west  of  the  Allegheny  mountains." 

To  the  Diocesan  Missionary  Fund,  two  parishes  contrib- 
uted $15.88.  To  the  Contingent.  Fund,  six  parishes  contrib- 
uted $398.77,  of  which  $11.77  was  for  arrears.  Seven 
Churches  delinquent,  $102.50. 

Parochial   Reports: 

St.  John's,  Kanawha  Court  House,  and  St  Lukes,  Salines — 
Henry  Dana  Ward,  Rector,  communicants  36;  baptisms  25; 
No.  of  families  20;  Sunday  School  scholars  50;  donations  to 
Domestic  Missions  $15;  to  Foreign  Missions  $10;  Virginia 
Educational  Society  $27. 

Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley — lames  Chisholm,  Rector.  Com- 
municants 100;  baptisms  10;  confirmed  5;  contributions 
$100.    A  church  consecrated.     (See  Bishop  Meade's  address). 

Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley,  Christ  Church,  Mill  Greek— Rich- 
ard T.  Brown,  Rector,  communicants  18,  (2  colored);  bap- 
tisms .">;    confirmed  2. 


112  The  Episcopal  Church 

A  convenient  house  with  an  excellent  garden  attached  to 
it,  has  been  purchased  by  the  people  as  a  parsonage. 

I  officiate  for  the  colored  people  every  other  afternoon. 

Also  in  regard  to  Leetown,  Jefferson  County.  This  may  be 
considered  as  a  new  point  of  labor,  no  Episcopal  minister 
having  officiated  there  since  the  removal  of  the  Rev.  Benja- 
min Allen,  deceased.  I  found  a  few  communicants,  who  now 
number  about  12;  there  are  several  families  who  are  pre- 
pared to  unite  with  us,  as  soon  as  a  congregation  is  organ- 
ized. A  flourishing  Sunday  school  has  been  organized,  num- 
bering about  forty  scholars.  We  are  pleased  to  state  that 
the  Sunday  school  of  Christ  Church,  Baltimore,  has  present- 
ed us  with  a  library. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  County,  Zion  Church — Alex- 
ander Jones,  Rector.  Communicants  91;  baptisms  28,  (of 
which  colored  5);   confirmed  1;   contributions  f 574. 15. 

He  has  nothing  otherwise  of  special  interest  to  notice,  ex- 
cept it  be,  a  liberal  and  energetic  effort  on  the  part  of  his  peo- 
ple, to  enlarge  and  much  improve  their  present  church  edifice. 
For  this  enterprise  nearly  $3,000  are  already  subscribed.  He 
may  also  mention  as  a  matter  worthy  of  notice,  that  he  has 
regular  appointments  for  the  colored  population  of  his  par- 
ish, and  has  always  large,  attentive,  and  interesting  congre- 
gations of  this  too  much  neglected  class  of  our  people 

St.  John's  and  Christ  Churches,  Brooke  County — James  D. 
Goodwin,  Rector.     Communicants  40;    baptisms  1. 

After  resigning  the  parish  at  Point  Pleasant,  Mason  coun- 
ty, in  May  last,  and  supplying  five  weeks  in  Parkersburg,  in 
the  absence  of  the  Rector  of  that  Church,  I  came  to  this  par- 
ish the  25th  of  June.  One  third  of  my  time  has  been  be- 
stowed upon  a  very  thriving  congregation  in  East  Liverpool, 
Ohio  county,  made  up,  in  part,  of  families  residing  in  the 
extremest  and  most  destitute  corner  of  Brooke  county. 

Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown — C  W.  Andrews,  Rector. 
Communicants  00;  baptisms  7;  confirmed  2;  contributions 
$3,441.23,  of  which  $100  was  contributed  to  the  relief  of  Ire- 


(REV.    SAMUEL   D.    THOMPKINS,    1848. 


REV.    CHARLES    MCK.    CALLAWAY,    1851. 


REV.    WILLIAM    L.    HYLAND,    D.    D.,    1850. 


mm 


OLD    TRINITY,    PAUKERSBURG  ;    CONSECRATED  1851. 


in  West  Virginia.  113 

land;  $2,800  for  the  purchase  of  a  Rectory.  The  remainder 
lias  been  given  to  the  Education,  Missionary  and  Bible  So- 
cieties, and  to  the  institutions  of  the  Diocese. 

Convention  of  1848.     Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  May  17. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

Present  from  Western  Virginia:  Rev.  C.  \\  .  Andrews, 
Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown;  Rev.  Win.  Armstrong,  St. 
Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling;  Rev.  B.  T.  Brown,  Norborne 
Parish,  Berkeley,  Middle  way;  Bev.  James  Chisholm,  Nor- 
borne Parish,  Martinsburg;  Rev.  Alex.  Jones,  D.  !>..  Si. 
Andrew's  Parish,  Charlestown;  Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  Mission- 
ary, Parkersburg;  Rev.  F.  M.  Whittle,  Kanawha  Parish. 
Kanawha  C.  H. 

Absent:  Rev.  James  Goodwin,  St.  John's  and  Christ 
Churches,  Brooke  county;  Bev.  F.  B.  Nash,  St.  Mark's,  Coals- 
mouth,  Kanawha  county;  Rev.  S.  I).  Tompkins,  Missionary, 
Weston;  Rev.  H.  D.  Ward,  Kanawha  Parish,  Kanawha  Court 
House. 

Lay  Delegates:  Edmund  P.  Hunter,  Norborne,  Berkeley; 
Andrew  P.  Woods,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling;  Tazewell  Tay- 
lor, Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown;  Edward  Colston,  Zion 
Church,  Jefferson. 

Bishop  Johns,  in  his  address,  says:  '•Immediately  after  the 
adjournment  of  the  convention  in  Winchester,  I  returned  to 
Richmond  to  make  necessary  preparations  for  visiting  the 
churches  on  the  Ohio  and  Kanawha  rivers. 

June  7th.  Proceeded  by  the  way  of  Cumberland  and 
Brownsville  to  Pittsburg  and,  descending  the  Ohio  reached 
Wellsburg  on  the  evening  of  the  ninth.  June  10th.  Preached 
in  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg,  morning  and  night,  and  con- 
firmed three  persons.  June  11th.  Preached  in  St.  John's, 
Brooke  county,  and  confirmed  two.  The  same  evening  ac- 
companied by  the  Bev.  Mr.  Armstrong,  I  proceeded  to  Wheel- 
ing. June  12th.  Preached  in  St.  Matthew's.  Wheeling.  June 
13th.  Preached  in  the  same  church  morning  and  night  and 
confirmed  nineteen  persons. 


114  The  Episcopal  Church 

June  14th.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong  and  myself  took  a  boat 
at  9  p.  m.,  and  reached  Parkersburg  the  next  morning  by 
seven.  The  church  in  this  place  has  been  vacant  for  some 
months,  but  the  fruit  of  the  untiring  labors  of  its  lamented 
Rector  was  not  lost.  I  found  the  appropriate  building,  for 
the  erection  of  which  he  exerted  himself  so  zealously,  very 
nearly  finished ;  and  a  spirit  on  the  part  of  the  people,  which 
promised  its  early  completion,  as  a  becoming  expression  of 
their  interest  in  the  good  cause  to  which  it  is  to  be  dedicated, 
and  an  affecting  monument  of  their  minister,  whose  mortal 
remains  are  entombed  at  its  entrance,  within  its  tower.  The 
congregation,  which  he  had  been  instrumental  in  gathering, 
was  neither  dispersed  nor  diminished  by  his  removal.  The 
training  which  they  had  enjoyed,  had  attached  them  intelli- 
gently, to  the  church  of  their  own  choice,  and  they  continued 
in  the  same  doctrine  and  fellowship,  worshipping  together  in 
a  room  fitted  up  for  the  purpose,  and  availing  themselves  of 
a  Lay  Reader,  as  provided  for  by  the  Canons.  June  15th. 
I  preached  for  this  congregation.  June  16th.  Again  morning 
and  night.  June  1.7th.  In  the  morning  I  baptized  two  adults. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Brooke,  of  Cincinnati,  who  kindly  joined  us 
here,  preached  and  I  confirmed  nine  persons.  In  the  after- 
noon the  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong  baptized  twelve  infants.  The 
same  night  I  preached.  For  these  services  the  Methodist 
Church  was  courteously  lent  to  us.  The  three  days  passed 
at  Parkersburg  deepened  my  impression  of  its  importance  as 
a  radiating  point  for  missionary  operations,  and  as  an  eligi- 
ble location  for  an  institution  of  learning  similar  to  our  High 
School  near  Alexandria.  The  two  schemes  might  well  be  com- 
bined for  the  present,  and  if  suitable  men  could  be  found  for 
conducting  the  enterprise,  I  have  the  assurance  that  other 
means  may  be  commanded.  Since  my  visit  the  congregation 
has  secured  the  services  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  of  the  last 
class  of  our  Diocesan  Seminary,  and  I  will  trust,  by  the  bless- 
ing of  God  upon  his  ministrations,  the  way  will  be  more  fully 
prepared  for  the  plan  to  which  I  have  alluded. 


in  West  Virginia.  115 

June  18th.  Was  occupied  iu  passing  to  Point  Pleasant, 
where  we  were  met  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nash.  June  19th.  I 
preached  at  Point  Pleasant,  and  in  the  afternoon  rode  to  the 
vicinity  of  the  church  at  Mercer's  Bottom.  June  20th  I 
preached  in  Bruce  Ohapel;  returned  the  same  after- 
noon ,o  Point  Pleasant,  and  at  night  baptized  two  in- 
fants and  preached. 

These  two  missionary  stations  within  8  miles  of  each 
other,  have  for  some  time  been  without  a  minister.  The  peo- 
ple at  both  points  expressed  a  solicitude  to  be  supplied.  We 
have  not  been  able  to  gratify  their  desire.  Could  a  faithful 
laborer  be  procured  for  this  field,  I  doubt  not  he  would  find 
it  susceptible  of  very  encouraging  improvement;  meanwhile 
we  must  hope  that  the  occasional  services,  which  the  minis- 
ters of  Kanawha  and  WTood  counties,  may  be  able  to  render, 
will  at  least  keep  alive  the  interest,  until  a  suitable  mission- 
ary be  obtained.  June  21st.  Accompanied  by  the  Kev.  Mr. 
Nash,  I  rode  21  miles  up  the  East  bank  of  the  Kanawha  to 
Buffalo,  and  preached  there  in  the  afternoon.  Although  the 
members  of  our  church  here  are  few,  they  hope  not  to  be  neg- 
lected, and  think  that  in  the  community  around  them,  there 
exists  a  favorable  feeling  in  reference  to  our  services,  which 
should  not  be  overlooked. 

June  23rd.  I  preached  in  Teays  Valley,  and  confirmed  three 
persons.  The  building  in  which  these  services  were  con- 
ducted was  once  a  still  house.  It  is  now  answering  a  better 
purpose.  The  congregation  assembled  here  have  become  so 
numerous  as  to  be  encouraged  in  undertaking  to  provide  for 
themselves  a  commodious  edifice.  The  beautiful  site  selected 
was  pointed  out  to  me,  and  I  trust  on  the  next  Episcopal 
visitation,  a  church  will  be  there   ready  for     consecration. 

June  241  b.  At  Coalsmouth,  I  consecrated  St.  Mark's  church. 
The  sentence  and  service  was  read  by  the  Rector,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Nash.  I  preached  and  confirmed  two  persons.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Armstrong,  who.  much  to  my  gratification,  accompanied 
me  from  Wheeling,  was  present,  but  wTas  prevented  by  in- 
disposition from  taking  part  in  the  Offices. 


116  The  Episcopal  Church 

St.  Mark's  Church  is  of  brick,  built  after  a  good  model, 
and  is  not  only  convenient  for  the  services  of  religion,  but 
attractive  to  the  traveller's  eye,  in  passing  that  portion  of  the 
rich  and  beautiful  valley  of  the  Kanawha. 

June  25th.  I  preached  in  St.  John's,  Charleston.  June  26th. 
I  preached  in  St.  Luke's,  Salines.  June  27th.  In  the  morning, 
I  preached  in  St.  John's,  Charleston,  and  confirmed  eight; 
at  night,  T  preached  again  in  the  same  church. 

This  congregation  and  that  at  the  Salines,  are  now  vacant, 
by  the  resignation  of  their  esteemed  rector,  the  Rev.  H.  D. 
Ward.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  under  these  circumstances,  has 
kindly  officiated  for  them  in  the  services  preparatory  to  con- 
firmation, and  in  this,  and  other  ways,  contributed  much  to 
promote  the  objects  of  my  visit.  These  congregations,  as 
stated  in  the  official  report,  have  since  obtained  the  services 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Whittle,  of  the  last  class  of  our  Diocesan 
Seminary,  and  the  prospects  of  the  church  in  that  region 
were  never  more  promising. 

dune  28th.  I  left  Charleston  at  an  early  hour,  in  the  stage, 
to  cross  the  mountains  to  Staunton,  the  place  of  my  next  ap- 
pointment, and  after  riding  with  scarcely  an  interval,  until 
9  o'clock  of  the  night  of  the  next  day,  I  reached  the  White 
Sulphur  Springs,  Greenbrier  county.  The  services  in  which 
I  had  been  engaged,  the  heat  of  the  previous  day,  and  the 
fatigue  of  the  tedious  ride,  so  affected  my  system,  that  I 
retired  to  my  room  with  little  hope  of  being  able  to  reach 
Staunton  in  time  to  meet  my  appointments.  The  next  day 
I  was  incapable  of  travelling,  but  by  a  second  night's  rest, 
I  became  sufficiently  recruited  to  resume  my  journey. 

August  1st.  At  the  White  Sulphur  Springs,  Greenbrier 
county,  the  Bishop  of  Tennessee  read  prayers  and  I  preached 
morning  and  night.  August  8th.  At  the  same  place  I  read 
prayers  and  the  Bishop  of  Tennessee  preached. 

August  15th.  In  the  morning  I  preached  at  Union.  Monroe 
county,  in  the  Baptist  church,  which  was  kindly  lent  to  us. 
At  night  I  preached  at  the  Salt  Sulphur  Springs.       August 


in  West  Virginia.  117 

L6th.  At  the  residence  of  Mr.  Alexander,  in  Union,  I  confirm- 
ed one  person  and  baptized  an  infant.  August  22nd.  I  preach- 
ed a(  the  Sweet  Springs." 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Committee  reported  two  mis- 
sionaries. Ke\#  R.  T.  Brown,  Jefferson  county,  $  1ST. 50,  and 
Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins.  Parkersburg,  $75.  Five  churches  contrib- 
uted $130.15.  To  contingent  fund,  eleven  churches  contrib- 
uted $324.50.  Three  churches  made  no  report.  Three  were 
delinquent. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Christ  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley — Richard  T. 
Brown,  Rector,  and  Missionary  at  Middleway  and  Leetown. 
Communicants  :'>5;  baptisms  18;  number  of  families  22;  con- 
tributed to  diocesan  missions  |5;  to  the  Theological  Semi- 
nary. $38.33. 

Tic  new  church  at  Leetown  is  under  contract,  and  will 
be  ready  for  consecration  in  October. 

Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley — James  Chisholm,  Rector.  Com- 
municants 90;  baptisms  25  (of  these  colored  7).  Con- 
tributions to  foreign  missions  $65;  Theological  Seminary  of 
Virginia  $165.00. 

St.  John's  Church,  Charleston,  and  St.  Lukes  Salines.  Ka- 
nawha County — Francis  M.  Whittle,  Rector.  Communicants 
44  (of  which  1  is  colored);  baptisms  8;  confirmed  8;  number 
of  families  36;  adults  100;  infants  50.     Contributions  $80.50. 

St.  Mark's  Church,  Coalsmouth—F.  B.  Nash,  Rector.  Fam- 
ilies 14;  attendants  on  public  worship  100;  communicants  20; 
baptisms,  '-»;  confirmations  2. 

St.  John's  Church.  Teays"  Valley— F.  B.  Nash,  Rector.  Fami- 
lies 6;  attendants  at  public  worship  61;  communicants  9; 
baptisms  2;  confirmed  '■'>. 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling— Wm.  Armstrong,  Rector. 
Baptisms  L9;  communicants  125. 

Trinity  Parish,  Wood— E.  T.Perkins,  Rector.  Communi 
cants  :\-2;  baptisms  21;  confirmed  0;  number  of  families  22; 
adults  <i2;  infants  57.     Contributions  $:»<>. 


118  The  Episcopal  Church 

I  have  also  visited  Clarksburg-,  and  found  there  6  com- 
municants; baptized  2  infants  and  collected  |2.00  for  the 
contingent  fund.  In  visiting  Weston,  found  6  communicants 
and  received  $2.00  from  Mrs.  Tavenner,  for  the  contingent 
fund,  one  of  which  pays  the  back  dues  of  last  year. 

Trinity  Church,  Shephcrdstown — C.  W.  Andrews,  Rector. 
Communicants  61;  baptisms  2;  number  of  families  38  contri- 
butions $800. 

Zion  Church,  Jefferson — Alex.  Jones,  Rector.  Communi- 
cants 84  (of  which  1  colored);  baptisms  17;  number  of  fam- 
ilies 80.  Amount  collected  for  different  institutions  con- 
nected with  the  church  $250;  for  the  Seminary  $720,  which 
after  the  pressure  of  building  a  new  church  is  relieved,  will 
be  increased,  it  is  hoped  to  at  least  one  thousand. 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg.  was  admitted  into  union  with 
the  Convention. 

Convention  of  1849.     Charlottesville,    May  16. 

Bishop  Meade  presided. 

Four  West  Virginia  clergy  present.    No  lay  delegate. 

Bishop  Meade  in  his  address  says:  "In  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember I  visited  the  Western  part  of  Virginia,  and  on  my 
way  consecrated  the  new  church  at  Charlestown,  Jefferson 
county,  where  I  confirmed  two  persons.  In  the  providence 
of  God,  that  excellent  structure  was  soon  after  consumed 
by  fire,  though  it  is  gratifying  to  know  that  it  will  be  re- 
placed by  another.  At  Wheeling,  nine  persons  were  con- 
firmed; at  Parkersburg  and  the  vicinity,  eight.  The  new 
church  at  that  place  was  not  ready  for  consecration,  but 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins  was  admitted  to  Priest's  orders.  On 
my  way  to  Kanawha,  I  visited  the  congregation  at  Mer- 
cer's Bottom,  on  the  Ohio  river,  and  at  Buffalo.  In  each 
of  which,  one  was  confirmed.  I  spent  two  days  in  the  con- 
gregations at  Coalsmouth  and  vicinity,  and  three  at  Charles- 
ton, and  the  Salines.  At  Charleston,  six  were  confirmed,  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Whittle  admitted  to  Priest's  orders. 

Bishop  Johns  in  his  address  says:   "July  29th.  In  the  new 


in  West  Virginia.  119 

church  at  Charlestown,  though  not  yet  sufficiently  finished 
for  consecration,  I  preached  and  confirmed  three.  The  loss 
experienced  by  this  congregation  in  the  destruction  of  their 
beautiful  building  by  fire,  a  short  time  after  its  dedication, 
is  well  known  to  the  Diocese,  and  must  have  awakened  that 
Christian  sympathy  which  will  express  itself  by  liberal  aid 
in  the  effort  now  making  to  erect  another  church. 

July  30th.  I  preached  in  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown, 
and  confirmed  four.  July  31st.  In  the  morning  I  preached  in 
Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg,  and  also  at  night,  confirming 
three. 

August  1st.  I  preached  in  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Hedgesville. 
August  2nd.  In  Calvary  Church,  a  very  neat  log  building,  at 
Back  Creek,  I  preached  and  confirmed  one,  and  the  same 
evening  crossed  the  North  Mountain  to  the  vicinity  of  my 
next  appointment.  August  3rd.  I  preached  in  the  church  at 
Bunker  Hill  and  confirmed  one.  August  4th.  I  preached  at 
Smithfield,  thus  completing  my  engagements  in  that  section 
of  the  Diocese." 

The  convention  of  1848,  had  determined  to  meet  in  St. 
Matthew's,  Wheeling,  in  1849,  but  the  place  of  meeting  was 
changed  to  Charlottesville.  On  Friday,  May  18th,  the  third 
day  of  the  present  session.  The  Assistant  Bishop  laid  before 
the  convention  resolutions  of  the  vestry  of  St.  Matthew's 
Church,  Wheeling,  expressive  of  the  acquiescence  of  that 
body  in  the  decision  of  the  Bishop  with  respect  of  changing 
the  place  of  meeting  of  the  convention,  and  of  its  hope  and 
confidence  that  the  next  session  of  the  convention  may  be 
held  in  that  city. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Society  reports  $250  appropria- 
ted to  three  missionaries  in  West  Virginia,  and  $30  contrib- 
uted from  two  churches.  To  the  contingent  fund  three 
churches  paid  $1SG.00.  Four  are  reported  $104,  delinquent. 
Five  churches  failed  to  report. 

Parochial  Reports: 

8t    John's    and    St.    Luke's    Churches,     Kanawha     Parish, 


120  The  Episcopal  Church 

Kanawha  Count  a — F.  M.  Whittle,  Rector.  Communicants  41; 
baptisms  18  (of  which  colored  8  infants,)  confirmed  4;  num- 
ber of  families  30;  adults  100,  infants  50;  contribution  $125. 

In  addition  to  my  ministrations  in  the  above  churches,  the 
Rev.  Mr,  Nash  and  myself  have  held  services,  the  last  Sunday 
in  every  month,  in  Mason  county,  in  the  morning  at  Bruce 
Chapel,  Mercer's  Bottom,  and  in  the  afternoon  at  Point 
Pleasant.  These  places  are  sadly  in  need  of  a  missionary.  At 
Bruce  Chapel  there  has  been  1  infant  baptism;  1  confirma- 
tion, and  1  funeral;  number  of  communicants  8.  At  Point 
Pleasant,  communicants  '■>. 

Norbome  Parish,  Mt.  Zion  and  Calvary  Churches,  Berkeley 
County — James  Chisholm,  Rector.  Communicants  GO;  bap- 
tisms 3;  confirmed  1. 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling — Wm.  Armstrong,  Rector. 
Communicants  127  (3  colored);  baptisms  18 

St.  Mark's  Church,  Kanawha  County — F.  B.  Nash,  Rector. 
Communicants  20;  baptisms  1;  confirmed  2;  number  of  fam- 
ilies 17;  adults  75. 

St.  John's  Church.  Teays'  Valley,  Putnam  County — F.  B.  Nash, 
Rector.     Communicants  9;  families  10. 

At  Buffalo  and  Red  House,  Putnam  county,  there  are  no 
regularly  organized  churches,  but  there  are  communicants 
at  the  two  places,  and  there  has  been  one  confirmation. 

Trinity  Church,  Wood  County — E.  T.  Perkins,  Rector.  Com- 
municants 33;  baptisms  8;  confirmed  8;  families  35;  adults 
73,  infants  70;  contributions  $48.00. 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg — James  Chisholm  Rector. 
Communicants  28;  baptisms  6;  confirmed  4;  contributions 
$50.00. 

Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown — C.  W.  Andrews,  Rector. 
Communicants  60;  baptisms  8;  contributions  $300.00. 

Zion  Church,  Charlestown — Alex.  Jones,  Rector.  Commu- 
nicants 74;  baptisms  14;  confirmed  3;  families  70;  contribu- 
tions $230.00. 

Rev.  Samuel   1).  Tompkins  (missionary)  Rector  of  Episco- 


in  West  Vikginia.  121 

pal  congregations  in  Harrison  and  Lewis  counties,  reports: 
I  have  received  by  subscription  about  $900  to  build  a  church 
in  the  town  of  Weston. 

Convention  of  1850.     St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  May  15. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

West  Virginia  clergy  present:  Key.  C.  \Y.  Andrews,  Trin- 
ity Church,  Shepherdstown;  Rev.  William  Armstrong,  St. 
Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling;  Rev.  R.  T.  Brown,  Kanawha 
Parish,  Charleston;  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Christ  Church,  Wells- 
burg;  Trinity  Parish,  Marshall  county;  Rev.  Win.  N.  Irish,  St. 
Thomas',  Frederick  county;  St.  John's,  Harpers  Ferry. 

West  Virginia  clergy  absent:  Rev.  James  Goodwin,  Si. 
John's  Church,  Wellsburg;  Rev.  John  C.  McCabe,  St.  John's 
Church,  Wheeling;  Rev.  F.  B.  Nash,  St.  Mark's,  Coalsmouth; 
St.  Paul's  Parish,  Putnam  county;  Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  Trinity 
Parish,  Parkersburg;  Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Weston. 

Lay  Delegates:  Mr.  F.  P.  Hunter,  Trinity  Church,  Mar- 
tinsburg;  Mr.  Chas.  F.  Butler,  Trinity  Church,  Shepherds- 
town;  Mr.  Bushrod  C.  Washington,  Zion  Church,  Charles- 
town;  Mr.  Joseph  H.  Russell,  St.  John's  Church,  Harper's 
Ferry. 

Bishop  Meade  in  his  address  says: 

"November.  5th.  I  confirmed  two  persons  in  Smithfield. 
where  efforts  are  making  to  build  a  church.  On  the  following 
day  I  consecrated  at  Leetown,  a  new  and  handsome  church 
by  the  name  of  St.  Bartholomew's,  which  was  built  almost  en- 
tirely with  funds  furnished  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Balch,  of  New 
York,  and  contributed  by  himself  and  other  generous  friends 
of  thai  place.  From  thence  I  proceeded  to  Shepherdstown, 
where  three  were  confirmed.  Thence  to  Harper's  Ferry, 
where  seven  were  confirmed.  At  that  place  a  church  is  in 
the  process  of  erection.  At  Martinsburg  one  was  confirmed. 
At  Hedges  chapel  nine;  ;it  Back  Creek  one;  Bunker's  Hill, 
one.    At  this  place  preparations  are  making  for  a  new  church. 

chinches  received    into   union   with   the  Convention:     St. 


122  The  Episcopal  Church 

John's  Church,  Harper's  Ferry;  Trinity  Parish,  Marshall 
county;  St.  Paul's  Parish,  Winfield,  Putnam  county;  St. 
John's  Parish,  Wheeling. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Society  reports  the  following 
missionaries:  Rev.  R.  T.  Brown  $125;  Rev.  Jas.  D.  McCabe 
$150;  Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  $150;  Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins  flOO;  Rev. 
F.  B.  Nash  $100;  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland  $100. 

Five  churches  contributed  $54.73. 

Total  contingent  fund,  $4,619.17,  of  which  seven  West  Vir- 
ginia churches  paid  $284.  Eight  churches  delinquent  $110. 
Three  churches  made  no  report. 

Parochial  Reports : 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg— James  Chisholni,  Rector. 
Communicants  30;  baptisms  4;  confirmed  1;  number  of  fam- 
ilies 20;  adults  60,  infants  41;  $50  to  foreign  missions.  Dur- 
ing the  last  year  a  commodious  parsonage  has  been  provided 
by  the  exertions  of  the  ladies  of  the  congregation,  aided  in 
an  important  degree  by  the  liberality  of  a  gentleman  belong- 
ing to  Mt.  Zion  Church. 

Mt.  Zion  Church,  Hedgesville — James  Chisholni,  Rector. 
Communicants  65;  baptisms  10;  confirmed  10;  number  of 
families  35;  adults  100;  infants  50;  contributions  $44. 

Christ  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  and  Leetoicn  and  Middle- 
way — Richard  T.  Brown,  Rector.  Communicants  35;  bap- 
tisms 13;  confirmed  3;  number  of  families  22;  adults  50;  iD- 
fants  48;  contributions  $38. 

Christ  Church,  Parish,  Wellsburg — Wm.  L.  Hyland,  Deacon. 
When  the  undersigned  took  charge  of  this  Parish  in  Oc- 
tober, 1849,  he  found  15  communicants,  enrolled  on  the  Reg- 
ister, left  by  Rev.  J.  H.  Harrison.  Present  number  14.  A 
resident  minister  is  much  needed  in  this  parish. 

WicMiffe  Parish — The  Rector,  the  Rev.  Joshua  Peterkin, 
reports  that  he  extends  his  labors,  whenever  practicable,  to 
Kabletown  in  Jefferson  county,  at  which  place  he  has  a  large 
and  attentive  congregation,  though  no  church  has  yet  been 
organized  there. 


in  West  Virginia.  123 

Zion  Church,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Charlestovm — Rectorship 
vacant.  (Rev.  D.  A.  Tyng  has  accepted  a  call  to  this  church.) 
Communicants  75;  baptisms  21;  number  of  families  SI);  con- 
tributions $150. 

Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown — C.  W.  Andrews,  Rector. 
Communicants  60;  baptisms  5;  confirmed  3;  number  of 
families  40;  contributions  about  $250. 

St.  John's  Church,  Harper's  Ferry — Wm.  N.  Irish,  Rector. 
Communicants  12;  baptisms  10;  confirmed  7;  contributions 
$17.03.  This  parish  was  organized  in  March,  1849,  and  sup- 
plied by  the  members  of  the  convocation  of  the  Valley  of  Vir- 
ginia, until  the  first  of  August  last,  at  which  time  the  pres- 
ent incumbent  was  called  to  the  Rectorship.  The  founda- 
tion for  a  church  has  been  laid,  and  arrangements  are  now 
in  progress  for  the  early  completion  of  the  building. 

We  have  an  interesting  Sunday  school  of  about  fifty  chil- 
dren, who  are  regularly  catechised  by  the  Rector,  and  under 
the  instruction  of  a  Superintendent  and   several  teachers. 

St.  Mark's  Church,  Coalsmouth — F.  B.  Nash,  Rector.  Com- 
municants 14;  baptisms  2;  contributions  $7  for  the  Episcopal 
fund. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston—  S.  1).  Tompkins,  Rector.  Com- 
municants 22;  baptisms  1;  number  of  families  16;  adults  20; 
infants  50. 

I  have  collected  nothing,  except  about  $350,  to  aid  in  the 
completion  of  our  church  here,  and  this  amount  was  collected 
abroad. 

I  preached  in  Clarksburg,  Harrison  county,  and  in  Buck- 
hannon  in  this  county.  Our  church  is  finished  except  plaster- 
ing, pulpit  and  seats.  We  hope  to  have  it  ready  for  conse- 
cration during  the  summer. 

Trinity  Parish.  Marshall  County — Wm.  L.  Ilyland.  Deacon. 
This  parish  was  duly  organized  on  Easier  Monday.  185(1.  and 
will  apply  to  bo  received  into  union  with  the  Diocese  at  this 
Convention.  There  are  at  present  10  communicants  <>n  the 
register;  baptisms  2. 


1^1  The  Episcopal  Church 

St.  Paul's  Parish,  Winfield,  Putnam  County — F.  B.  Nasb, 
Rector.     Communicants  11. 

St.  John's  Church — Communicants  8;  baptisms  1. 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling — Wm.  Armstrong,  Rector. 
Since  the  last  Convention,  that  portion  of  St.  Matthews 
Parish,  south  of  Wheeling  Creek,  lias  been  formed  into  a  sep- 
arate parish,  and  will  ask  of  this  Com-ention  to  be  so  received 
and  acknowledged.  In  this  new  parish  a  church  building  has 
been  erected,  and  the  services  of  an  efficient  pastor  are  now 
being  enjoyed.  In  presenting  this  evidence  to  the  convention, 
of  the  extension  of  our  Zion  in  this  portion  of  the  Diocese, 
the  rector  of  St.  Matthew's  cannot  refrain  from  an  expres- 
sion of  thankfulness  to  Almighty  God  for  what  has  thus  been 
accomplished,  and  invoking  His  divine  blessing  upon  this  in- 
fant parish,  and  upon  him  to  whose  charge  it  has  been  com- 
mitted. 

The  parish  of  St.  Matthew's  has  suffered  no  detriment  by 
this  arrangement.  The  seats  vacated  by  individuals  residing 
within  the  limits  of  the  new  parish  have  been  occupied  by 
others.  The  rector  deems  it  incumbent  upon  him  to  say,  that 
the  secular  affairs  of  the  parish  were  never  in  so  good  a  con- 
dition, and  that  no  minister  could  desire  better  or  more  sat- 
isfactory evidence  of  the  confidence  and  affection  of  his  peo- 
ple, than  that  of  which  he  himself  has  been,  and  still  con- 
tinues to  be  the  recipient. 

Communicants  transferred  to  St.  John's,  35;  present  num- 
ber, white  80,  colored  3,  total  89;  baptisms  15. 

St.  John's  Church.  South  Wheeling — James  I).  McCabe,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  33;  baptisms  3;  number  of  families  19; 
adults  18,  infants  -10.  Contributions:  For  Grove  Creek  Mis- 
sion $35. 

Triii  it//  Parish,  Parkersburg — E.  T.  Perkins,  Rector.  Com- 
municants 3G;  baptisms  4;  number  of  families  31;  adults  <i<i; 
infants  (53;  contributions  |51.!)5.  We  have  just  completed  a 
handsome  church  edifice  in  Parkersburg,  and  have  another 
nearly  completed,  sixteen  miles  below  this,  on  the  Ohio  river, 


in  West  Virginia.  125 

where  I  occasionally  preach,  and  we  are  commencing  a  third 
twenty  miles  above  this,  where  I  officiate  once  a  month. 

Convention  of  1851.     Staunton,    May  2  I. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

One  hundred  and  eighteen  clergy  in  Virginia,  of  which  12 
in  West  Virginia,  of  these  5  present  and  3  lay  delegates. 

New  Names:  Rev.  G.  McK.  Callaway,  Smithfield,  Jefferson 
county;  Rev.  Horace  Stringfellow,  -Jr.,  St.  -John's  Church, 
Harper's  Ferry;  Key.  D.  Francis  Sprigg,  Martinsburg;  Rev. 
Dudley  A.  Tyng,  Zion  Church,  Charlestown. 

Bishop  Johns,  in  his  address  says: 

"August  4th.  On  my  way  to  visit  several  places  in  the  in- 
terior, west  of  the  mountains,  1  preached,  both  morning  and 
night  in  Trinity  Church,  Staunton.  5th,  6th,  7th,  8th,  I  was  oc- 
cupied in  crossing  the  mountains  to  Lewis  county.  9th  near 
Buckhannon  in  an  old  building  by  the  wayside,  I  preached 
and  confirmed  two.  10th.  At  Weston  I  preached  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  at  night  again  addressed  the  congregation.  11th  in 
the  same  place,  I  preached;  united  in  the  administration  of 
the  Communion,  and  confirmed  seven.  The  new  church  in  this 
place,  although  not  sufficiently  advanced  for  consecration, 
was  furnished  with  temporary  seats  and  accommodated  a 
large  congregation.  Our  seryices  in  this  vicinity  are,  com- 
paratively, of  recent  introduction.  Judging  from  what  I  have 
seen  they  seem  to  be  favorably  received.  More  has  already 
been  effected  than  was  anticipated.  Our  worthy  brother, 
who  labors  there  at  a  distance  from  all  clerical  association, 
is  entitled  to  aid  in  meeting  the  expenses  incurred  in  erect- 
ing this  building.  Just  at  this  time  a  little  help  will  greatly 
lighten  his  work,  and,  under  Cod's  blessing  secure  the  per- 
manent establishment  of  the  church  in  one  of  the  most  inter- 
esting regions  of  Western  Virginia. 

1  lit h.  I  rode  twenty-three  miles  to  Clarksburg,  and  preach- 
ed in  the  Methodist  Church  to  a  huge  congregation.  13th. 
This  day  was  occupied  in  reaching  Fairmont,  where  I 
preached  at  night  in  the  Presbyterian  church.     In  this  vicin- 


1 26  The  Episcopal  Church 

ity  I  found  several  families  attached  to  our  church,  and  very- 
solicitous  to  enjoy  its  stated  services. 

14th.  After  a  rough  ride  of  five  and  twenty  miles,  I  reached 
Morgantown,  where  I  remained  several  days,  and  preached 
on  the  16th  at  night,  and  on  the  18th,  both  morning  and  night, 
in  the  Methodist  church,  which  was  kindly  loaned  us  for 
our  services.  Our  members  here  are  not  numerous  but  they 
are  firm  and  faithful.  A  single  man  suited  to  the  place,  able 
and  willing  to  do  diligently  the  work  of  an  Evangelist,  would 
be  kindly  received  and  cared  for  there,  and  would  soon  be  in 
a  suitable  church  of  his  own.  At  present  our  friends  there 
are  joint-owners  with  another  denomination  of  a  very  good 
brick  building,  but  as  our  partners  had  made  their  appoint- 
ments for  the  very  day  on  which  our  services  were  to  take 
place,  we,  as  I  have  stated,  were  generously  accommodated 
elsewhere.  These  ecclesiastical  firms,  wherever  tried,  have, 
by  all  parties  been  found  inconvenient  and  I  am  gratified  to 
know  that  as  soon  as  our  people  in  Morgantown  can  secure 
a  minister  for  themselves,  a  different  arrangement  will  be 
made. 

I  cannot  leave  the  noble  country  through  which  for  the 
last  fortnight  1  have  been  itinerating,  without  claiming  for 
it  your  special  consideration  as  a  field  for  missionary  opera- 
tions. The  unsurpassed  grandeur  of  its  mountains,  the  fer- 
tility of  its  beautiful  valleys,  its  rich  and  inexhaustible  min- 
eral treasures,  its  rapidly  increasing  and  industrious  occu- 
pants, indicate  infallibly,  its  distinguished  destiny.  Those 
internal  improvements  now  in  progress,  connecting  it  with 
our  principle  maritime  cities,  and  opening  to  it  an  adequate 
market,  must  vastly  augment  its  productions,  and  by  dis- 
closing its  peculiar  advantages  to  the  view  of  enterprising 
settlers,  cover  it  with  an  active  and  prosperous  population. 
These  quickening  influences  are  already  strongly  stirring 
there.  They  are  seen  and  felt  at  every  turn,  even  by  the 
transient  traveller.  The  accumulating  results,  like  other  mod- 
ern developments,  will  surprise  the  most  sanguine.     To  the 


in  West  Virginia.  127 

operations  of  such  potent  agencies  we  have  not  been  accus- 
tomed. Our  stereotyped  habits  have  rendered  us  slow  to 
conceive  and  court  such  advancement.  But  unless  the  signs 
of  the  times  are  strangely  deceptive,  our  day  for  this  progress 
is  at  hand — what  other  States  have  experienced,  we  are  to 
see  largely  manifested  in  our  Western  region — and  it  is  for 
us  as  an  important  branch  of  the  Christian  church,  to  dis- 
cern the  dawn  and  prepare  to  do  our  responsible  part  in 
the  eventful  work  of  the  opening  day.  As  that  interesting 
portion  of  this  extensive  commonwealth  wakes  into  full  ac- 
tivity, it  is  ours  to  see  that  due  preparation  be  made  to  meet 
its  spiritual  wants.  Before  it  teems  with  new  population, 
our  preachers  should  be  there  with  all  the  plastic  powers  of 
revealed  truth,  and  all  the  appointed  appliances  of  divine 
grace,  that  the  social  system,  as  it  organizes  there,  may  take 
the  form,  attain  the  symmetry,  and  become  instinct  with  the 
spirit  of  the  Gospel.  In  aiding  the  accomplishment  of  this 
object,  we  shall  best  discharge  our  bounden  duty,  and  most 
happily  provide  for  our  peace  and  prosperity. 

On  the  adjournment  of  the  General  Convention  (Cincin- 
nati) I  proceeded  to  visit  the  churches  on  the  Ohio.  The  low 
stage  of  water  at  the  time,  deprived  us  of  the  usual  mode 
of  conveyance,  and  we  travelled  by  land  through  the  interior 
of  the  State  to  Wheeling. 

<  )<tober  20th.  In  St.  John's  Church,  South  Wheeling,  after 
a  sermon  by  Bishop  Burgess,  I  confirmed  twenty-two,  and 
at  night,  I  preached  in  the  same  church.  22nd.  At  Moundsville, 
a  missionary  station,  at  which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland  officiates, 
I  preached  and  confirmed  eigljt.  23rd.  Accompanied  by  the 
Rev.  J.  D.  McCabe,  I  left  Wheeling  and  descended  the  river 
to  a  missionary  station  at  Cow  Creek.  24th.  I  preached  in  a 
small  log  house  on  the  river  bank,  and  after  the  services  we 
rode  twenty  six  miles  to  Parkersburg.  The  constant  rain 
during  the  next  day  interfered  with  our  proposed  services 
ai  Bellvue,  another  missionary  station  under  the  care  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  and  where  there  is  a  church  ready  for  con- 


128  The  Episcopal  Church 

sec-ration.  27th.  I  consecrated  Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg. 
The  sentence  of  consecration  was  read  by  the  Rector,  and  the 
service  by  the  Rev.  J.  D.  McCabe;  sermon  by  myself.  The 
Church  commenced  by  the  late  Rev.  T.  Smith,  whose  tomb  is 
in  the  tower,  is  an  appropriate  monument  of  zeal  and  faith 
in  the  good  cause,  to. which,  and  all  he  had  were  so  honestly 
devoted.  The  building  is  Gothic,  and  furnished  in  good  taste. 
I  trust  its  completion  will  give  a  new  impulse  to  the  congre- 
gation and  be  followed  by  the  adding  to  the  church  many 
'such  as  shall  be  saved'.  On  this  occasion  I  confirmed  three 
persons. 

28th  and  29th,  we  were  occupied  in  returning  to  Wheeling. 
30th.  I  went  to  Wellsburg  and  preached  there  at  night.  31st. 
I  consecrated  St.  John's  Church,  Brooke  county.  The  sen- 
tence of  consecration  and  service  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
ilyland.  Sermon  by  myself.  This  neat  brick  church  is  a  sub- 
stitute for  a  decayed  frame  building.  The  congregation,  as 
well  as  the  one  at  Wellsburg,  are  at  present  under  the  care 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ilyland,  who  also  officiates  at  Moundsville, 
below  Wheeling.  November  1st.  I  consecrated  St.  John's 
Church,  South  Wheeling;  the  sentence  of  consecration  was 
read  by  the  Rector;  morning  service  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Arm- 
strong; sermon  by  myself.  This  church  was  to  have  been 
consecrated  the  week  previous,  on  my  first  visit,  but  the 
scaffolding  at  the  entrance  for  the  purpose  of  finishing  the 
tower,  could  not  then  be  removed,  and  the  service  was  post- 
poned. The  congregation,  of  St.  John's  has  been  collected 
and  organized  and  their  church  erected,  within  a  few  months. 
Appearances  indicate  that  this  is  only  an  initiatory  move- 
ment and  a  temporary  habitation,  for  although  the  building 
just  completed  is  very  creditable  to  the  young  congregation, 
its  rapid  growth  has  already  led  to  the  securing  of  another 
lot,  with  a  view  in  due  time  to  a  larger  and  more  permanent 
edifice.  At.  night  in  the  same  church  I  confirmed  eight,  one 
of  whom  was  from  the  missionary  station  at  Cow  Creek. 

3rd.    In  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling,  I  admitted  the 


REV.    D.    FRANCIS    SPRIGG,    D.    D.,    1850. 


REV.    WILLIAM    I).    HANSON,    1851- 


REV.  JAMES  J.  PACE,  1853. 


KEY.  DUDLEY  A.  TYNG,  1851, 


in  West  Virginia.  129 

Rev.  Wm,  L.  Hyland  to  Priest's  orders.  The  service  was 
read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins,  the  candidate  was  presented 
by  the  Rev.  J.  D.  McCabe;  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong. 
At  night,  in  the  same  church,  I  preached  and  confirmed  forty- 
eight,  one  of  whom  was  from  St.  John's.  This  large  acces- 
sion to  St.  Matthew's  was  particularly  gratifying  to  me,  as 
an  evidence  of  the  continued  blessing  of  God  on  the  services 
of  an  early  and  devoted  friend,  with  whom,  at  the  commence- 
ment of  our  ministry,  I  had  labored,  side  by  side,  in  adja- 
cent parishes  in  the  Diocese  of  Maryland,  and  whom,  or,  this 
my  third  visit,  I  was  glad  to  meet  and  greet  in  the  midst  of 
his  unabated  usefulness.  Moreover,  in  the  encouraging  in- 
crease of  St.  Matthew's,  it  was  highly  satisfactory  to  find 
that  its  prosperity,  instead  of  being  arrested  by  the  seces- 
sion necessary  in  the  formation  of  a  new  congregation,  is 
still  on  the  advance;  that  the  separation  of  the  promising 
scion  had  but  promoted  the  growth  and  fertility  of  the  parent 
stock. 

On  application  of  a  number  of  citizens  of  New  Martinsville, 
Wetzel  county,  Wetzel  Parish  was  admitted  into  union  with 
the  Convention,  (bounded  by  the  limits  of  the  county). 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Society  reported  19  missionaries 
on  its  list  at  a  cost  of  $2,254.17;  of  these  5  were  in  West 
Virginia. 

Fourteen  churches  contributed  $420  to  contingent  fund. 
Twelve  churches  reported  delinquent  $163.50. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg —  Rev.  D.  Francis  Sprigg,  Rec- 
tor.    Communicants  39;  baptisms  9;  contributions  $84. 

This  report  as  well  as  that  from  Xorborne  Parish  (Hedges- 
villei  includes  the  official  acts  of  my  esteemed  predecessor, 
Rev.  James  Chisholm.  Not  only  so,  but  he  labored  for  some 
eight  years  diligently  and  faithfully.  I  have  only  entered  into 
his  labors,  and  reaped  what  he  had  sown.  May  both  of  us  re- 
joice together. 

Xorborne  Parish,  Ml.  Zion  Church— Rev.  I>.  P.  Sprigg,  Kec- 


130  The  Episcopal  Church 

tor.  Communicants  66;  baptisms  18;  contributions  $68.60. 

Christ  Church,  Norborne  Parish  and  Leetown  and  Middleway, 
Jefferson  County — Eev.  C.  McK.  Callaway,  Rector.  Communi- 
cants 34;    baptisms  2;    contributions  $3S.OO. 

Christ  Church,  Wellsbur(/-JRe\.  Wm.  L.  Hyland,  Rector. 
Communicants  14;  baptisms  1;  contributions  $8.97. 

St.  John's  Parish — Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Rector.  Communi- 
cants reported  by  Rev.  J.  H.  Harrison  in  1844,  35;  present 
number  41;  baptisms  since  1844,  19;  confirmations  7  (1850); 
contributions  $7,224. 

The  neat  and  substantial  church  edifice  (St.  John's)  recent- 
ly erected  in  this  parish,  was  consecrated  to  the  worship  of 
Almighty  God,  at  the  last  visitation  of  Bishop  Johns.  Oct. 
31st,  184!)).     (A  substitute  for  a  decayed  frame  building). 

It  may  be  proper  to  remark,  that  the  undersigned  took 
charge  of  this  parish  by  request  of  the  convocation  of  North- 
western Virginia,  and  the  vestry  of  the  Parish,  until  the  ser- 
vices of  a  Rector  can  be  secured  for  the  same,  together  with 
the  Parish  of  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg.  He  earnestly  hopes 
that  such  an  arrangement  may  soon  be  made,  as  he  feels  con- 
fident that  in  no  other  way  can  the  cause  of  Christ  and  His 
Church  be  so  speedily  and  thoroughly  promoted. 

Wickliffe  Parish,  Cherry  Hill  P.  O. — Rev.  Joshua  Peterkin, 
reports  the  missionary  station  at  Kabletown,  Jefferson  coun- 
ty, as  regularly  supplied,  with  the  assistance  of  Rev.  William 
D.  Hanson,  on  alternate  Sundays. 

Zion  Church,  CharJestown — Rev.  Dudley  A.  Tyng,  Rector. 
Communicants  92;  baptisms  11;  Sunday  school  teachers  12; 
scholars  87;  contributions  to  Foreign  Missions,  $82.02;  Do- 
mestic missions  $27;  Education  Society  $7;  Bible  Society  $3. 

I  took  charge  of  this  parish  in  July  last.  The  congregation 
is  yet  worshipping  in  the  Court  House,  and  burdened  with  the 
expense  of  erecting  a  new  church,  which  will  be  opened  for 
service  sometime  during  the  ensuing  summer.  The  benevo- 
lent operations  of  the  year  are  in  the  way  of  a  quarterly 
subscription.     The  first  quarter  only  has  been  fully  paid  in. 


ix  West  Virginia.  131 

St.  John's  Church,  Harper's  Ferry— Ilex.  Horace  Stringfel- 
low.  Jr.,  Rector.  Communicants  30;  baptisms  9;  contribu- 
tions $89.00.  The  above  report  embraces  only  the  acts  of 
the  present  minister,  who  entered  upon  his  duties  in  Novem- 
ber last. 

Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown-Rey.  C.  W.  Andrews,  Rector. 
Communicants  52;  baptisms  9;  Sunday  school  teachers  6; 
scholars  46;   contributions  |300. 

Remark: — Although  the  above  report  indicates  no  improve- 
ment in  the  parish  for  the  past  year,  it  has  in  fact  (when  com- 
pared with  others)  been  a  year  of  most  decided  improvement, 
as  the  Rector  trusts  will  appear  in  the  next  report. 

St  John's  Church,  Charleston,  and  St.  Luke's,  Saline* — Rev.  R. 
T.  Brown,  Rector.     Communicants  40;  baptisms  14. 

St.  Mark's  Church.  Coalsmouth—Bey.  F.  B.  Nash,  Rector. 
Communicants  18;  baptisms  2;   contributions  $ 50. 

St.  Paul's  Church.  Weston — Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins,  Rector. 
Communicants  22;  baptisms  9;  confirmed  7;  families  12; 
adults  24;   infants  50. 

Trinity  Parish,  Marshall  Count y — Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Rec- 
tor. Baptisms  5;  communicants  12;  confirmed  8;  contribu- 
tions $11.46. 

A  subscription  has  been  commenced  for  the  purpose  of 
erecting  a  house  of  worship  in  this  Parish,  and  hopes  are  en- 
tertained that  the  building  will  be  completed  during  the  pres- 
ent season. 

Rev.  F.  B.  Nash,    Rector   of    St.    Paul's    and    St.    John's 
Churches,  Putnam  County,  reports:    St.  John's,  communicants 
9.     St.  Paul's,  communicants  7. 

Arrangements  are  made  for  erecting  a  church  edifice  (St. 
Paul's)  during  the  coming  summer.  The  prospects  for  the 
church  in  Putnam  county  are.  it  is  thought,  encouraging. 

I  officiate  occasionally  at  Brace's  chapel,  and  at  Pt.  Pleas- 
ant, Mason  county.  There  are  thirteen  communicants  of 
the  chinch  at  these  two  points.  The  friends  of  the  church 
at    these  places,  hi  connection  with  those  at     Ravenswood, 


132  The  Episcopal  Church 

Jackson  county,  expect  to  obtain  the  services  of  a  clergyman 
of  their  own,  during  the  coming  season.  The  prospects  of  the 
church  in  Mason  county,  appear  to  me  to  be  much  more  en- 
couraging at  this  time  than  they  have  been  heretofore.  At 
Guyandotte,  Cabell  county,  where  I  have,  now,  monthly  ap- 
pointments, quite  a  cheering  interest  in  the  effort  to  establish 
the  church  there  is  manifested.  There  are  nine  communicants 
blonging  to  the  church  there. 

St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling — Rev.  James  D.  McCabe,  Rector. 
Communicants  62;  baptisms  50;  confirmed  29;  families  29; 
adults  72;  infants  52;  contributions  $275.  In  this  amount  is 
included  sums  contributed  to  building  churches  in  destitute 
places  in  our  own  and  other  Dioceses. 

Trinity  Parish,  Parkersburg — Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  Rector. 
Communicants  83;  baptisms  2;  confirmed  4;  contributions 
$100. 

St.  Johris  Church,  Brooke  County — Rev.  James  B.  Goodwin, 
Rector.  Having  finished  a  neat  and  comfortable  church  and 
completed  the  fourth  year  of  my  ministry  in  this  place;  and 
having  understood  that  the  congregation  of  Christ  Church, 
Wellsburg,  wished  to  re-unite  with  that  of  St.  John's,  I  re- 
signed the  rectorship  of  this  parish  the  30th  of  last  June. 

The  past  year  I  have  officiated  twenty-four  weeks  in  Penn- 
sylvania, fourteen  in  Ohio,  and  eight  in  Virginia.  The  re- 
maining six  weeks  were  occupied  in  attending  conventions, 
travelling  for  the  benefit  of  my  health,  and  visiting  my 
friends. 

Convention  of    1852.     St.  Paul's  Church,  Richmond,  May  19. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

West  Virginia  clergy:  Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  Trinity 
Church,  Shepherdstown;  Rev.  William  Armstrong,  St.  Mat- 
thew's Church,  Wheeling;  Rev.  R.  T.  Brown,  Charleston, 
Kanawha  county;  xRev.  C.  McK.  Callaway.  Middleway,  xRev. 
William  D.  Hanson,  Kabletown,  Jefferson  county;  xRev.  W. 
L.  Hyland,  Trinity  Parish,  Marshall  county;  Rev.  James  D. 
McOabe,  I).  I).,  St.  John's,  Wheeling;     xRev.  E.  T.  Perkins, 


in  West  Virginia.  133 

Parkersburg;  xRev.  Horace  Stringfellow,  Jr.,  St.  John's, 
Harper's  Ferry;  Rey.  1).  Francis  Sprigg,  Martinsburg;  Rev. 
S.  D.  Tompkins,  St.  Paul's,  Weston  and  St.  John's,  Brooke 
county;  Rev.  Dudley  A.  Tyng,  Zion  Church,  Charlestown. 
(x  present). 

Lay  delegates:  Messrs.  James  O.  Hawley,  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Weston;  Isaac  Hoge,  Trinity  Church,  Moundsville; 
Robert  C.  Bonham,  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling. 

Bishop  Meade,  in  his  address  says:  "My  fall  visitation  was 
to  Western  Virginia.  The  first  duties  performed  were  at 
Pillowsville  and  Evansville,  two  small  villages  at  the  west- 
ern base  of  the  Allegheny  mountains.  Between  these,  three 
days  was  spent  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins,  of 
Weston.  In  the  former  we  have  six  or  seven  communicants 
who  have  immigrated  to  it  from  the  north  within  the  last 
few  years.  A  Sabbath  was  next  spent  at  Morgantown,  where 
we  have  three  or  four  valuable  members,  and  where  one  was 
confirmed.  This  is  one  of  the  most  growing  places  in  West- 
ern Virginia. 

A  day  was  also  spent  at  Smithtown,  where  we  have  a  few 
friends,  though  only  one  member. 

A  day  was  spent  at  Fairmont,  and  two  services  held;  at  the 
last  of  which  four  were  confirmed.  This  is  one  of  the  most 
growing  places  in  Western  Virginia.  We  have  ten  or  twelve 
members  here  already,  and  assurances  were  given  me  that 
a  church  would  be  built. 

At  Clarksburg,  which  for  a  time  should  be  connected  with 
Fairmont,  I  held  two  services,  at  each  of  which  1  addressed 
myself  at  some  length  to  the  friends  of  the  church,  urging 
speedy  efforts  for  a  house  of  worship.  A  handsome  sub- 
scription was  made  on  the  spot,  and  assurances  given  thai 
the  work  should  be  done. 

Two  days  were  spent  at  Weston:  a  church  consecrated,  and 
four  persons  confirmed.  Two  days  also  were  devoted  to  Par- 
kersburg,  where  eight  were  confirmed. 

From  Parkersburg  I  visited  Belleville,  about  fifteen  miles 


134  The  Episcopal  Church 

oft',  where  I  consecrated  a  small  plain  church,  and  confirmed 
two  persons. 

From  Parkersburg  I  proceeded  to  Ravenswood,  a  small  vil- 
lage on  the  Ohio  river,  where  a  neat  church  has  been  put  up 
at  the  expense  of  Mr.  Fitzhugh,  the  owner  of  the  land  on 
which  the  village  has  been  erected.  Two  days  were  here 
spent  in  continued  services  by  myself  and  Mr.  Perkins. 

The  next  appointments  were  at  Point  Pleasant  and  Mer- 
cer's Bottom,  on  the  Ohio.  At  the  former  place  one  was  con- 
firmed. It  has  been  some  years  since  regular  services  were 
enjoyed  at  these  places. 

I  next  visited  the  congregations  on  the  Kanawha  river, 
four  in  number,  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  who  has 
since  left  them,  spending  a  day  at  each,  and  confirming  five 
persons  in  two  of  them. 

At  Charleston  and  the  Salines,  two  days  were  spent;  seven 
were  confirmed  at  the  forriier,  and  nine  at  the  latter.  On 
returning  I  spent  another  day  at  Ravenswood,  and  conse- 
crated the  new  church;  also  another  day  at  Parkersburg,  be- 
ing the  day  of  Thanksgiving  appointed  by  the  church,  when 
I  supplied  the  place  of  the  minister  by  some  appropriate  re- 
marks. Ascending  the  Ohio,  I  came  next  to  Martinsville,  a 
new  and  promising  village,  where  I  consecrated  a  newT  church 
and  confirmed  six  persons. 

A  day  was  also  spent  at  Grove  Creek,  still  higher  up  the 
Ohio,  where  I  addressed  the  friends  of  the  church  on  the  sub- 
ject of  building  a  house  of  worship,  and  received  assurance 
that  it  should  be  done. 

My  next  appointments  were  at  Wellsburg  on  the  Ohio, 
and  St.  John's  in  the  vicinity.  Two  days  were  devoted  to 
them.  The  last  appointments  were  in  Wheeling,  where  thirty 
persons  were  confirmed,  six  in  the  new  church  of  St.  John's 
and  twenty-four  in  St.  Matthew's. 

Soon  after  my  return  home,  I  was  called  to  consecrate  the 
new  church  at  Charlestown,  Jefferson  county,  which  had 
been  rebuilt  on  the  ruins  of  that  which     was  burned  a  few 


in  West  Virginia.  135 

years  since.  At  that  time  also  1  confirmed  nine  persons.  The 
speedy  rebuilding  of  this  church  after  the  loss  of  one  which 
had  scarcely  been  consecrated  before  it  was  consumed  by 
fire,  shows  what  may  be  done  by  active  zeal  in  a  good  cause. 
In  the  month  of  April  of  the  present  year,  I  entered  again  on 
duly,  by  visiting  two  congregations  in  Hampshire  county. 
In  one  of  them,  that  in  Romney,  I  confirmed  five  persons." 

From  Bishop  Johns*  address:  "July  29th.  I  preached  at 
Martinsburg  and  confirmed  seven  persons.  30th  and  31st.  I 
was  prevented  by  rain  from  reaching  Hedgesville.  August 
1st.  I  preached  at  Smitkfield  and  laid  the  corner  stone  of  a 
new  church,  since  completed.  2nd.  I  preached  in  the  same 
church  and  admitted  the  Rev.  Horace  Stringfellow,  Jr.,  and 
Rev.  J.  Campbell  White  to  Priest's  orders;  the  morning  ser- 
vice was  read  by  the  Rev.  D.  F.  Sprigg,  the  candidates  were 
presented  by  the  Rev,  G.  W.  Andrews.  4th.  I  preached  at 
Harper's  Ferry  and  confirmed  seventeen  persons. 

5rh.  I  preached  at  Charlestown,  and  confirmed  eleven  per- 
sons. 17th.  I  preached  at  Hedgesville.  18th.  I  preached  in  the 
morning  in  the  same  church,  and  confirmed  ten  persons.  At 
night  after  the  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sprigg,  I  addressed 
the  congregation/' 

St.  John's  Parish,  Pleasants  county,  and  Ravenswood  Par- 
ish,  Jackson  county,  with  the  limits  of  the  counties  as  boun- 
dary lines,  were  admitted  into  union  with  the  Convention. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Society  reported  $290  paid  io 
four  missionaries  in  W'est  Virginia. 

Parochial  Reports: 

St.  John's  and  Christ  Church  Parishes.  Brooke  County — Rev. 
W.  L.  Hyland.  40  communicants;  2  baptisms,  and  12  com- 
municants.  Resigned  April  1,  1852.  Succeeded  by  Rev.  S. 
D.  Tompkins,  who  has  become  the  principal  of  the  primary 
school  lately  established  in  Wrellsburg,  under  the  patronage 
and  control  of  the  church. 

Wickliffe  Parish — Rev.  Joshua  Peterkin  reports:  The  Rev. 
W.  1>.  Hanson  still  continues  his  useful  labors  in  the  lower 


136  The  Episcopal  Church 

part  of  this  parish,  and  is  also  actively  engaged  in  minister- 
ing to  the  servants,  and  in  missionary  effort  in  a  very  desti- 
tute part  of  the  Blue  Ridge. 

St.  Paul's,  liomney;  Frankfort  Church,  Frankfort — 7Aon 
Church,  Slanc's  Cross  Roads;  and  Bethel  Church,  Bethel  Val- 
ley, Hampshire  Parish — Rev.  Win.  N.  Irish,  Rector.  Commun- 
icants removed  3;  added  16;  total  13;  baptisms,  infants  1; 
confirmations  5;  marriages  2;  collection  for  church  objects 
$4.06. 

Within  the  year  past  the  above  parish  was  revived  under 
the  auspices  of  the  Valley  Convocation,  and  at  their  sugges- 
tion, the  present  Rector  assumed  the  charge  of  the  same. 
The  field  at  this  time  is  peculiarly  encouraging,  and  requires 
the  undivided  oversight  of  a  minister.  At  the  last  visita- 
tion of  Bishop  Meade,  five  persons  were  confirmed,  and  three 
more  were  unable  to  receive  the  rite  on  account  of  inclement 
weather,  which  prevented  the  Bishop  meeting  one  of  his  ap- 
pointments in  this  parish. 

Christ  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  Grace  Church,  Middlcway, 
and  St.  Bartholomew 's  Church,  Leetown  — Rev.  C.  McK.  Calla- 
way, Rector — Communicants  41;  baptisms  7;  Sunday  School 
teachers  8;  scholars  30;  contributions  $62.18. 

There  are  two  new  churches  in  the  parish  ready  for  con- 
secration. 

Trinity  Church,  St.  Andrew's  Parish — Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews, 
Rector — Communicants  62;  baptisms  5;  confirmed  5;  Sun- 
day school  teachers  7;  scholars  42;  contributions  $300. 

St.  John's  Church,  Harper's  Ferry — Rev.  Horace  Stringfel- 
low,  Jr.,  Rector.  Communicants  35;  baptisms  3;  confirmed 
17;  Sunday  school'  teachers  12;  scholars  62;  contributions 
$82.65. 

Zion  Church,  Charlestown — Rev.  Dudley  A.  Tyng,  Rector. 
Communicants  102;  baptisms  21;  confirmed  17;  Sunday  school 
teachers  15;  scholars  115;  contributions  $580.28. 

New  church  consecrated  December  6,  1851.  The  congrega- 
tion has  much  increased  and  is  prosperous  in  every  way.    Ar- 


in  West  Virginia.  137 

rangements  have  been  made  for  securing  stated  services  once 
a  fortnight,  in  that  part  of  the  parish  which  lies  across  the 
Shenandoah  river,  upon  the  slope  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Hanson  of  Kabletown.  This  will  enable  the  Rector 
to  transfer  the  labors,  heretofore  expended  there,  to  the  col- 
ored population. 

Weston,  Clarksburg  and  Morgantown — Samuel  1).  Tompkins, 
Missionary.  Communicants  45,  of  which  Morgantown  4; 
Fairmont  13;  Clarksburg  7;  Fellowsville  7;  Buckhannon  4; 
Weston  10.     Baptisms  15. 

I  have  resigned  the  charge  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston, 
and  also  of  all  the  missionary  points  here  mentioned. 

Trinity  Parish,  Marshall  County— Tier.  Wm.  L.  Hyland,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  14;  baptisms  2;  contributions  ffi.XT.l. 
Postoffice,  Grove  Creek. 

St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling — James  D.  McCabe,  Rector. 
Communicants  G2;  baptisms  38;  Sunday  school  teachers  14; 
scholars  65.     Contributions  $214.38. 

The  parish  church  was  .greatly  injured  by  the  recent  heavy 
flood  in  the  Ohio  river,  which  laid  a  large  part  of  our  city 
under  water,  and  destroyed  a  vast  amount  of  properly. 

Through  the  pious  activity  of  the  congregation,  the  build- 
ing has  been  repaired  at  considerable  expense.  The  children 
of  the  parish  are  regularly  catechised. 

St.  PauVs  Church,  New  Martinsville,  Wetzel  Parish — Commu- 
nicants '>;  confirmed  7;  number  of  families  0.  The  undersign- 
ed is  unable  to  make  u  regular  and  formal  report  from  the 
parish,  from  causes  beyond  his  control.  Since  the  last  con- 
vent ion,  aided  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  L.  Hyland,  (who  lias  divided 
the  service  with  him),  he  has  supplied  a  regular  service  on 
Tuesday  in  each  week,  except  during  the  last  three  months. 
The  church  erected  during  the  past  year  by  the  efficient  aid 
of  the  contributions  from  this  city,  was  consecrated  in  No- 
vember last  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese;  at  which  time 
there  were  seven  persons  confirmed.  The  increase  of  paro- 
chial duties  will,  I   fear,  prevent  the  same  attention  l<>  this 


188  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

promising  parish.  An  active,  self  denying  minister  at  this 
and  one  or  two  places  in  the  vicinity,  would  find  ample  suc- 
cess in  building  up  the  church  of  Christ.  The  undersigned, 
during  the  month  of  March,  by  invitation,  visited  the  town  of 
Fairmont,  in  Marion  county,  where  he  held  several  public 
services,  baptized  one  adult  and  one  infant,  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion  to  thirteen  devout  communicants. 
These  Western  fields  are  white  to  the  harvest;  but  alas!  the 
laborers  are  few.  James  D.  McCabe. 

Rector  St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling. 

Trinity  Parish,  Wood  County— Hex.  E.  T.  Perkins,  Rector. 
Communicants  36;  baptisms  12;  confirmed  10;  Sunday  school 
teachers  7;  scholars  40;  contributions  $105. 

There  have  been  two  churches  consecrated  within  the 
sphere  of  my  ministry,  since  the  last  convention,  and  a  third 
is  nearly  ready  for  consecration. 

Summary  for  the  whole  Diocese:  Communicants,  5,842; 
baptisms  S5S;  (of  which  colored  149);  confirmed  440:  mar- 
riages 314;  funerals  562;  contributions  to  the  cause  of  reli- 
gion and  the  church  $32,980. 

Convention  of  1853.     St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling,  May  18. 

The  first  convention  held  west  of  the  Allegheny  Mount- 
ains. 

Bishop  Johns  presided.  Bishop  Meade  absent,  first  time  in 
the  twenty-four  years  of  his  Episcopate  (from  sickness). 

Two  new  names  among  the  West  Virginia  clergy:  Rev. 
James  J.  Page,  Weston;  Rev.  John  H.  Kepler,  Shepherds- 
town.    Seven  clergy  from  West  Virginia,  present. 

Lay  delegates:  David  Holmes  Conrad,  Trinity,  Martins- 
burg;  Henry  Tallant,  St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling;  Andrew 
P.  Woods,  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling;  William  Pendle- 
ton, Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  county;  Geo.  W.  Veasey,  St. 
John's  Church,  Brooke  county;  Thomas  Kirk,  Christ  Church, 
Parish,  Brooke  county;  Burdett  Fitzhugh,  Ravenswood  Par- 
ish, Jackson  county;  Isaac  Hoge,  Trinity  Parish,  Marshall 
county;  Francis  Thompson,  St.  Mark's     Parish,     Kanawha; 


in  West  Virginia.  139 

Samuel  Honiuiett,  St.  John's  Parish,  Pleasants  county;  Rob- 
ert J.  McCandlish,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston. 

From  Bishop  Meade's  address:  "In  the  month  of  August, 
I  admitted  the  Kev.  Mr.  Hanson  to  Priest's  orders.  In  the 
month  of  November  visited  the  Churches  in  J  e  tier  son  and 
Berkeley.  Spent  two  days  at  Harper's  Ferry,  confirmed  four; 
i  he  church  being  in  part  unpaid  for,  could  not  be  consecrated  ; 
it  is  hoped  the  difficulty  will  soon  be  removed.  Spent  one 
day  at  Shepherdstown,  confirmed  eight;  one  day  at  Mar- 
tinsburg,  confirmed  five;  one  day  at  Hedgesville,  confirmed 
three;  one  day  at  Back  Creek;  two  days  at  Bunker  Hill,  con- 
secrated a  new  church,  confirmed  ten;  one  day  at  Leetown. 
in  Jefferson  county;  two  days  at  Smithfield,  consecrated  a 
new  church  and  confirmed  five  persons. 

From  Bishop  Johns'  address:  "April  24th.  In  the  morning 
I  preached  in  Clarksburg,  and  confirmed  four.  At  night  I 
preached  in  the  same  place.  Having  as  yet  no  church  build- 
ing in  this  village,  we  were  kindly  accommodated  by  our 
Presbyterian  friends.  25th.  I  rode  to  Weston,  and  arrived  in 
time  for  night  service.  I  preached  and  confirmed  eight.  27th. 
I  preached  at  Fairmont  in  the  Methodist  Church.  The 
last  three  places  together  with  Buckhannon  and  Morgantovvn 
distant  from  each  other  about  seventy  miles,  are  now  re- 
ceiving the  services  of  the  Kev.  Mr.  Page,  and  the  Kev.  R. 
Oastleman,  who  are  sustained  in  part  by  the  Diocesan  -Mis 
sionary  Society,  and  officiate  alternately  at  each  of  the  sta- 
tions named. 

At  Weston,  a  church  was  consecrated  some  lew  years 
since.  At  Clarksburg  means  for  erecting  one  have  been  pro- 
vided; and  our  friends  at  Fairmont  are  not  without  hopes 
of  procuring  a  building  of  their  own.  Certainly  the  pros- 
pects, in  this  extensive  missionary  range  are  brightening  and 
I  trust  that  the  brethren  who  occupy  this  interesting  field, 
will  continue  to  receive  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  on  their  la- 
bors, and  be  privileged,  in  due  time  to  report  the  establish- 
ment of  several  prosperous, and  self-sustaining  congregations. 


11<>  The  Episcopal  Church 

28th.  I  Travelled  seventy  miles  on  the  railroad  to  Mounds- 
ville,  preached  at  night  in  the  Presbyterian  church  and  con- 
firmed three.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  who  is  also  aided  by  the 
Diocesan  Missionary  Society,  is  preparing  to  erect  a  church 
at  this  place.  Part  of  his  time  is  given  to  New  Martinsville, 
where  lie  alternates  with  the  Rev.  James  D.  McCabe.  29th. 
Accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  I  passed  down  the  Ohio 
to  Pleasants  county,  and  the  next  morning  consecrated  St. 
John's  Church,  preached  and  confirmed  two.  The  sentence 
of  consecration  was  read  by  the  Rector;  morning  service  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland.  May  1st.  In  the  morning  I  preached  in 
Trinity,  Parkersburg,  and  united  in  the  administration  of 
the  Lord's  Supper.  At  night,  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Hyland,  I  addressed  the  congregation,  and  confirmed  six. 
2nd.  Was  appropriated  to  Belleville,  but  the  rector,  for  suf- 
ficient reasons,  had  changed  the  appointment,  and  at  night, 
I  again  preached  in  Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg.  3rd.  At 
night,  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  who  occasion- 
ally officiates  there,  I  addressed  the  congregation. 

4th.  At  the  same  place,  I  preached  and  assisted  in  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  Lord's  Supper.  At  night  I  again  ad- 
dressed the  congregation.  5th.  At  night  I  preached  at  Point 
Pleasant  in  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  confirmed  one.  6th. 
Accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  I  rode  twenty-one 
miles  to  Buffalo,  where  I  found  a  congregation  assembled  in 
the  Methodist  church,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brown  conducting 
the  morning  service.  I  preached  there,  and  in  the  afternoon 
rode  twelve  miles  further,  and  at  night  crossed  the  Kanawha, 
and  preached  in  the  Court  House  at  Winfield,  the  county 
town  of  Putnam.  "Sth.  I  preached  in  the  morning  in  St.  John's, 
Charleston,  and  confirmed  two.  At  night  after  a  sermon  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  I  addressed  the  congregation.  9th.  I 
preached  at  the  Salines,  in  St.  Luke's  Church,  and  confirmed 
one.  At  night  I  again  addressed  the  congregation  at  St. 
John's,  Charleston,  and  confirmed  two.  10th.  Accompanied 
bv  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brown,  I  rode  to  Coalsmouth  and  preached. 


ix  West  Virginia.  Ul 

My  next  appointment  was  at  Teays  Valley,  but  it  was  found 
unnecessary  to  fulfill  it.  The  interesting  congregation 
which  I  once  met  there  having  for  some  time  been  as  sheep 
without  a  shepherd,  had  been  so  scattered,  that  then,  there 
was  no  one  to  receive  and  circulate  the  notice  which  I  had 
published.  I  was  therefore,  constrained  to  forego  the  ser- 
vice I  had  anticipated,  and  make  my  way  to  meet  my  next 
engagement  which  was  in  Wheeling.  To  be  deeply  impress- 
ed with  the  importance  of  zealously  and  liberally  sustain- 
ing our  Diocesan  Missionary  Society,  and  of  frequent,  fervent 
prayer,  that  the  Lord  of  the  Harvest  would  send  forth  more 
laborers,  one  need  only  travel  the  line  along  which  I  have 
thus  passed,  notice  the  lamentable  destitution  which  prevails, 
and  listen  to  the  importunate  entreaties  of  the  many  deprived 
of  the  ministrations  of  the  Word,  that  we  would  send  some  to 
break  to  them  and  to  their  children  the  bread  of  life.  The 
spectacle  must  affect  the  hearts  and  command  the  means  of 
our  more  favored  people,  and  must,  one  would  think,  lead 
many  of  the  pious  youth,  who  are  aspiring  to  other  profes- 
sions already  crowded  to  suffocation,  to  consider  the  call  and 
the  claims  of  the  ministry,  and  to  utter  from  their  hearts  the 
self  dedicatory  prayer  'Lord,  here  am  I;  send  me.' 

From  May  10th,  until  the  morning  of  the  12th,  I  was  occu- 
pied in  passing  from  Coalsmouth  to  Wheeling,  where  I 
preached  in  .St.  John's  Church,  on  the  evening  of  the  13th. 
15th.  In  the  morning  I  preached  in  St.  Matthew's  Church, 
Wheeling,  and  confirmed  seven.  1G.  At  Wellsburg,  I  visited 
and  addressed  the  pupils  at  Meade  Institute.  Ai  night  I 
preached  in  Christ  Church  and  confirmed  eleven.  17th  I 
preached  in  St.  John's,  Brooke  county,  and  confirmed  seven. 

Meade  Institute,  to  which  I  have  alluded,  is  incorporated, 
and  under  the  direction  of  a  board  of  trustees  favorable  to 
its  being  conducted  on  proper  principles.  They  have  received 
by  deed  from  the  trustees  of  Wellsburg  Academy,  two  town 
lots,  on  one  of  which  stands  a  commanding  two  story  brick 
building,  erected  for  a  school  house.  In  addition  to  this,  more 


]  42  The  Episcopal  Church 

than  fifty  acres  of  land,  embracing  several  of  the  beautiful 
hills  adjoining  the  town,  have  been  conveyed  to  the  board. 
On  this  tract  there  is  a  dwelling,  occupied  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Tompkins,  principal  of  the  preparatory  department,  who  in 
addition  to  his  parish  duties,  is  engaged  in  instructing  twenty 
five  pupils.  On  a  most  eligible  and  commanding  site,  near 
the  dwelling  of  the  principal,  it  is  proposed  to  erect  addi- 
tional buildings,  for  the  accommodation  of  boarders  and 
more  advanced  scholars.  The  Institution  has  commenced 
under  hopeful  circumstances,  and,  if  managed  with  the  wis- 
dom and  prudence,  so  indispensable  to  success  in  such  enter- 
prises, I  trust  it  will  be  extensively  felt  for  good  through  this 
western  section  of  our  Diocese,  and  receive  a  patronage  pro- 
portioned to  its  value. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Society  reports  three  mission- 
aries in  West  Virginia.  Total  receipts  $2,487.50,  of  which 
seven  West  Virginia  churches  paid  |60.00. 

Contingent  fund,  total  receipts  $4,296.40,  of  which  fifteen 
West  Virginia  churches  paid    $482.00.       Eight     churches  in 
West  Virginia  reported  delinquent. 
Parishes  and  Churches  in  Western  Virginia: 
Berkeley  county — Norborne     Parish,     Mt.     Zion     Church, 
Hedgesville,  Rev.  D.  F.  Sprigg. 

Berkeley  county— Norborne  Parish,  Trinity  Church.  Mar- 
tinsburg,  Rev.  D.  F.  Sprigg. 

Berkeley  county — Norborne  Parish,  Calvary  Church,  Back 
('reek,  Rev.  D.  F.  Sprigg. 

Berkeley  county — Norborne  Parish,  Christ  Church,  Bun- 
ker Hill,  Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway. 

Brooke  county — Christ  Church  Parish,  Christ  Church, 
Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins. 

Brooke  county — St.  John's  Parish,  St.  John's  Church,  Rev. 
S.   D.  Tompkins. 

Hampshire  county — Hampshire  Parish,  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Frankfort  Church,  and  Zion  Church,  vacant. 

Harrison  county — Bethel  Parish,  Christ  Church,  Rev.  R. 
A.  Castleman. 


in  West  Virginia.  143 

Jefferson  county — St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Zion  Church, 
Charlestown,  Rev.  C.  E.  Ambler. 

Jefferson  county — St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Triuity  Church, 
Shepherdstown,  Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews. 

Jefferson  county — St.  Andrew's  Parish,  St.  John's  Church, 
Harper's  Ferry,  Rev.  J.  H.  Kepler. 

Jefferson  county — St.  Andrew's  Parish,  St.  Bartholomew's 
Church,  Leetown,  Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway. 

Kanawha  county — Kanawha  Parish,  St.  John's  Church, 
Charleston,  Rev.  R.  T.  Brown. 

Kanawha  county — Kanawha  Parish,  St.  Luke's  Church, 
Salines,  Rev.  R.  T.  Brown. 

Kanawha  county — Kanawha  Parish,  St.  Mark's  Church, 
Coalsmouth,  vacant. 

Lewis  county — St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston,  Rev.  J.  J.  Page. 

Marshall  county — Trinity  Parish,  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland. 

Mason  county — Bruce  Chapel,  vacant. 

Mason  county — Point  Pleasant,  vacant. 

Ohio  county — Wheeling  Parish,  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Rev. 
Wm.  Armstrong. 

Ohio  county — St.  John's  Parish,  St.  John's  Church,  Rev. 
J.  D.  McCabe,  D.  D. 

Putnam  county — St.  Paul's  Parish,  Winfield  Church,  va- 
cant. 

Putnam  county— St.  Paul's  Parish,  St.  John's  Church,  va- 
cant. 

Putnam  county— St.  Paul's  Parish,  Teays  Valley  Church, 
vacant. 

Pleasants  county — St.  John's  Parish,  St.  John's  Church, 
Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins. 

Wood  county — Trinity  Parish.  Parkersburg  Church,  R<  \ . 
E.  T.  Perkins. 

Wetzel  county — Wetzel  Parish.  St.  Paul's  Church.  Rev.  J. 
1).  McCabe,  D.  D. 

(From  this  list  the  church  at  Belleville  is  omitted  by  mis- 
take. It  was  in  Wood  county,  but  no  name  given,  nor  is  men- 
tion made  of  the  church  at  Middleway). 


144  The  Episcopal  Chikch 

Parochial  Reports: 

Mt.  Z ion Church,  Hedgesvilie  and  Calvary  Church,  Back  Creekr 
Not-borne  Parish — Rev.D.  Francis  Sprigg,  Rector.  Commu- 
nicants 69;  baptisms  2;  confirmed  3;  contributions  $28.00. 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg—D.  F.  Sprigg,  Rector.  Com- 
municants 44;  baptisms  17;  confirmed  5;  Sunday  school  teach- 
ers 1.2;  scholars  55;  contributions  $105. 

Christ  Church,  Wellsburg—  Rev.  S.  1>.  Tompkins,  Rector. 
Communicants  21;  baptisms  5;  families  8;  confirmed  11;  con- 
tributed to  Diocesan  Missions  $7.00. 

St.  John's  Churcli—Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins,  Rector.  Communi- 
cants 38;  confirmed  7;  families  14. 

Christ  Church,  ClarJcsburg—HeY.  R.  A.  Castleman,  Rector, 
Communicants  13;  baptisms  10;  confirmed  4;  families  20. 

Grace  Church,  Ravensivood — Vacant — Communicants  11; 
Sunday  school  teachers  7;  families  G.  Occasional  services  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  and  also  by  Rev.  Dr.  McCabe. 

Zion  Church,  Charlestown—  Rev.  Charles  E.  Ambler,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  98;  (of  which  4  colored);  baptisms  3; 
confirmed  G;  Sunday  school  teachers  15;  scholars  130;  contri- 
butions $598.63. 

Norbornc  Parish — Rev.  C.  M.Callaway,  Rector.  Communi- 
cants 48;  baptisms  32;  (of  which  colored  infants  12);  confirm- 
ed 15,  (of  which  colored  3);  Sunday  School  teachers  8;  schol- 
ars 35;  contributions  $103. 

.  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown — Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  61;  baptisms  12;  confirmed  8;  Sunday 
school  teachers  7;  scholars  50;  families  30;  contributions  $200. 

Rev.  John  Kepler,  Missionai^,  Shepherdstown,  reports: 
In  June  last,  I  removed  from  the  Diocese  of  Maryland,  to 
that  of  Virginia.  From  that  time  until  January,  I  officiated 
frequently  for  Rev.  Mr.  Andrews  in  Shepherdstown,  Va., 
preaching  and  reading  service.  From  January  last,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  Rector,  I  consented  to  act  as  his  assistant,  since 
which  time  I  have  officiated  in  that  capacity.  In  April  I 
took  charge  of  the  Episcopal  church  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Va., 


REY 


BV.    RICHARD    T.    DAVIS,    D.    D.,    1855. 


REV 


3V.   CHARLES   EDWARD   AMBLER,   1853. 


REV.    ROBERT   A.    CASTLEMAN,    1853. 


REV.    EDMUND  CHRISTIAN,   1857. 


in  West  Virginia.  14."> 

and  likewise  at  the  same  time,  the  church  at  Sharpsburg, 
Aid.,  holding  services  at  these  places  once  in  two  weeks  al- 
ternately. 

Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson,  Missionary,  Kabletown,  Jefferson  coun- 
ty, reports:  Sunday  school  teachers  15;  scholars  50.  The 
communicants  who  attend  my  services  at  Kabletown  and  on 
the  Blue  Ridge,  are  embraced  in  the  reports  from  Zion  and 
Wickliffe   Parishes.     Contributions  $15. 

St.  John's  and  St.  Luke's  Churches,  Kanawha  Parish — Rev. 
R.  T.  BrOwn,  Rector.  Communicants  42;  baptisms  23;  Sun- 
day school  teachers  7;  contributions  $110. 

St.  rati'*  Church,  Weston —  Revs,  dames  J.  Page  and  R.  A. 
Castleman — Communicants  21;  baptisms  7;  confirmed  8; 
Sunday  school  teachers  3;  scholars  20. 

Trinity  Parish,  Marshall  County— "Rev.  Wm.  L.  Hyland,  Rec- 
tor.   Communicants  9;  baptisms  7;  confirmed  3. 

About  $900  have  been  contributed  towards  the  erection 
of  a  church  building,  and  it  is  hoped  that  this  work  will  be 
completed  during  the  present  year.  1  take  this  opportunity 
to  return  thanks  to  our  friends  in  Wheeling  and  elsewhere, 
for  their  generous  aid  in  this  undertaking. 

St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling.— Rev.  James  I).  McCabe,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  63;  baptisms  27;  confirmed  7.  Sunday 
school  teachers  14;  scholars  7.~>;  families  38;  contributions 
1254.00. 

The  condition  of  the  parish  is  encouraging;  the  people  are 
devout  and  energetic,  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that 
with  the  improvement  of  our  city  and  growth  of  population, 
the  church  will  exert  an  influence  commensurate  with  the 
increase.  We  are  making  an  effort  to  erect  a  small  chapel, 
in  a  suburban  village,  and  also  a  parsonage  for  the  use  of 
the  rector  of  the  parish. 

St.  John's  Church,  Pleasants  County — Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins, 
Rector.  Communicants  1<>;  imp!  isms  5;  confirmed  2;  Sunday 
school  teachers  <i;  scholars  25.    Contributions  820. 

This  paiish  was  admitted  into  connection  with  the  Diocese 


146  The  Episcopal  Church 

at  the  last  convention,  since  which  time  a  neat  and  substan- 
tial chinch  edifice  has  been  completed  and  consecrated,  and 
the  prospects  of  the  parish  are  considered  promising. 

Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg — Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  Rector. 
Communicants  31;  baptisms  (5;  confirmed  (>;  Sunday  school 
teachers  5;  scholars  25.     Contributions  $100. 

The  removals  reported  above  (8)  are  in  consequence  of  the 
formation  of  a  separate  parish,  in  Pleasants  county,  which 
parish  embraces  within  its  limits,  these  communicants,  who 
were  formerly  reported  as  members  of  Trinity  Parish,  though 
not  actually  embraced  within  its  territorial  limits.  The  Rec- 
tor of  this  parish,  would  remark  that  he  officiates  occasion- 
ally at  Belleville  and  Ravenswood,  where  churches  have  been 
built,  and  occasionally  at  Point  Pleasant,  where  there  are 
several  members  of  our  communion.  These  points  are  great- 
ly in  need  of  regular  ministerial  services,  and  are  ready  to 
contribute  liberally  to  the  support  of  any  young  man  who 
would  be  willing  to  labor  among  them. 

Rev.  James  D.  McCabe,  officiating  St.  Paul's  Church,  Wet- 
zel Parish,  Wetzel  county,  reports:  "This  parish,  which  wras 
received  into  communion  with  the  convention  at  the  last  con- 
vention, is  dependent  entirely  upon  the  services  given  to  it 
gratuitously  by  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland  and  myself;  its  condition 
is  healthy,  and  with  stated  services  it  would  soon  become  one 
of  the  most  promising  parishes  on  the  Ohio  river.  There  are 
now  several  candidates  for  confirmation,  and  it  is  to  me  a 
source  of  profound  regret,  that  it  was  necessarily  omitted 
in  the  Bishop's  recent  visitation  in  this  region.  Communi- 
cants 9;  families  0." 

Convention  of  1854.     Lynchburg,  Va.,  May  15. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

Present  from  West  Virginia,  4  clergy  and  2  laymen. 

From  Bishop  Johns'  address:  "In  reporting  the  services 
performed  during  the  past  year  it  is  proper  to  mention  those 
in  Wheeling  during  the  convention,  and  not  included  in  the 
statement  which  I  then  submitted. 


in  West  Virginia.  147 

On  Thursday,  May  19th.  At  St.  Matthew's  Church.  I  admit- 
ted to  Priest's  orders  the  Rev.  James  J.  Fage.  21st.  In  St. 
John's,  I  confirmed  four  persons,  and  the  next  day  I  con- 
firmed at  his  own  residence,  a  sick  person  connected  with 
the  same  church." 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Committee  reported  appropria- 
tions of  $1,975.00  to  sixteen  missionaries  (of  which  $565,  to 
five  in  West  Virginia).  Received  from  nine  churches  in  West 
Virginia,  $323.11. 

Contingent  fund,  received  from  twelve  churches  in  West 
Virginia  $450.  Churches  in  Martinsburg,  Shepherdstown, 
Leetown,  Wellsburg,  Brooke  county;  three  churches  in 
Hampshire  county,  Harper's  Ferry,  three  in  Kanawha  county, 
Weston,  Point  Pleasant,  Mercer's  Bottom,  St.  John's  Wheel- 
ing, three  in  Putnam  county,  and  Parkersburg,  reported  de- 
linquent. 

Parochial  Reports: 

.1//.  Zion  and  Calvary  Chun-lux.  Norborne  Parish — Rev.  D. 
Francis  Sprigg,  Rector.  Communicants  <ii! ;  baptisms  8;  Sun- 
day school  teachers  6;  scholars  30.    Contributions  $39. 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg — Rev.  D.Francis  Sprigg,  Rector. 
Communicants  42;  baptisms  9;  Sunday  school  teachers  11: 
scholars  50.    Contributions  $114. 

My  reports  for  this  year  indicate  a  considerable  falling  off. 
It  would  seem,  then,  that  we  are  going  backwards  and  not 
forwards.  I  do  not  know  that  things  with  us  arc  different 
from  what  they  seem  upon  the  face  We  may  indeed  see  only 
the  worst;  but  I  doubt  it.  The  truth,  awful  as  it  is,  is,  we 
have  been  going  backward.  Where  it  will  end  I  know  not. 
I  know  in)-  prayer,  my  prayer  continually,  is  that  the  Lord 
would  revive  His  work.  1  doubt  not  but  that  He  will  in  His 
own  time. 

Much  seed  has  been  sown.  Religious  truth  has  been  scat- 
tered throughout  the  parish,  by  tit  is  no  figure  of  speech)  myr- 
iads of  pages.  That  good  will  come  of  this,  and  of  the  preach- 
ing of  Christ's  gospel,   I  stand  in  no  more  doubt   than  I  do  of 


148  The  Episcopal  Church 

my  own  existence.    But,  as  I  have  said,  during  the  past  year 
we  have  cause  to  mourn." 

Christ  Church,  Wellsburg  Parish — Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  17;  baptisms  1;  Sunday  school  teachers 
4;  scholars  16;  families  9;  contingent  fund  |12,  promised, 
which  I  will  send  to  the  treasurer. 

Ht.  John's  Church — Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins,  Rector.  Communi- 
cants 44;  baptisms  3. 

Rev.  Win.  McGuire,  Rector  of  WicMiffe  Parish,  reports — ''I 
preach  in  Kabletown,  Jefferson  county,  once  a  fortnight.  A 
valuable  parsonage  has  been  purchased  recently  by  Wick- 
liffe  Parish." 

Christ  Church,  Clarksburg  Parish — Rev.  R.  A.  Castleman, 
Rector.  Communicants  16;  baptisms  7;  Sunday  School  teach- 
ers 4;  scholars  40;  families  20.     Contributions  $62.55. 

"In  Fairmont,  Marion  county,  where  1  preach  once  a  month, 
the  members  of  our  communion  have  purchased  a  church  and 
are  fitting  it  up  for  our  services.  We  have  in  that  place  eight 
or  ten  members.  Since  the  last  convention  I  baptized  one 
adult  and  admitted  one  to  the  communion." 

Grace  Church,  Raeensicood  Parish — Communicants  10;  bap- 
tisms 2;  Sunday  school  teachers  7;  families  6;  contributions 
to  convention  fund  flO.  Services  have  been  celebrated  sev- 
eral times,  and  the  sacrament  of  baptism  and  the  Holy  Com- 
munion administered  during  the  year,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Mc- 
Cabe  of  Wheeling,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  of  Moundsville. 
We  still  continue  to  pray  to  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church 
that  He  would  send  us  a  pastor  to  dwell  in  our  midst,  and 
to  break  to  us  the  bread  of  life.     H.  Fitzhugh,  Sr.  W. 

Trinity  Church,  S<t.  Andrew  s  Parish — Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews, 
Rector.  Communicants  65;  baptisms  12;  Sunday  school 
teocWrs  6;  scholars  50.     Contributions  $250. 

Rev.  J.  H.  Kepler  s  Report — Baptisms  2;  Sunday  school 
teachers  8;  scholars  30.  In  April,  1853,  I  took  charge  of  the 
church  at  Harper's  Ferry,  preaching  once  in  two  weeks,  and 
continued  my  services  until  February,  last.    Since  then  the 


in  West  Virginia.  149 

church  at  Harper's  Ferry  has  been  without  services,  being 
unable  to  sustain  a  minister  any  longer.  From  January,  L853, 
to  January  last,  I  acted  as  Kev.  Dr.  Andrews'  assistant  in 
Shepherdstown.  The  balance  of  my  time  I  devote  to  the 
churches  at  Sharpsburg  and  Antietam,  Washington  county, 
.Mai  Aland. 

Zion  Church,  Charlestown — Rev.  Chas.  E.  Ambler,  Rector. 
Communicants  101;  baptisms  12;  Sunday  School  teachers  18; 
scholars  130;  average  attendance  15  and  85;  contributions 
$483.66.  During  the  present  spring  the  sum  of  $2,000  has 
been  subscribed  for  the  purpose  of  paying  a  debt,  which  has 
been  hanging  over  the  church  for  several  years,  since  the 
erection  of  the  present  church  edifice.  In  addition  to  this 
sum,  several  hundred  dollars  have  been  raised  for  the  pur- 
pose of  completing  the  building.  The  temporal  condition  of 
the  congregation,  is  therefore  better  than  it  has  been  since 
the  burning  of  our  church  several  years  ago.  There  is  much 
also  in  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  church  to  encourage 
the  rector  and  to  give  him  reason  to  be  thankful. 

Grace  Church,  Smithfield,  and  St.  Bartholomew's  Church,  for- 
borne Parish — Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway,  Rector.  Communicants 
17;  (of  which  5  colored);  baptisms  8;  Sunday  school  teachers 
1;  scholars  50;  contributions  $163.02. 

St.  Paul's  ('lunch,  Lewis  County — Rev.  Jas.  J.  Page.  Rector. 
Communicants  22;  baptisms  6;  Sunday  school  teachers  5; 
scholars  25.  I  am  happy  to  report  that  our  church  is  now  free 
from  debt.  In  the  eastern  cities  I  collected  a  sufficient  sum 
i«>  meet  claims  against  the  church  to  the  amount  of  $506.  In 
addition  I  purchased  a  fine  bell  and  Communion  Service. 

Trinity  (lunch.  Trinity  Parish,  Marshall  County — Rev.  W.  L. 
1 1.\  land,  Rector.  Communicants  12;  baptisms  14;  families  8. 
The  church  edifice  is  nearly  finished.  The  children  of  the 
parish  are  instructed,  by  the  redor  every  Sunday  before  di- 
vine service,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  Ru- 
brics and  Canons.  There  have  not  been  any  facilities  here- 
tofore for  a  regular  Sunday  school.  The  condition  of  the 
parish  if  is  hoped,  is  better  than  at  the  last  convention. 


150  The  Episcopal  Church 

St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling — Rev.  James  D.  McCabe,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  71;  baptisms  20;  confirmed  6;  Sunday 
school  teachers  14;  scholars  80;  contributions  $373  31. 

The  condition  of  the  parish  is  encouraging,  the  congrega- 
tion is  active  in  good  works,  and  liberal  in  the  support  of  all 
enterprises  for  the  promotion  of  the  principles  of  the  Gospel 
in  the  church.  During  the  present  year  a  parsonage  will  be 
erected  for  the  rector,  at  a  cost  of  between  $2,500  and  $3,000. 

St.  Matthew' s  Parish,  Wheeling — Rev.  Wm.  Armstrong,  Rec- 
tor. The  condition  of  this  parish  is  encouraging.  It  has  en- 
joyed since  January  the  efficient  and  very  acceptable  services 
of  an  assistant,  in  the  person  of  Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  late  rec- 
tor of  Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg.  Communicants  113; 
baptisms  24. 

Diocesan  Summary — Communicants  6,055,  of  which  17 
churches  in  West  Virginia  reported  636;  confirmed  626,  of 
which  in  West  Virginia  6. 

Convention  of   1855.     Lexington,  May  16. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

From  West  Virginia,  four  of  the  clergy  and  two  of  the  laity 
present. 

From  Bishop  Meade's  address:  "In  October  began  a  visita- 
tion in  Western  Virginia.  Commencing  duty  at  Fairmont, 
I  consecrated  a  church,  and  confirmed  five  persons.  Visited 
Clarksburg  and  Weston,  in  each  of  which  places  confirmed 
five.  Thence  to  Parkersburg,  where  three  were  confirmed. 
At  Ravens  wood  one.  Visited  Point  Pleasant,  Mercer's  Bot- 
tom, Buffalo;  one  confirmed  at  Buffalo.  Thence  to  Winfield 
Court  House,  Coalsmouth,  Charleston,  and  the  Salines;  one 
confirmed  at  the  Salines,  and  seven  at  Charleston.  Recross- 
ing  the  whole  of  Western  Virginia  by  land,  I  visited  the  con- 
gregations at  the  Northern  corner  of  the  State.  At  Mounds- 
ville  I  consecrated  a  new  church  and  confirmed  five  persons. 
At  St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling,  confirmed  ten  persons,  and 
at  St.  Matthew's  twenty-two.  Spent  a  day  at  Wellsburg  and 


in  West  Virginia.  151 

another  at  St.  John's,  seven  miles  off,  confirming  five  at  the 

latter." 

From  Bishop  Johns'  address:  "June  10th.  I  preached  at 
Bunker  Hill  and  confirmed  one.  11th.  I  preached  in  Trinity 
Church,  Martinsburg,  and  confirmed  two.  12th.  I  preached  at 
Hedgesville  and  confirmed  two.  14th.  I  preached  in  Trinity 
Church,  Shepherdstown  and  confirmed  seven.  15th.  I  preach- 
ed in  St.  Bartholomew's,  Leetown.  16th.  I  preached  in  Smith- 
field,  and  confirmed  six.  17th.  Was  my  appointment  at  Har- 
per's Ferry,  but  as  that  parish  was  then  vacant,  and  no  one 
took  the  Southern  Churchman,  I  found  the  church  closed, 
and  was  under  the  necessity  of  leaving  for  Charlestown  with- 
out officiating.  I  am  happy  to  say  that  the  congregation  has 
since  been  supplied.  18th.  I  preached  at  Charlestown  and 
confirmed  seven." 

Parochial  Reports: 

Trinity  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  County — D.  H. 
Conrad,  chairman  of  the  vestry,  reports:  The  late  Rector, 
Rev.  D.  Francis  Sprigg,  resigned  his  charge  in  March  last, 
and  has  removed  out  of  the  Diocese.  Since  which  time,  until 
within  a  few  weeks,  there  have  been  services  by  the  subscriber 
as  lay  reader,  on  the  usual  days  for  service;  but  recently  the 
Rev.  Charles  Howard,  of  Maryland,  at  our  Bishop's  instance, 
has  been  officiating  in  that  parish,  and  at  Hedgesville,  as 
well  as  LeetOwn,  Smithfield  and  Bunker's  Hill,  and  very  faith- 
fully on  his  part,  and  very  acceptably  to  our  people,  who  have 
already  learned  to  love  him  :  lie  will  labor  among  us  until  we 
are  supplied  with  a  minister,  which  we  hope  we  shall  be  by 
July.  We  have  experienced  the  usual  trouble  in  getting  a 
successor  to  our  late  respected  pastor  (whose  health  oblig- 
ed him  to  relinquish  his  pastoral  charge)  but  happily  we 
are  now  in  a  fair  way  to  procure  a  pastor,  who  will  keep  to- 
gether and  build  up  our  church  in  Martinsburg,  a  very  ex- 
cellent field  of  labor,  for  a  devoted,  active  clergyman. 

To  this  Mr.  Conrad  adds:  Hedgesville  Parish — Communi- 
cants :'..  This  is  a  small  chapel  belonging  to  Hedgesville  Par- 


152  The  Episcopal  Church 

ish,  which  needs  attention,  but  is  not  at  present  nourishing. 

And  also  this:  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Norborne  Parish,  This 
church  has  been  without  a  rector  since  Rev.  Mr.  Spriggs'  res- 
ignation, the  subscriber  officiated  as  lay  reader  on  the  usual 
days  of  service  in  Mt.  Zion  church,  until  the  Rev.  Charles 
Howard,  of  Maryland,  came  at  the  request  of  Bishop  Meade, 
to  officiate  in  this  and  the  adjoining  parishes;  since  which 
time  he  has  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the  people  preached 
for  them,  from  time  to   time. 

Rev.  D.  Francis  Sprigg  reports:  On  the  first  day  of  March 
I  resigned  my  rectorship  of  the  parishes  in  Berkeley  coum;. , 
I  was  induced  to  this  step  simply  on  account  of  an  affection 
of  my  eyes.  In  the  goodness  of  God,  they  seem  now  to  be 
nearly  restored  and  I  trust  soon  to  be  at  work  again.  I  ha^e 
been  assisting  the  Rev.  Dr.  Balch,  of  Christ  Church,  Balti- 
more, since  the  first  of  April. 

Christ  Church,  Wellsburg  Parish —  Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins  late 
rector.  Communicants  10;  families  5.  I  resigned  the  church 
of  this  parish  the  first  of  April  last,  and  have  accepted  a  call 
to  Grace  Church,  Ravenswood  Parish. 

St.  John's  Church,  Brooke  Parish- Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins,  late 
Rector.  Communicants  42;  baptisms  9;  confirmed  5;  families 
14. 

Grace  Church,  Ravensivood  Parish— Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  11;  baptisms  2;  confirmed  1:  Sunday 
school  teachers  6;  scholars  30;  families  7. 

Trinity  Church,  Shcphcrdstoicn—llex.  C.  W.  Andrews,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  02;  baptisms  4;  confirmed  7;  Sunday 
school  teachers  0;  scholars  40;  contributions,  for  church  pur- 
poses within  the  parish  $33.  Foreign  Missions  |55.  Evan- 
gelical Knowledge  Society  $50.    Other  objects  $200. 

Rev.  J.  H.  Kepler,  assistant  minister.  Trinity  Church.  St. 
Andrews'  Parish,  Shepherdstown,  reports:  As  I  have  no 
parish  in  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  I  have  but  little  to  report 
to  its  convention.  I  hold  services  regularly  every  two  weeks 
at  Sharpsburg,  and  at  Antietam  on  the  same  day.    The  Sun- 


in  West  Virginia.  153 

days  in  which  I  am  not  engaged  at  the  places  alluded  to,  I 
assist  Dr.  Andrews  in  the  services  at  Shepherdstown,  and 
likewise  officiate  for  him,  whenever  he  is  absent. 

Zion  Church,  Charlcstoicn — Rev.  C.  E.  Ambler,  Recor. 
Communicants  96;  baptisms  24;  confirmed  7;  families  20  (of 
which  2  colored);  Sunday  school  teachers  10;  scholars  103; 
contributions:  Missions,  domestic  $41;  foreign  $183.19.  Dio- 
cesan $55.  Com.  alms  $38.75.  General  contributions  $159; 
total,  $470.94. 

St.  John's  Church,  Charleston)  St.  Luke's  Church.  Maiden — 
Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith,  Rector.  Communicants  40:  bap- 
tisms 11;  confirmed  9  (of  which  2  from  St.  Mark's);  Sunday 
school  teachers  8;  scholars  50;  contributions.  Communion 
alms  $64.11  general  $321;  total  $385.11. 

The  sum  of  about  $900  has  been  contributed  to  the  payment 
of  the  debt  due  for  the  parsonage,  which  secures  a  title  for 
the  property,  to  the  church,  the  remainder  is  in  the  way  of 
payment,  being  a  small  amount. 

Trinity  Church.  Moundsville — Rev.  Wm.  L.  llvland.  Elector. 
Communicants  14;  baptisms  7;  confirmed  4.  Contributions 
Communion  alms,  $27.50;  general  $40;  total  $07.50. 

This  parish  being  as  yet  weak,  and  a  beneficiary  itself  of  the 
Diocesan  Missionary  Society,  no  effort  has  been  made  to  col- 
lect anything  for  missionary  purposes.  The  children  of  the 
parish  have  been  instructed  from  time  to  time  in  the  Cate- 
chism and  the  duties  of  religion  by  the  Rector.  This  is  the 
only  Sunday  school  connected  with  the  parish.  There  are 
but  few  families,  as  such,  connected  with  the  church,  although 
there  are  individuals  so  connected,  belonging  to  families  con- 
nected with  other  religious  denominations. 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  St.  Matthew's  Parish,  Wheeling  Rev. 
E.  T.  Perkins,  Rector.  Communicants  154;  baptisms  5l';  con- 
firmed 21;  Sunday  school  teachers  33;  scholars  175;  families 
115.  Contributions:  For  Missions,  domestic,  $20:  foreign, 
$125;  diocesan  $153;  Communion  alms  $183.58;  general  $1,- 
841.96;  total  $2,324.54. 


154  The  Episcopal  Church 

The  ladies  of  this  congregation,  have  within  the  past  rear 
purchased  a  large  and  commodious  parsonage  at  a  cost  of  $3,- 
500;  $1,100  of  which  has  been  paid  as  the  first  installment. 

tit.  John's  Church,  tit.  John's  Parish — Rev.  James  D.  McCabe, 
Rector.  Communicants  03;  baptisms  26;  confirmed  10;  Sun- 
day school  teachers  15;  scholars  100;  families  60.  Contribu- 
tions, for  missions,  domestic  $65  ($55  of  which  was  contribut- 
ed by  ladies  of  the  parish  in  money  and  clothes  for  Nashotah); 
foreign  $13;  Communion  alms  $73.12;  general  $381;  total 
$535.42. 

Since  last  convention,  the  congregation  of  St.  John's  have 
completed  a  commodious  and  comfortable  parsonage  at  the 
cost  of  about  $3,500,  which  is  now  occupied  by  the  Rector. 
The  parish  is  entirely  unembarrassed  by  debt,  and  in  all  re- 
spects in  a  healthy  condition.  During  the  year  the  Rector 
has  officiated  at  Ravenswood  and  New  Martinsville,  occa- 
sionally, and  every  Sunday  afternoon  he  holds  a  service  in 
the  neighboring  corporation  of  South  Wheeling. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Committee  reported  $890  as  paid 
to  six  missionaries  in  West  Virginia,  and  $121.10  contributed 
by  five  churches. 

Total  contingent  fund,  $5,105.75.  To  this,  twelve  West  Vir- 
ginia churches  paid  $162.  In  1854  and  1855,  there  were  forty- 
two  delinquencies. 

Seven  churches  on  the  roll  of  this  Convention  have 
become  extinct: 

Calvary,  Norborne  Parish,  Back  Creek,  Berkeley  county; 

Frankfort,  Hampshire,  Frankfort,  Hampshire  county; 

St.  Luke's,  Kanawha,  Salines,  Kanawha  county; 

St.  John's,  St.  John's,  Wheeling,  Ohio  county; 

Winfield,  St.  Paul's,  Winfield,  Putnam  county; 

Teays'  Valley,  St.  Paul's,  Teays'  Valley,  Putnam  county; 

Belleville,  Trinity,  Belleville,  Wood  county. 

Convention  of  1855.     Fredericksburg,  May  21. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

Present  from  West  Virginia,  three  of  the  clergy  and  three 


in  West  Virginia.  155 

of  the  laity,  viz:  Dr.  A.  T.  Woods,  St.  Matthew's  Church, 
Wheeling;  Mr.  1).  H.  Conrad,  Trinity  Church,  Martinsbnrg; 
Dr.  S.  Patrick,  St.  John's  Church,  Charleston. 

From  Bishop  Meade's  address:  "In  September.  I  visited  the 
congregations  in  Berkeley  and  Jefferson.  Beginning  at 
Charlestown  I  confirmed  three  persons.  My  next  appoint- 
ment was  at  Harper's  Ferry,  which  failed  by  reason  of  in- 
disposition, though  my  place  was  supplied  by  others.  At 
Shepherdstown  one  wras  confirmed.  Two  at  Hedges  Chapel. 
Three  at  Martinsburg.  One  at  Bunker's  Hill.  Two  at  Smith- 
field.     I  held  service  also  at  Leetown. 

I  should  say  that  the  number  annually  confirmed  (in  the 
whole  Diocese)  since  my  advancement  to  the  Episcopate  (1829) 
has  been  about  four  or  five  hundred.  Sometimes  it  has  gone 
far  beyond  this,  and  once  reached  a  thousand,  during  a  year 
when  God's  spirit  seemed  to  have  been  more  largely  poured 
out  on  our  congregations.  In  estimating  the  amount  of  suc- 
cess attending  the  labors  of  our  ministers  for  the  last  forty- 
five  years,  not  for  the  purpose  of  boasting  before  men,  or 
comparing  it  with  that  of  others,  but  in  thankfulness  to  God 
for  His  unmerited  grace,  wre  must  take  into  account  that  Vir- 
ginia, beyond  any  other  part  of  our  land,  has  for  a  long  time, 
been  the  nursery  of  the  West  and  Southwest,  supplying  vast 
numbers  to  the  Churches  and  States  thereof.  It  is  not  won- 
derful, therefore  that  our  domestic  increase  in  regard  to 
churchmen  and  citizens,  should  have  been  seriously  affected 
by  the  continual  emigration  of  both.  If  the  character  of 
these  colonists  should  have  contributed  anything  to  the  im- 
provement of  the  places  of  their  settlement,  if,  in  many  in- 
stances they  shall  have  proved  the  seed  of  Episcopal  congre- 
gations in  the  same,  we  must  be  thankful  for  the  honor  con- 
ferred on  us  by  the  Lord,  and  rejoice  that  others  increase 
even  if  we  decrease.  Let  it  be  our  endeavor  to  train  them  in 
the  true  principles  of  the  gospel,  and  of  the  church  of  our 
reforming  fathers,  that  those  who  leave  us,  may  be  blessings 
to  whatever  home  thev  mav  select. 


156  The  Episcopal  Church 

Let  us  especially  be  thankful  that  God  has  so  highly  hon- 
ored our  Diocese,  as  to  rear  up  iu  our  midst  a  school  of  the 
Prophets,  which  has  long  been,  and  is  now  more  abundantly, 
a  nursery  of  faithful  evangelists  to  other  parts  of  the  land, 
besides  our  own,  and  even  missionaries  to  far  distant  coun- 
tries. By  comparing  our  present  condition  with  the  past,  we 
have  therefore  abundant  cause  for  thankfulness  and  encour- 
agement though  none  for  pride  or  boasting.  I  think  I  shall 
not  err  from  the  truth,  in  saying,  that  less  than  fifty  years 
ago,  our  number  of  laboring  ministers  was  not  more  than 
Twelve,  and  these  were  almost  all  old  men,  faint  and  discour- 
aged, soon  to  cease  from  the  little  they  were  then  doing,  and 
with  them,  the  universal  expectation  was  that  the  church 
would  come  to  an  end,  and  the  old  temples  and  congregations 
fall  into  other  hands.  Some  of  these  twelve,  did  not  probably 
number  more  than  twelve,  as  their  average  congregation, 
and  the  whole  number  of  attendants  throughout  the  Diocese 
could  not  have  amounted  to  more  than  a  thousand  souls,  per- 
haps much  lesfj.  Compared  with  this  small  and  most  dis- 
couraging beginning,  our  present  condition  of  a  hundred  na- 
tive clergy  and  nearly  two  hundred  places  of  worship,  with 
seven  thousand  communicants,  calls  for  devout  gratitude  to 
our  great  Head.  Of  how  much  greater  increase  our  Zion  is 
capable,  until  emigration  shall  roll  back  again,  or  at  least 
cease  to  roll  away  from  us,  it  is  not  ours  to  know.  One  thing 
is  certain,  that  nothing  but  a  continuance  of  the  same  evan- 
gelical and  zealous,  self-denying  labors  which  God  hath  hith- 
erto blessed,  will  avail  for  our  future  increase.  May  God 
give  to  us  all  the  grace  of  faithful  perse verence." 

From  Bishop  Johns'  address:  "April  17th.  I  left  home  to 
visit  the  Western  section  of  the  Diocese.  20th.  I  consecrated 
Christ  Church,  Clarksburg.  Sentence  of  consecration  by  the 
Rev.  R.  A.  Castleman,  morning  service,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Per- 
kins, sermon  bv  myself.  I  preached  also  in  the  evening  This 
handsome  church  has  been  erected  by  the  indefatigable  ef- 
forts of  the  rector,  who  has  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that 


ix  West  Virginia.  157 

it   is  held  by  the  vestry  without  the  slightest  pecuniary  em- 
barrassment. 

21st.  We  proceeded  in  the  face  of  a  snow  storm  twenty- 
three  miles  to  Weston,  where  I  preached  at  night,  and  though 
the  ground  wras  covered  several  inches  and  the  snow  still  fall- 
ing, I  wras  met  by  a  large  congregation.  Three  persons  were 
confirmed,  one  of  whom  had  come  thirty,  and  another,  a  lady, 
sixteen  miles  to  enjoy  this  spiritual  privilege.  22nd.  In  the 
morning  I  baptized  an  infant  in  Weston.  23d.  1  preached  at 
Fairmont  and  confirmed  two.  24th.  At  Wheeling  I  examined 
T.  H.  Smith,  a  candidate  for  Deacon's  orders,  in  which  exam- 
ination I  was  aided  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Perkins  and  R.  A. 
Castleman.  25th.  I  preached  at  Wellsburg.  26th.  I  preached 
at  St.  John's  Brooke  County,  and  in  the  evening  baptized  an 
infant  at  Wellsburg.  Both  of  these  congregations  are  suf- 
fering for  want  of  a  minister.  The  church  at  Wellsburg  much 
reduced  by  removals  and  deaths,  must,  unless  soon  provided 
for,  become  extinct.  27th.  In  St.  John's,  Wheeling,  I  admit- 
ted Mr.  T.  H.  Smith  to  Deacon's  orders.  Morning  service  by 
Rev.  Geo.  K.  Wrarner,  candidate  presented  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Perkins,  sermon  by  myself.  It  is  expected  that  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Smith  will  settle  in  Weston,  and  relieve  the  Rev.  R.  A.  Cas- 
tleman of  a  part  of  his  too  extended  field  of  labor.  At  night 
I  preached  in  St.  Matthew's  Church,  and  confirmed  eighteen. 

•"><)th.  I  preached  in  Moundsville  and  confirmed  eight.  At 
night  1  preached  in  St.  John's,  Wheeling,  and  confirmed  six. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Warner,  acting  as  rector  of  the  church,  has 
been  officiating  there  but  a  few  weeks.  30th.  I  preached  at 
<'<>\v  Creek.  May  1st.  I  preached  at  Parkersburg  and  con- 
firmed one.  May  2d.  I  preached  at  Ravenswood  and  confirm- 
ed lour.  3d.  I  preached  at  Point  Pleasant.  4th.  At  Bruce 
Chapel,  Mercer's  Bottom.  5th.  I  preached  at  Buffalo.  The  Inst 
three  places  are  missionary  stations,  and  greatly  need  the 
services  of  a  faithful  minister.  At  Charleston,  Kanawha, 
and  the  vicinity,  though  suffering  from  a  severe  cold  and 
sore  throat,  I  was  enabled  to  perform  the  following  services: 


158  The  E  pi  sco  pal  Ch  u  ech 

In  St.  John's  Church,  I  preached  on  the  9th,  at  night.     10th. 
.Morning-  and  night.  11th.  In  the  morning  and  confirmed  nine. 
In  the  afternoon  I  rode  to  the  Salines,  preached  and  con- 
firmed four.     This  service  was  conducted  in  the  Methodist 
church,  kindly  loaned  us.  our  own  having,  during  the  last 
year,  fallen  down,  in  consequence  of  its  defective  foundation. 
With  commendable  promptness,  another  building  has  been 
commenced  on  another  site;  and  judging  from  its  appearance 
as  far  as  it  has  progressed,  it  promises  to  be  substantial  and 
commodious.     I  very  much  regret  that  I  was  prevented  by 
indisposition  from  visiting  the  church  at  Coalsniouth,  still 
without  a  rector.    The  Rev.  Messrs.  Smith  and  Tompkins  of- 
ficiated there  for  me,  and  from  their  report,  as  well  as  from 
conversation  with  one  of  the  vestry,  whom  1  saw  in  Charles- 
ton, I  learned  the  deep  concern  of  the  people  on  account  of 
their  lamentable  destitution,  and  their  anxiety  to  be  supplied. 
In  this  beautiful  portion  of  the  Valley  of     the     Kanawha, 
there  is  no  preaching  of  any  kind.    The  condition  of  this  con- 
gregation, and  the  fact  that  near  to  it  are  extensive  mining 
establishments,   with   numerous   operatives,   and   their   fami- 
lies, who  prefer  the  services  of  our  church,  and  have  often 
and  earnestly  applied  for  them,  render  this  region  one  of 
peculiar  interest,  as  a  field  for  missionary  enterprise. 

May  12.  Accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  I  left 
Charleston  at  daybreak  in  the  stage,  and  at  5  p.  in.,  reached 
Cuyandotte.  Here  I  had  no  appointment,  but  I  brought  with 
me  a  letter  to  the  only  resident,  presumed  to  be  connected 
with  our  church,  that  if  practicable  we  might  have  services 
there  at  night,  but  it  was  concluded  that  we  had  arrived  too 
late  to  circulate  the  notice,  and  the  design  was  abandoned. 
Our  next  object  was  to  secure  the  first  packet  which  should 
pass  up  the  river.  The  gentleman  at  the  wharf  boat,  who  an- 
swered our  enquiries,  proved  to  be  a  communicant  of  the 
church,  originally  from  Ohio,  but  for  several  years  in  business 
in  Guyandotte.  during  all  which  time  he  had  been  deprived 
of  the  services  he  loved,  except  at  long  intervals  when  away 


ix  West  Virginia.  159 

from  home.  He  had  noticed  the  series  of  appointments  along 
the  Kanawha  Valley,  and  proposed  joining  us  there,  but 
found  it  out  of  his  power,  and  now,  conjecturing  who  we 
were,  he  followed  us  with  the  inquiry.  On  learning  that  his 
conjecture  was  correct,  and  that  we  had  wished  to  hold  a 
service  there  that  night,  but  that  it  had  been  deemed  too  late 
to  give  the  necessary  notice,  he  and  a  Methodist  gentleman 
standing  near,  volunteered  to  make  the  experiment,  and  do 
all  they  could  to  collect  a  congregation.  They,  uniting  with 
the  friend  to  whom  I  had  brought  the  letter  of  introduction, 
and  being  materially  aided  by  a  highly  respectable  and  in- 
fluential gentleman,  who  with  his  family  were  attached  to 
the  church,  the  arrangements  were  soon  made,  and  at  the 
usual  hour  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  preaching  to  a  large  au- 
dience, assembled  in  the  Methodist  church.  The  next  morn- 
ing before  breakfast  I  baptized  an  infant,  Henry  Livingston 
Webb,  of  the  family  already  alluded  to.  While  i  was  in  Guy- 
andotte,  I  was  brought  into  communication  with  a  company 
of  intelligent  and  enterprising  gentlemen  from  the  State  of 
New  York,  who  were  about  closing  the  purchase  of  a  tract 
of  twenty  thousand  acres  of  land  in  the  vicinity,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  establishing  a  large  agricultural  settlement.  With 
two  exceptions  they  were  Episcopalians,  and  all  expressed 
great  interest  to  have  our  services  brought  within  their 
reach.  I  cannot  but  hope  lhat  this  visit  may  soon  lead  to 
the  establishment  of  a  missionary  in  that  pail  of  Cabell 
county. 

A  tour  of  about  1,500  miles  accomplished  without  hurt  or 
serious  hindrance,  furnishes  abundant  cause  for  thankful- 
ness. The  impression  produced  in  this  visitation,  by  all  I 
saw  and  heard,  served  but  to  deepen  my  conviction  of  the 
greatness  of  the  work  to  be  done  in  that  very  interesting  but 
comparatively,  very  destitute  portion  of  the  Diocese,  and  to 
be  essayed  speedily,  if  we  would  avail  ourselves  of  the  ad- 
vantages which  now  invite  us  to  prompt  and  energetic  action. 
I  do  not  mean  to  intimate  that  it  would  he  without  trials  and 


1  GO  Th  e  E  pi  boo  p  al  Ch  ukch 

discouragements.  These,  more  or  less,  are  inseparable  from 
the  work,  wherever  commenced,  and  in  our  west,  difficulties 
of  a  peculiar  kind  may  be  encountered  at  the  outset.  But, 
then,  there  are  the  people  pleading  for  the  presence  and  ser- 
vice of  the  Christian  ministry,  with  an  appeal  as  distinct  and 
intelligible,  as  the  call  that  fell  on  the  ear  of  the  Apostle  at 
Troas.  And  who  will  go  "over  and  help  them  ?"  The  cry  of 
Africa  is  heard,  the  distant  call  of  China  is  heard,  there  is 
scarcely  a  heathen  people,  the  recital  of  whose  necessities 
does  not  find  a  sympathetic  cord  in  the  bosom  of  some  of 
those  who  are  commissioned  to  preach  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ,  and  this  is  as  it  should  be.  But  shall  our 
our  own  people  be  unheard  or  unheeded?  Unheard  they 
shall  not  be,  for  I  am  commissioned  to  state  their  wants,  and 
urge  their  claims,  and  could  I  execute  that  commission  with 
an  ability  at  all  equal  to  the  interest  I  feel,  or  could  I  vivid- 
ly represent  the  scenes  through  which  my  recent  visitation 
has  carried  me.  I  am  persuaded  some  would  be  ready  to  re- 
spond, "here  we  are,  send  us."  I  know  the  demand  for  niin- 
"sterial  service,  and  doubt  not  that  the  poverty  of  the  supply 
is,  in  part,  the  cause  of  the  continued  destitution  to  which 
I  allude,  and  so  I  have  explained  it  to  those  who  have  com- 
plained to  me,  ais  if  no  one  cared  for  their  souls,  yet  I  cannot 
but  think  thai  if  1  he  present  state  of  the  border,  and  some  of 
the  interior  counties  wras  rightly  apprehended,  they  would 
command  a  larger  proportion  of  our  clerical  force,  than  they 
have  yet  been  privileged  to  receive. 

Means  for  their  reasonable  suport  will  not  be  wanting. 
The  people  themselves  are  prepared  to  furnish  part,  and 
there  is,  I  am  confident,  a  heart  in  this  Diocese  to  provide 
what  may  be  further  needed.  What  we  need  is  the  men 
humble,  earnest,  active  men,  who  are  ready  to  endure  hard- 
ships for  Christs  sake,  and  the  gospel's.  For  want  of 
.such  the  work  stands.  Let  us  then  with  increasing  earnest- 
ness and  importunity,  pray  that  the  Lord  will  "send  forth 
more  laborers  into  his  harvest." 


in  West  Virginia.  161 

The  Dioocesan  Missionary  Society,  reported  out  of  a  total 
appropriation  of  11,1)14.10  that  |550.()0  was  to  three  mission- 
aries in  West  Virginia.  For  this  fund  $30  from  one  church 
in  West  Virginia,  (St.  John's  Wheeling).  The  treasurer  re- 
ports 16  churches  in  West  Virginia  as  paying  to  the  contin- 
gent fund  1419.01,  of  which  $252.01  was  for  arrearages.  For 
years  1854-55  and  '50.  27  churches  are  delinquent  or  make  no 
leport. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Xorhorne  Parish,  Mt.  Zion  Church — Rev.  Richard  T.  Davis, 
Rector.  Communicants  53;  baptisms  2;  confirmed  2;  families 
28.  Contributions,  Missions-,  domestic  $2.75,  foreign  $7.58, 
general  $28.13. 

Xorhorne  Parish,  Trinity  Church — Rev.  Richard  T.  Davis 
Rector.  Communicants  44;  baptisms  2;  confirmed  2;  fami- 
lies 22.  Contributions,  Missions,  foreign  $20.37,  domestic 
$5.00,  general  $135.23. 

Bethel  Parish,  Christ  Church,  Clarksburg — Rev.  R.  A.  Cat- 
tleman, Rector.  Communicants  18;  baptisms  15;  confirmed 
2;  Sunday  Schools  2;  teachers  15;  scholars  90;  families  25. 
Contributions,  $380.00. 

The  above  report  embraces  the  number  of  communicants, 
baptisms,  contributions  &c,  in  Fairmont,  which  has  not 
been  formed  into  a  regular  parish.  Number  of  communi- 
cants in  Bethel  Parish,  Clarksburg  22. 

Raven&wood  Parish,  Crave  Church — Rev.  Samuel  D.  Tomp- 
kins, Rector.  Communicants  17;  baptisms  3;  confirmed  4; 
Sunday  School  teachers  7;  scholars  30;  families  !>;  Commun- 
ion alms  $25;  raised  by  subscriptions  to  build  a  church  in 
Ripley,  the  county  seat  of  Jackson,  $700. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Trinity  Church  Jefferson  county — Rev. 
C.  \V.  Andrews,  Rector.  Communicants  55;  baptisms  12; 
Sunday  School  teachers  7;  scholars  40;  contributions  $200. 

Few  parishes  in  the  diocese  have  lost  more  by  removals 
every  year.  Here,  as  in  many  other  of  our  Virginia  parishes, 
the  results  of  our  work,   if   truly  reported,  would  appear  in 


162  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

the  reports  of  western  parishes.  A  very  finely  constructed 
and  beautiful  stone  church  has  been  put  under  roof  during 
the  past  year. 

Grace  Church,  Smithfield,  St.  Bartholomew's  Church,  Lectown, 
Jefferson  county  and  Christ  Church,  Berkeley  county — Rev.  Juli- 
us E.  Grammer,  Rector.  Communicants  41;  baptisms  1;  con- 
firmed 3;  Sunday  School  teachers  11;  scholars  50;  contribu- 
tions |11.50.  This  parish  has  been  under  my  charge  eight 
months. 

St.  Luke's  Church,  Maiden — Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith,  Rec- 
tor. Communicants  94;  baptisms  11;  confirmed  3.  Contribu- 
tions $365. 38^. 

Kanawha  Parish,  St.  Johns  Church,  Charleston,  and  St. 
Lukes  Church,  Maiden — Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith,  Rector. 
Communicants  48;  baptisms  25;  confirmed  13;  Sunday  School 
teachers  9;  scholars  50;  contributions  for  church  purposes 
1284.52;  for  missions,  domestic  $15;  foreign  $53.00;  dioce- 
san $40.00.  Communion  alms  $38.15;  total  $430.70.  (Of  the 
communicants,  14  in  St.  Luke's.) 

The  Rector  deems  it  proper  to  state  that  his  services  are 
still  bestowed  upon  .the  two  congregations,  in  Charleston  and 
in  the  Salines,  besides  a  weekly  service  in  North  Charles- 
ton. At  this  place  (N.  Charleston)  an  eligible  site  for  a 
church  has  been  given,  the  title  being  vested  in  the  trustees 
of  St.  John's  Church,  and  a  subscription  is  now  being  made 
for  the  erection  of  a  house  of  worship.  The  work  is  in  prog- 
ress, and  we  hope  in  a  few  months  to  have  a  building  comple- 
ted. If  it  were  possible  the  services  of  a  Rector  should  be 
confined  to  Charleston;  the  Diocese  providing  a  minister  for 
the  Salines  and  the  adjacent  neighborhood  where  there  would 
be  large  aditions  made  to  our  church. 

The  Assistant  Bishop,  whose  visitation  in  the  Kanawha 
Valley  and  the  West,  has  just  closed,  has  witnessed  our  des- 
titution in  regard  to  an  adequate  supply  of  laborers,  and  will: 
no  doubt  allude  to  it,  in  his  report  to  the  convention. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston — Rev.  R.  A.  Castleman,    Rector. 


in  West  Virginia.  1G3 

Communicants  20;  baptisms  4;  confirmed  3;  Sunday  School 
teachers  6;  scholars  30;  families  20. 

This  congregation  is  making  an  effort  to  build  or  purchase 
a  Rectory.  About  $600  have  already  been  subscribed  to  this 
object,  and  there  is  a  prospect  of  speedy  success  in  the  under- 
taking. 

St.  Matthews  Parish,  St.  Matthews  Church,  Wheeling — Rev. 
E.  T.  Perkins,  Rector.  Communicants  174;  baptisms  :\\  ;  con- 
firmed 18;  Sunday  School  teachers  28;  scholars  200;  families 
120;  contributions,  domestic  missions  $50;  foreign  $106.03; 
diocesan  $128.     Communion  alms  $164.12;  general  $1,202.23- 

In  amount  of  general  contributions,  is  included  about  $S0O 
raised  by  some  of  the  ladies  of  the  congregation,  toward  pay- 
ing for  the  parsonage  recently  purchased  by  them. 

Report  of  Rev.  J.  H.  Kepler: 

Having  no  Parish  in  this  diocese,  I  have  but  little  to  report. 
Baptized  3  and  officiated  at  2  funerals.  In  his  absence  I  offi- 
ciate for  my  Rev.  Bro.  Dr.  Andrews,  and  when  not  attending 
to  my  own  appointments  in  Maryland  I  assist  in  the  service  at 
Shejmerdstown. 

Convention  of  1857.     Petersburg,  Va  ,  May  20. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

Present  from  West  Virginia,  two  clergy,  one  laymen. 

From  Bishop  John's  address:  "August  1st.  I  preached  at 
Union,  Monroe  county;  2nd  in  the  same  place  both  morning 
and  night.  After  sermon  by  the  Rev.  W.  N.  Pendleton,  I 
addressed  the  congregation.  3rd.  In  the  morning  I  preached 
in  the  same  place.  On  these  occasions  we  were  indebted  to 
our  Presbyterian  brethren  for  the  use  of  their  church.  I  am 
happy  to  say  that  by  the  exertion  of  a  young  lady,  aided  by 
a  few  others  residing  in  Monroe,  a  large  part  of  the  amount 
necessary  to  build  a  church  of  our  own  in  Union,  has  been 
raised,  and  I  doubt  not,  the  entire  sum  will  soon  be  collected. 
By  request  I  preached  at  night  at  the  Salt  Sulphur  Springs, 
to  a  large  and  attentive  audience.  During  this  mountain 
tour  I  received  most  acceptable  aid  from  the  Rev.  W.  N.  Pen- 


164  The  Episcopal  Church 

dletou,  who  kindly  engaged  to  visit  the  places  where  we  had 
officiated,  that  the  things  which  had  been  wrought  might  not 
be  lost. 

Contributions  for  the  relief  of  disabled  clergymen:  Zion 
Church,  Charlestown,  $45.00;  St.  Matthews  Church,  Wheel- 
ing, $25.00;  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown,  $50.00;  St.  John's 
Church,  Charleston,  $22.50;  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Hedgesville, 
$15.75;   Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg,  $15.89. 

The  Parochial  reports  show  6,315  communicants  in  the  dio- 
cese of  which,  in  West  Virginia  566 — (12  churches  not  report- 
ing-) 

Parochial  Reports; 

Trinity  Church,  Norborne  Parish. — Rev.  Richard  T.  Davis, 
Rector.  Communicants  43;  baptisms  5;  contributions,  mis- 
sions, foreign  $29.75;  domestic  $5.00;  building  churches  $5.00; 
disabled  clergy  $16.S9;  convention  fund  $38;  Sunday  Schools 
$10.00.     Communion  alms,  $44.86.     Total  $149.50. 

Mt.  Zion  Church,  Norborne  Parish — Rev.  Richard  T.  Davis, 
Rector.  Comunicants  64;  baptisms  6;  Sunday  School  teach- 
ers 8;  scholars  40;  Missions,  foreign  $8.61;  domestic  $1;  dis- 
abled clergy  $14.75;  convention  fund  $32.50.  Communion 
alms  $5.00.     Bible  Society  $6.00;  total  $67.86. 

In  connection  with  this  Parish,  Calvary  Church  has  been 
considered,  and  some  report  of  its  conditions  will  therefore 
be  expected.  The  number  of  communicants  in  this  church 
was  never  over  five  or  six,  and  by  deaths  and  removals  these 
were  scattered,  so  that  at  my  coming  into  the  Parish,  there 
was  not  left  one  communicant  in  regular  standing.  During 
the  last  summmer  I  officiated  regularly  in  this  church  once  a 
month,  and  the  services  were  well  attended. 

Christ  Church,  Wellsburg — Rev.  Edmund  Christian,  Rector. 
Communicants  8;  contributions.  Missions,  domestic  $2.10. 

"I  came  to  this  Parish  last  August,  having  been  without  a 
minister  for  some  time,  there  was  no  organized  congregation 
neither  church  nor  vestry  books.  The  building  was  in  posses- 
sion of  one  of  the  principal  donors  in  its  erection,  who  were 


in  West  Virginia.  165 

despairing  of  ever  seeing  a  congregation  of  Episcopalians 
again  in  it.  Some  were  dead,  some  had  removed,  and  others 
had  connected  themselves  with  other  denominations  and  un- 
der these  circumstances  it  was  in  contemplation  to  sell  the 
property,  as  some  of  the  heirs  to  one  of  the  donors  were  anx- 
ious to  get  their  portion  out  of  it.  The  church  was  rented  to 
some  Methodists,  who  would  have  purchased  it  if  they  could 
have  done  it  safely.  Portions  of  eight  families  were  Episco- 
palians. From  former  mismanagement  the  Episcopal  church 
here  had  got  into  disrepute  among  the  inhabitants,  and  the 
property  being  considered  private  and  liable  to  be  sold  at  any 
time,  some  who  have  formerly  been  friends  have  hesitated  to 
come  forward.  These  latter  objections,  I  think  are  being  re- 
moved. A  vestry  has  been  formed  and  trustees  were  ap- 
pointed in  April  by  the  Circuit  court.  I  have  a  hope  that  a 
congregation  may  be  gathered,  but  it  will  be  a  work  of  time, 
there  are  so  few  amongst  the  remaining  members  who  really 
are  zealous  in  the  work,  but  I  am  glad  to  say  there  are  some. 
The  services  are  morning  and  afternoon  every  alternate  Sab- 
bath. 1  have  received  from  them  as  salary  thirty  dollars." 
St.  John's  Parish,  St.  John's  Church — Kev.  Edmund  Christian 
Rector.  Communicants  29;  contributions,  domestic  missions 
$2.62, 

For  St.  John's  Church,  St.  John's  Parish,  he  reports: 
"This  church  was  taken  over  by  me  in  August  last.  The 
congregation  was  much  scattered,  but  they  are  fast  gathering 
again.  Service  is  held  every  alternate  Sabbath  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  vestry,  only  in  the  morning  to  an  increasing  and 
attentive  congregation,  and  once  a  month  an  evening  lecture 
in  a  private  house  some  distance  from  the  church,  where 
there  are  generally  more  than  can  be  accommodated  in  the 
house.  A  small  debt  has  been  on  this  church  some  years 
and  owing  to  a  state  of  apathy  into  which  the  treasurer  and 
vestry  had  got.  it  was  never  made  known  to  the  members. 
They  are  now  making  an  effort  to  liquidate  it  with  every  pros- 
pect of  success.  No  Sabbath  school  has  been  commenced 
owing  to  the  winter  and  stormv  weather  and  the  location  of 


166  The  Episcopal  Church 

the  families  so  distant.  From  this  congregation  I  have  re- 
ceived as  salary  forty-two  dollars.'' 

Bethel  Parish,  Christ  Church. Clarksburg — Rev.  R.  A.  Castle- 
man,  Rector.  Communicants  10;  Sunday  School  teachers  4; 
scholars  35.  Contributions,  Sunday  Schools  $15.  Commun- 
ion alms  $15;  total  $30. 

Reports:  duringthe  past  year  the  debt  upon  the  new  church 
in  this  Parish  has  been  liquidated,  and  about  $100  expended 
in  the  purchase  of  blinds  and  chancel  carpeting.  The  church 
is  entirely  free  from  debt. 

The  church  in  Fairmont,  Marion  county  is  also  entirely 
free  from  debt.  In  that  place  one  adult  has  been  added  by 
baptism.  The  Sunday  School  is  in  a  flourishing  condition. 
The  attendance  on  our  services  has  been  very  encouraging, 
and  there  is  a  prospect  of  a  regular  and  satisfactory  growth 
for  the  church  in  the  community. 

Grace  Church,  Ravenswood  Parish — Rev.  Samuel  D.  Tomp- 
kins, Rector.  Baptisms  5;  communicants  20;  Sunday  School 
teachers  7;  scholars  30;  contributions,  to  convocation  fund 
$20.     Communion  alms  $29;  total  $49. 

I  have  officiated  occasionally  during  the  year  at  Pt.  Pleas- 
ant, Mercer's  Bottom  and  Guyandotte.  The  prosepcts  for 
building  at  the  latter  place  are  very  encouraging.  There  are 
five  or  six  communicants  at  each  place,  one  candidate  for 
confirmation  at  Guyandotte. 

Trinity  Church,  St.  Andrew's  Parish — Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews, 
Rector.  Baptisms  6;  communicants  54;  Sunday  school  teach- 
ers 7;  scholars  40;  contributions,  foreign  missions  $57.75;  do- 
mestic missions  $25 ;  Evangelical  Knowledge  Society  $34 ;  Ed- 
ucation Society  $37;  disabled  clergymen  $50;  convention  fund 
$40;  Sunday  schools  $29.18;  Communion  alms  $20;  Bible  So- 
ciety $21;  Colonization  Society  $14;  American  Tract  Society 
$9;  total  $326.93. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Zion  Church — Rev.  Charles  E.  Ambler, 
Rector.  Baptisms  15;  communicants  107;  Sunday  school 
teachers  15;   scholars  90;  contributions,     foreign     missions 


in  West  Virginia.  107 

$100;  domestic  $1)5;  building  chinch  $43.56;  disabled  clergy 
$45;  convention  fund  $103;  Communion  alms  $70.62^;  Coloniz- 
ation Society  $40;  American  Tract  Society  $70;  American 
Sunday  School  Union  $30.     Total  $608.48. 

Kanawha  Parish,  St.  John's  Church,  Charleston  and  St.  Luke's 
Church,  Salines — Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith,  Rector.  Baptisms 
15;  communicants  53;  Sunday  School  teachers  7;  scholars  65; 
contributions,  Missions,  foreign  $28;  domestic  $35;  disabled 
clergy  $22.50;  Communion  alms  $24.19;  general  convention 
$136.95.    $246.74. 

St.  John's,  communicants  41;  St.  Luke's,  12. 

The  Bishops  of  the  diocese  have  usually  visited  this  part 
of  the  state  in  the  fall;  if  not  then,  in  the  spring,  before  the 
meetings  of  the  convention;  hence,  as  their  visits  are  always 
more  or  less  interesting  to  our  Western  Parishes,  we  are  able 
to  report  an  increase  in  confirmations  and  members.  This 
report  varies  but  little  from  the  last. 

The  west  is  still  destitute  of  laborers.  In  this  county, 
alone,  there  is  a  wide  field  for  missionary  labor,  and  we 
think  with  the  aid  of  the  Missionary  Society,  two  energetic, 
persevering  missionaries  could  be  employed  and  supported. 

St.  PauVs  Parish,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Westortr— Rev.  Thom- 
as H.  Smythe,  Rector.  Baptisms  10;  communicants  17;  Sun- 
day school  teachers  4;  scholars  25;  contributions,  convention 
fund  $16;  Communion  alms,  $5;  total  $21. 

The  congregation  at  Weston  during  the  past  year  has 
purchased  a  melodeon,  at  a  cost  of  $70,  and  the  ladies  of  the 
Sewing  Society  have  furnished  about  $60  for  the  purpose  of 
enclosing  the  church. 

The  Rector  holds  a  monthly  service  in  Buckhannon,  but  the 
prospect  is  very  discouraging  in  that  quarter.  The  Holy 
Communion  has  not  been  celebrated  there  since  he  took 
charge  of  the  parish,  consequently  he  canot  tell  how  many 
would  communicate  in  that  place. 

St.  Matthews  Church,  Wheeling — Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  Rec- 
tor.    Baptisms  32;  communicants  170;  Sunday  school  teach- 


168  The  Episcopal  Church 

ers  30;  scholars  175;  contributions:  Missions,  foreign  $136.30; 
domestic  $68  diocesan  $80;  Evangelical  Knowledge  Society 
$144;  repairing  churches  $550;  disabled  clergy  $25;  conven- 
tion fund  $174;  Sunday  schools  $56;  Communion  alms  $156.08; 
Bible  Society  $39;  parsonage  $500;  prayer  Books  Society  $10. 
Total  $1,993.38. 

Those  reported  withdrawn  (15)  are  persons  ,whose  names 
were  hitherto  found  and  kept  on  the  register,  with  the  expec- 
tation that  they  would  return  to  the  Communion;  only  a  few 
of  them  have  withdrawn  since  the  last  report;  but  are  now 
all  stricken  off.  There  is  a  class  awaiting  confirmation,  the 
Bishop  not  having  been  with  us  since  the  last  report  accounts 
for  the  small  number  added  to  the  communion. 

Thomas  G.  Black,  senior  warden,  8t.  John's  Parish,  Wheel- 
ing, reports:  This  Parish  has,  since  the  16th  of  March,  last, 
been  without  a  Rector.  Baptisms  39;  communicants  61;  Sun- 
doy  school  teachers  16;  scholars  115;  contributions,  Mis- 
sions, foreign,  $13.75;  domestic  $16.25;  Communion  alms 
$181.10;  general  $287.81.    Total  $498.91. 

Report  of  Rev.  Henry  J.  Kershaw,  as  missionary  in  West- 
ern Virginia  during  six  months  ending,  on  or  about  the  18th 
of  January,  1857;  Parkersburg — Preached  6  times;  baptized 
1  infant;  buried  one  adult  and  1  child;  married  1. 

Wirt  Court  House,  preached  one  time. 

Cow  Creek,  preached  3  times,  baptized  1. 

Belleville  Bottom,  preached  1  time. 

Coalsmouth,  preached  5  times,  assisted  Rev.  T.  L.  Smith  in 
the  administration  of  the  Lord's  supper;  communion  alms 
$4.06. 

Guyandotte,  preached  2  times. 

Cedar  Grove  (about  30  miles  above  Charleston  on  the  Ka- 
nawha river)  preached  one  time. 

Field's  Creek  (mining  district)  preached  one  time. 

Winfield,  preached  one  time. 

Buffalo,  preached  two  times. 

Pt.  Pleasant,  preached  one  time. 


in  West  Virginia.  169 

Mercer's  Bottom,  preached  one  time. 

I  have  also  preached  two  or  three  times  at  other  points; 
remaining  only  a  short  time  at  each  of  the  points  above  indi- 
cated. I  was  unable  to  find  out  the  exact  number  of  commu- 
nicants &c,  and  would  have  obtained  all  such  information 
on  my  second  visit,  but  before  that  could  take  place,  I  was 
compelled  to  seek  a  more  southern  latitude  on  account  of  the 
weakness  of  my  eyes.  Western  Virginia  presents  many  ad- 
vantages as  a  field  for  missionary  operations.  The  people 
are  anxious  to  hear  the  word  of  life,  and  will  come  many 
miles  to  attend  the  services  of  the  church. 

Eev.  J.  H.  Kepler,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Washington 
county  Md.,  reports  holding  services  every  two  weeks  in  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Sharpsburg,  and  Antietam.  I  have  a  spare 
Sunday  which  I  employ  in  assisting  my  Rev.  Bro.  Dr.  An- 
drews in  the  service  at  Shepherdstown.  In  the  absence  of  Dr. 
Andrews  I  usually  keep  the  church  open  for  service  in  this 
place. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Society  reported  $900  as  paid 
to  six  missionaries  in  West  Virginia  and  $169.93  received 
from  three  churches. 

The  Treasurer  reported  $640.50  as  paid  to  the  contingent 
fund  from  ten  churches.  Delinquencies  of  West  Virginia 
churches  $930.4!). 

Rev.  John  Martin,  born  June  1800;  ordained  by  Bishop 
Moore  of  Virginia,  July  18-">4.  Keel  or  of  Kanawha  Parish 
\\Vst  Virginia  1834-1840. 

Convention  of  1858.     Winchester,  Va.,  May  19. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

Present  from  West  Virginia:  Five  clergy  and  six  laymen 
(among  the  latter  Mr.  Hiram  D.  Brown,  of  Wheeling,  and  Mr. 
N.  S.  White,  of  Charlestown. 

From  Bishop  Meade's  address:  "Immediately  after  the 
Convention  (Petersburg  1857)  I  entered  on  my  triennial  vis- 
itation to  Western  Virginia.  Being  enabled  by  means  <>f 
the  increased  facilities  for  travelling,  to  anticipate  the  time 


170  The  Episcopal  Church 

by  about  six  months,  as  has  been  the  case  in  other  parts  of 
the  State  for  the  same  reason. 

My  first  visit  was  to  Fairmont,  where  I  proposed  to  spend 
two  days,  but  was  unable  to  reach  it  until  the  second.  The 
Rev.  William  McGuire  who  attended  me,  during  my  Western 
tour,  and  rendered  effectual  aid,  preceded  me,  and  prevented 
disappointment  as  to  any  of  the  expected  services.  Three 
persons  were  confirmed  at  this  place.  Our  members  and 
patrons  at  Fairmont  are  few  in  number,  but  zealous  and 
faithful,  having  done  much  in  proportion  to  their  numbers 
and  ability.  Services  have  been  held  every  alternate  Sab- 
bath in  this  place,  since  last  fall  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brodnax, 
who  was  ordained  to  the  Beaconship  in  July  last,  at  the 
close  of  the  Seminary  course. 

On  leaving  Fairmont  I  proceeded  to  Wheeling  where  ser- 
vices were  held  for  several  days.  In  St.  Matthew's  Church 
twent}r-six  were  confirmed  in  public,  and  one  in  private. 
There  was  no  confirmation  in  St.  John's  and  no  minister  at 
that  time.     The  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  is  its  present  minister. 

The  congregations  at  Wellsburg  and  St.  John's  were  next 
visited  and  one  person  confirmed  in  the  latter.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Christian  was  then  very  zealously  and  acceptably  labor- 
ing in  these  places,  but  has  >since  removed  to  Ohio,  for  want 
of  support. 

At  Moundsville  I  found  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland  still  officiat- 
ing to  a  small  congregation  and  having  charge  of  a  school. 
I  regret  to  learn,  by  a  communication  from  himself  and  the 
vestry,  that  he  has  resigned  his  charge.  It  will  require  the 
union  of  the  congregations  at  Moundsville,  Wellsburg  and 
St.  John's,  to  give  full  employment  to  an  active  minister, 
and  some  aid  from  the  Missionary  Society  to  furnish  a  com- 
petent 'support. 

My  next  visit  was  to  Martinsville,  where  our  pros- 
pects were  once  somewhat  encouraging,  and  where  we 
had  an  unfinished  church,  with  a  small  debt  resting  upon  it. 
By  removals  and  deaths  and  the  want  of  ministerial  serv- 
ices our  prospects  have  been  so  blasted  at  this  place,  that 


in  West  Virginia.  171 

notwithstanding  my  remonstrances  to  the  contrary,  the 
church  was  sold,  a  few  hours  after  my  departure,  and  the 
hope  of  having  an  Episcopal  church  there  is  for  the  present 
extinguished. 

On  reaching  Parkersburg,  I  found  the  Rev.  Mr.  Coleman, 
a  deacon  of  the  Diocese  of  Maryland,  in  the  performance 
of  ministerial  duties.  He  has  since  been  ordained  a  Priest 
by  the  Bishop  of  Maryland,  and  received  by  a  letter  diinis- 
sory,  to  the  Diocese  of  Virginia.  At  Farkersburg  seven  per- 
sons were  confirmed,  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  ad- 
ministered, and  one  child  baptized.  The  ladies  are  still, 
with  commendable  zeal,  continuing  their  efforts  for  a  par- 
sonage; if  seconded  by  the  contributions  of  the  gentlemen, 
according  to  the  ability  which  God  has  given  to  that  favored 
place,  the  desirable  work  might  soon  be  accomplished. 

At  Ravenswood,  to  which  my  steps  were  next  directed,  I 
found  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  still  residing  and  connecting 
a  school  and  small  congregation  in  the  county  seat,  about 
twelve  miles  off,  with  the  few  zealous  Episcopalians  in  the 
Church  at  that  place.  Several  services  were  held  during 
the  two  or  three  days  which  Mr.  McGuire  and  myself  spent 
at  this  place,  at  one  of  which  four  persons  were  confirmed. 

At  Point  Pleasant,  where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  from  Char- 
leston, Kanawha,  met  us,  and  at  Mercer's  Bottom,  several 
days  were  spent  in  religious  services;  two  persons  being  con- 
firmed at  the  former  and  one  at  the  latter.  I  have  recently 
heard  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  has  removed  from  Ra- 
vmswood  to  Point  Pleasant,  and  officiates  there  and  ;it 
Mercer's  Bottom.  On  our  way  from  Point  Pleasant  to 
Coalsmouth,  we  spent  two  days  at  Buffalo,  preaching  to  our 
few  adherents  at  that  place. 

Owing  to  the  failure  of  a  conveyance,  one  of  the  two  days 
assigned  to  our  friends  at  Coalsmouth  was  lost  i<»  thiem. 
They  are  still  without  a  minister.  That  Parish,  taken  in 
connection  with  some  neighboring  places,  and  embracing 
Guyandotte,  where  we  have  some  warm   friends,   would  af- 


172  The  Episcopal  Church 

ford  a  good  field  for  an  active  and  zealous  missionary,  who 
should  be  entirely  devoted  to  the  work. 

At  Charleston  and  the  Salines  two  days  were  spent;  at  the 
former  four  were  confirmed  and  at  the  latter  three.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Smith  is  still  there,  performing  much  duty,  and 
deeply  feeling  his  solitary  position,  having  no  brother  min- 
ister nearer  than  fifty  miles. 

From  Charleston  I  returned  by  the  way  of  Point  Pleas- 
ant to  Parkersburg,  by  steamboat,  and  thence  by  railroad 
and  stage  to  Clarksburg  and  Weston.  At  the  latter  place, 
five  were  confirmed,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  their  minister, 
admitted  to  Priests  orders.  The  former,  Clarksburg,  was 
without  a  minister,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Castleman  having  left 
early  in  the  spring,  after  having  performed  faithful  services 
there,  for  some  years,  and  been  mainly  instrumental  in 
the  erection  of  their  present  excellent  church." 

From  Bishop  John's  address:  '"October  2nd,  1  preached 
at  Charles  Town  and  confirmed  15. 

3rd,  I  preached  at  Smithfield  and  confirmed  3. 

4th,  I  preached  in  Shepherdstovvn  and  confirmed  seven; 
in  the  afternoon  I  addressed  the  servants. 

5th,  I  preached  at  Martinsburg  and  confirmed  seven. 

6th,  I  preached  at  "Bunker  Hill. 

7th,  I  preached  at  Hedgesville  and  confirmed  twenty. 

8th,  I  preached  at  Harper's  Ferry. 

Total  number  of  confirmations  in  the  Diocese  025  (of 
which  11  were  colored.)  Of  the  whole  number  102  were  in 
15  West  Virginia  churches. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Rev.  Richard  T.  Davis  reports: 

Trinity  (lunch,  Martinsburg — Communicants  45;  confirmed 
7;  baptisms  5;  Sunday  School  teachers  7;  scholars  40;  con- 
triubtions,  Communion  alms  |43.47;  foreign  missions  $18.65 ; 
domestic  $1;  diocesan  |13.78;  American  Tract  Society  $22.25; 
lotal  $76.90. 

Mt.  Zion   Chinch,   Hedgesvilh — Baptisms   8;   communicants 


in  West  Virginia.  17-5 

Tit;  confirmed  20;  Sunday  School  teachers  8;  scholars  40; 
tributions,  Communion  alms  $13;  foreign  missions  $12; 
Church  at  Harper's  Ferry  $10;  conventional  collection  $10; 
diocesan  missions  $10.05;  Bible  Society  $30;  total  $85.05. 

Rev.  Samuel  D.  Tompkins  reports: 

Grace  Church,  Ravenswood — Baptisms  4;  communicants  IT; 
contributions,  contingent  fund  $1T.00. 

Norborne  Parish,  Middleway—  Rev.  William  McGuire.  Bap- 
tises .":  communicants  33:  contributions  $55.22.  Took 
charge  September  1st. 

Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown — Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews. 
Baptisms  IT;  communicants  58;  confirmed  0;  families  30; 
contributions  $3.50. 

Zion  Church,  Charlestottm — Rev.  Charles  E.  Ambler.  Bap- 
tisms 12;  communicants  106;  confirmed  15;  Sunday  Schol, 
white  teachers,  16;  scholars  105;  colored  teachers  10;  schol- 
are  50;  families  TO;  contributions  in  connection  with  the 
church,  $1.81.32;  otherwise  $120.T0.     Total  $602.02. 

St.  John's  Charleston  and   St.  Luke's  Salines,    Kanawha  Co. 
— Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith,  Rector.     Baptisms  T;  communi- 
cants 55;  confirmed  8;  Sunday  school  teachers  8;  scholars 
60;  contributions  $8T.05. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston — Rev.  Thomas  H.  Smytlie,  Rec- 
tor. Baptisms  3;  communicants  28;  confirmed  6;.  Sunday 
School  teachers  T;  scholars  50;  contributions  $60. 

St,  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling— Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins.  Rector. 
Baptisms  42;  communicants  175;  confirmed  26;  Sunday 
School  teachers  30;  scholars  200;  contributions.  Parochial 
$T01.15;  otherwise  $846.33.     Total  $1547.48. 

St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling— Rev.  Joseph  11.  Smith,  Elector 
Baptisms  29;  communicants  62;  Sunday  School  teachers 
16:  scholars  130;  average  attendance  80  1<>  90;  families  51; 
contributions,  missions  $20;  Communion  alms  $331.05;  week- 
ly offertory  for  incidental  expenses  $185.94;  other  collections 
for  Parish  purposes  $750.     Total  $1,287.59. 

The   present   Rector   entered    upon    duty    here   during    the 


174  The  Episcopal  Church 

month  of  August  1S57.  Previous  to  this  there  had  existed 
a  vacancy  in  the  Rectorship  from  the  preceding  Easter. 
There  are  a  number  who  expect  at  the  next  visitation  to  re- 
ceive the  laying  on  of  hands. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Committee  reports  $G50  paid  to 
5  missionaries  in  West  Virginia  and  $  1.48. 17  contributed  by 
(5  churches. 

The  treasurer  reports  |529  paid  to  the  contingent  fund 
from  10  churches  in  West  Virginia;  arrears  of  $808.82. 

Convention  of    1859.     Norfolk,  May    18. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

Present  from  West  Virginia:  Five  of  the  clergy  and  one 
of  the  laity. 

From  Bishop  Meade's  address:  After  speaking  of  a  visit 
to  the  Warm  Springs,  he  says:  "I  should  have  been  happy  to 
have  extended  my  visit  to  the  White  Sulphur  Springs, 
where  I  rejoice  to  learn  that  a  church  is  expected  to  be  put 
up  the  ensuing  season,  and  also  at  Monroe,  where  a  number 
of  like  minded  persons  are  preparing  to  erect  an  Episcopal 
church;  but  as  age  advances  I  am  unable  to  travel  on  horse- 
back, or  even  in  a  carriage  through  a  mountainous  country 
as  formerly.  If  my  life  is  spared,  and  the  railroad  is  exten- 
ded, I  may  yet  visit  these  places,  otherwise  I  must  consign 
them  to  the  superintendance  of  my  assistant  brother. 

In  the  month  of  September,  I  commenced  my  fall  visita- 
tions, by  spending  two  days  at  Charlestown,  Jefferson 
county,  preaching  twice  and  confirming  seven. 

At  Harper's  Ferry  preached  once,  and  baptized  one  child. 
At  Shepherdstown  spent  two  days,  preaching  twice,  con- 
firming eight,  and  baptizing  the  child  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Davis. 
At  Hedgesville,  two  days,  preaching  on  each  of  the3e,  and 
confirming  eleven.  Spent  a  day  at  Smithfield  and  one  at 
Lcetowu  preaching  in  each  place.  Preached  also  once  at 
Bunker's  Hill  and  confirmed  one  colored  person.  October 
16th.  I  preached  at  Fairmont,  baptized  two  adults  and  one 
infant  and  confirmed  six.     17th.     I  preached  at  St.  John's, 


in  West  Virginia.  175 

Wheeling,  ;md  confirmed  thirteen.  This  church,  I  regret 
to  report  is  again  vacant,  the  Rector  having'  recently  re- 
signed, and  removed  to  another  Diocese.  At  night  I  preach- 
ed in  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling,  and  confirmed  thirty-eight. 
lsth.  I  preached  in  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg;  and  on  the 
following  day  in  St.  John's,  Brooke  county.  Both  of  these 
congregations  are  still  without  a  minister.  20th.  I  preached 
again  in  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling.  21st.  I  preached  in 
Moundsville,  and  confirmed  three.  This  and  the  Church  at 
Fairmont,  though  remote  from  each  other,  yet  being  on  the 
line  of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  are  so  near  in  time 
as  to  be  conveniently  served  by  the  same  minister.  A  few 
cays  before  my  visitation  they  became  united  under  the  care 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jacobs,  who  has  commenced  his  labors  there 
with  an  encouraging  prospect  of  usefulness. 

23rd,  I  preached  and  confirmed  four  in  St.  John's  Church, 
about  eighty  miles  below  Wheeling  and  a  short  distance 
from  the  Ohio.  This  congregation  has  been  connected  with 
the  Church  in  Parkersburg,  and  like  it,  is  now  without  a  min- 
ister. 

24th,  I  preached  in  Trinity  Church  in  the  morning  and 
confirmed  six.  In  the  afternoon  I  addressed  the  servants, 
and  at  night  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins  I  again 
addressed  the  congregation. 

25th,  I  preached  at  Ravenswood,  Jackson  county,  in  Grace 
Church,  and  confirmed  one. 

26th,  I  preached  in  the  afternoon  at  Point  Pleasant;  the 
Rev.  .Air.  Perkins,  who  accompanied  me  thus  far,  officiated 
at  night. 

27th,  I  preached  at  Bruce  Chapel,  Mercer's  Bottom.  For 
the  supply  of  this  and  Point  Tleasant,  an  arrangement  has 
been  made  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sturgis,  of  Galiipolis,  Ohio, 
who  gives  part  of  his  time  to  these  missionary  stations. 

28th,  was  occupied  in  reaching  Coalsmouth,  where  I 
pi-eached  on  the  next  morning  and  confirmed  one.  1  am 
thankful   to  be  able  to   report   that  for  this   Parish,   which 


176  The  Episcopal  Church 

has  been  long  without  a  settled  minister,  the  services  of  the 
Rev.  Alonzo  J.  M.  Hudson  have  been  secured,  and  I  persuade 
myself  that  whatever  of  discouragement  may  appear  at  first 
in  a  field  which  has  been  for  several  years  uncultivated,  will 
soon  vanish  before  the  faithful  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  and 
more  than  double  of  former  fertility,  cheer  the  heart  and 
strengthen  the  hands  of  God's  minister. 

30th,  I  preached  both  morning  and  night  at  St.  John's 
( lharleston. 

.".1st,  1  preached  in  the  morning  at  the  same  church  and 
confirmed  thirteen.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  at  the  Sa- 
lines and  confirmed  five. 

The  night  ensuing  I  passed  without  sleep  and  in  much 
suffering,  so  that  when  morning  came  I  was  ill  prepared  for 
a  ride  of  about  seventy  miles  to  Point  Pleasant,  and  it  re- 
quired all  my  solicitude  to  reach  my  next  appointment  at 
Clarksburg,  and  the  next  day  at  Weston;  yet  by  shameful 
delays  we  did  not  arrive  at  Parkersburg,  till  twenty-four 
hours  after  time,  and  of  course,  notwithstanding  all  my  ef- 
forts, I  was  prevented  from  meeting  the  two  remaining  ap- 
pointments west  of  the  mountains. 

I  cannot  close  my  brief  reference  to  this  visitation  with- 
out expressing  my  continued  and  growing  conviction  of  the 
importance,  of  more  decided  and  systematic  missionary  ef- 
fort in  that  very  interesting  and  very  destitute  section  of 
the  Diocese.  From  the  western  base  of  the  Allegheny  to 
Guyandotte,  a  vast  territory  with  a  growing  population,  we 
have  now  five  resident  clergymen.  Yet  at  every  place  I  vis- 
ited I  found  persons  not  only  well  affected  towards  our 
church,  but  solicitous  for  its  stated  services. 

In  several  instances  earnest  appeals  were  made  to  me  by 
friends  who  came  from  a  distance,  to  tell  of  their  wants  and 
press  their  application  for  supply.  According  to  their  num- 
ber and  ability  they  are  ready  to  contribute  to  the  support 
of  the  ministry,  though  for  a  season  they  will  need  aid  from 
the  east,  and  this,  I  can  testify,  our  brethren  here  are  free 
to  furnish,  the  difficulty  is  not  one  of  means  but  of  men, 


REV.    W.    F.    M.    JACOBS,    1859. 


KEY.    THOMAS   K.    COLEMAN,    1857. 


REV.    A.    J.    M.    HUDSON,    1859. 


REV.    THOMAS   G.    ADDISON,    D.    D.,    1861. 


in  West  Virginia.  177 

suitable  men,  willing  to  encounter  the  labor  and  submit  to 
the  deprivation  of  this  domestic  work. 

I  love  the  cause  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  rejoice  when  its 
bands  are  augmented  by  faithful  and  efficient  men;  but  it 
perplexes  and  pains  me  to  find,  that  whilst  devoted  Chris- 
tians, both  men  and  women,  respond  to  the  loud  cry  from 
Africa,  China  and  Japan,  the  groans  of  those  of  our  own 
household  are  little  heard  and  less  heeded.  For  several 
years  we  have  been  seeking  for,  and  would  have  been  satis- 
fied to  begin  with,  two  Evangelists  to  itinerate  through  the 
counties  on  the  Kanawha  and  Ohio,  teaching  and  preaching 
the  thing's  that  concern  the  Kingdom  of  God  and  the  name 
of  Jesus  Christ.  We  have  yet  to  find  the  first  competent 
volunteer  for  this  inconspicuous  field;  yet  if  abundant  la- 
bors and  self  denial  for  the  Saviour's  sake,  and  the  salvation 
of  souls  are  attractive  to  those  who  feel  the  power  of  his 
love,  and  desire  the  promotion  of  his  glory,  there  are  ranges 
on  our  western  borders,  which  might  take  precedence  of  any 
foreign  missionary  station,  which  our  church  has  occupied. 
Let  us  pray  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  forth  more  la- 
borers, that  there  may  be  nowhere,  any  lack  of  service,  and 
the  whole  field  may  be  ably  cultivated  to  its  utmost  fertility." 

The  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Church,  through  Dr. 
Packard,  said  in  their  report:  "In  surveying  our  Diocese,  we 
are  struck  with  the  fact,  that  there  are  but  five  clergymen 
west  of  the  Alleghenies.  It  is  high  time  that  we  were  doing 
more  for  the  vast  and  almost  unoccupied  field  of  Western 
Virginia,  We  cannot  apply  elsewhere  for  aid.  The  work 
is  ours  and  we  must  do  it,  if  done  at  all.  We  cannot  here 
throw  off  our  responsibility  with  the  question,  "Am  I  my 
brother's  keeper?'  They  are  our  brethren  and  their  inter- 
ests are  ours.  We  are  bound  by  every  obligation  to  pro- 
vide for  those  of  our  own  household.  The  time  is  coming 
when  the  population  of  Western  Virginia,  nuist  be  greater 
than  that  of  Eastern  Virginia,  and  when  it  is  destined  to  ex- 
ert a  commanding  influence  over  the  region  Easl  of  the  Blue 


178  The  Episcopal  Church 

Ridge.  Do  we,  indeed,  believe  that  our  Church  is  the  most 
Apostolic  upon  Earth,  and  shall  we  not  seek  its  extension 
in  every  way,  by  planting  it  in  every  accessible  point  ?  We 
have  lamented  this  destitution  in  Western  Virginia  long 
enough,  for  some  prompt  and  efficient  action  to  be  now  ta- 
ken. We  would  suggest  that  missionaries  might  be  support- 
ed by  our  older  city  churches;  each  of  which  might  under- 
take the  support  of  a  single  missionary.  There  might  be 
also,  some  traveling  missionaries,  who  would  temporarily 
minister  at  points  not  yet  ready  for  permanent  occupation." 

Parochial  Reports: 

Rev.  Richard  T.  Davis,  reports: 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg — Baptisms  9;  communicants 
52;  confirmed  8;  Sunday  School  teachers  8;  scholars  40;  fam- 
ilies 3G;  contributions  $234.05. 

Mt.  Ziou  Church,  Hedgesvilk — Baptisms  5;  communicants 
77;  Sunday  School  teachers  8;  scholars  47;  contributions 
$65.20. 

Zion  Church,  Charlestoivn — Rev. Charles  E.  Ambler,  Rector. 
Baptisms  27;  communicants  108;  confirmed  7;  in  two  Sun- 
day Schools,  teachers  24;  scholars  140;  contributions 
$606.53. 

Trinity  Church,  Shephcrdstown — Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  Rec- 
tor. Baptisms  10 ;  communicants  65 ;  confirmed  14 ;  Sunday 
School  teachers  9;  scholars  55;  families  40;  contributions 
$1,083  (of  which  $850  for  completing  the  new  church.) 

The  congregation  has  this  year  completed  a  substantial 
and  beautiful  church,  which  was  begun  in  1854.  This  has 
absorbed  for  this  year,  most  of  the  contributions  usually  ap- 
plied to  other  objects. 

The  church  has  never  been  so  prosperous,  in  the  number 
and  zeal  of  its  members,  or  in  its  spiritual  interests  gener- 
ally. The  Rector  has  a  very  large  colored  congregation,  to 
whose  use  the  church  building,  formerly  occupied  by  the 
white  congregation,  has  been  formally  made  over  by  the 
vestry. 

Norborne  Parish,   Jefferson  and  Berkeley  County,  P.  O.,  Mid- 


in  West  Virginia.  1 79 

dleway — Rev,  Wm.  McGuire, Rector.  Baptisms  G;  communi- 
cants 34;  confirmed  1;  families  23;  contributions  $42.11. 

St.  Luke's  Church,  Kanawha  Parish, — Eev.  Thompson  L. 
Smith,  Rector.  Communicants  23;  confirmed  5;  Communion 
alms  |6.45. 

St.  John's  Church,  Kanawha  Parish — Baptisms  6;  communi- 
cants 54;  confirmed  13;  Sunday  School  teachers  11;  scholars 
»;.">;  contributions  $73. 

St,  PauVs  Church,  Weston — Rev.  Thomas  H.  Smyth,  Rector. 
Baptisms  24;  communicants  30;  Sunday  school  teachers 
7;  scholars  45;  contributions  $160. 

There  wais  a  class  awaiting  confirmation  in  this  Parish  last 
November;  but  the  Bishop  did  not  make  his  proposed  visit 
at  that  time.  During  the  past  year  I  have  preached  and  ad- 
ministered the  Lord's  supper  in  two  other  Parishes,  one  of 
tbeni  being  vacant.  The  contribution  of  $160  mentioned 
above  has  been  expended  in  laying  a  pavement  around  the 
Church,  and  painting  the  same. 

Trinity  Church,  Moundsville,  and  the  Church  at  Fairmont — 
Rev.  Wm.  F.  M.  Jacobs,  Rector.  Baptisms  8;  communi- 
cants 45;  in  two  Sunday  Schools,  teachers  16;  scholars  70; 
contributions  $374.13, 

A  small  class  for  confirmation  now  awaits  the  Bishop's 
visit.  The  present  Rector  took  charge  the  latter  part  of 
last  September. 

St,  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling— Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  Rector. 
Baptisms  45;  communicants  187;  confirmed  36;  Sunday 
School  teachers  38;  scholars  220;  families  121;  contributions 
(including  enlargement  and  improvement  of  the  church) 
$2,701.21. 

Report  of  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Missionary  at  Large: 

The  following  is  the  sum  of  my  work  during  the  past  con- 
ventional veiir.  I  have  preached  generally  twice  every  Sun- 
day, besides  frequently  lecturing  during  the  week.  1  have 
conducted  morning  and  evening  prayers  in  whole  or  in  part: 
about  156  times.  I  have  baptized  two  children  by  request. 
I   have  administered  the  Lord's  Supper,  (or  assisted)  once  a 


180  The  Episcopal  Church 

month.  I  have  married  one  couple,  and  attended  one  fu- 
neral, I  am  vet  without  a  Parish,  but  1  am  ready  and  willing 
to  work  whenever  my  services  are  required. 

Wickliffc  Parish,  Clarke  Count}/ — Rev.  W.  S.  Perkins  re- 
ports: During  tour  months  of  the  year,  a  fourth  Sunday 
has  been  given  to  Kabletown  and  Ripon,  Jefferson  county. 
The  latter  place  has  been  made  by  the  Diocesan  Missionary 
society,  a  station  where  I  preach  every  other  Sunday  even- 
ing. A  Sunday  School  of  forty  scholars  and  seven  teachers 
is  connected  with  it,  and  a  church  is  much  needed.  An  ef- 
fort will  be  made  this  summer  to  build  one,  and  if  it  should 
succeed,  this  station  will  make  a  valuable  addition  to  this 
small  Parish. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Committee  reports,  out  of  a  to- 
tal expenditure  of  $2,753.06  that  $625  was  paid  to  4  mission- 
aries in  West  Virginia,  and  of  this,  $550  was  to  two  missiona- 
ries in  Jefferson  county.  Eight  churches  in  West  Virginia 
contributed  $163.82. 

The  Treasurer,  reported  11  churches  in  West  Virginia  as 
paying  $515.50  to  the  contingent  fund. 

Eighteen  churches  delinquent  or  not  reporting. 

Convention  of  I860.    Charlottesville,  May   16. 

Bishop  Meade  presiding. 

Clergy  in  West  Virginia:  xRev.  Charles  E.  Ambler,  Zion 
Church,  Charlestown;  xRev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  D.  D.,  Trinity 
Church,  Shepherdstown;  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Parkersburg; 
Rev.  A.  J.  M.  Hudson,  St.  Mark's  Church,  Coalsmouth;  xRev. 
Wm.  T.  Lea  veil,  Kabletown,  Jefferson  county;  xRev.  Wm. 
McGuire,  Xorborne  Parish,  Middleway;  Rev.  James  Moore, 
St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling;  Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  St.  Mat- 
thew's Church,  Wheeling;  xRev.  Thompson  L.  Smith,  St. 
Luke's  and  St.  John's,  Kanawha  Parish;  xRev.  Thomas  H. 
Smythe,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston. 

xPresent. 

Lay  delegates:  Mr.  John  Y.  Benle,  Zion  Cburch,  Charles- 
town;  Mr.  D.  H.  Conrad,  Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg. 


in  West  Virginia.  181 

No  visitations  in  West  Virginia  reported: 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Coininitttee  report  fl,250  paid 
to  seven  missionaries  in  West  Virginia  and  $108.50  received 
from  four  churches. 

In  speaking  of  the  plan  or  an  itinerating  missionary  they 
say:  ''This  seems  to  us,  specially  necessary  for  the  West, 
where  a  dense  population  with  scarcely  any  means  of  grace, 
may  require  an  itinerant  ministry;  and  if  it  please  the  Lord 
to  send  us  a  man  suitable  for  the  work,  and  ready  to  under- 
take its  labors,  the  West  itself  will  help,  and  the  commit- 
tee are  prepared  to  make  up  the  difference. 

In  pursuance  of  these  views  a  special  appropriation  was 
voted,  by  the  advice  of  Bishop  Johns  to  the  Rev.  Thompson 
L.  Smith,  of  Charleston,  Kanawha,  for  services  to  be  rendered 
on  missionary  tours  through  the  Kanawha  valley,  and  rarely, 
if  ever,  has  it  been  the  privilege  of  the  committee  to  receive 
such  interesting  accounts  as  those  embracing  the  narratives 
of  our  missionary.  On  three  separate  occasions  he  visited 
neighborhoods  almost  entirely  destitute  of  the  means  of 
grace,  and  where  an  Episcopal  minister  had  never  preached 
before.  The  services  were  most  gratefully  received,  large 
numbers  attended,  and  the  blessing  of  God  did  not  withhold 
the  token  of  his  converting  grace.  In  one  place  where  he 
preached  in  an  old  school  house,  the  congregation  gathered 
around  him,  both  in  the  house  and  without,  listening 
through  the  windows.  Let  the  missionary  speak  himself. 
'After  the  services  I  was  introduced  to  a  number  of  stran- 
gers; some  spoke  touehingly  of  their  destitution,  and  beg- 
ged me  to  repeat  my  visit  as  early  as  possible.  At  this  time 
a  very  respectable  looking  man,  with  a  fine  open  counte- 
nance, and  gray  hair,  came  up  to  me  and  said,  that  though 
he  was  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  he  had  for  some 
time  thought  of  fitting  up  a  house  which  he  owned,  in  a 
more  central  part  of  the  village,  as  a  church  for  the  preach- 
ing of  the  gospel  by  any  evangelical  preacher  of  the  gospel, 
who  would  occupy  it,  for  he  would  be  glad  to  hear  the  gos- 
pel from  anybody.     1  suppose  I  had  not  until  that   evening, 


182  The  Episcopal  Church 

in  his  estimation  been  admitted  into  the  list  of  Evangelical 
preachers.  But  the  warm  and  hearty  manner  in  which  he 
grasped  my  hand  that  evening  convinced  me  that  he  had  no 
doubt  of  it,  and  he  expressed  the  hope  that  I  would  occupy 
it  often.  I  confess  that  I  had  but  little  confidence  in  his 
promise,  having  lived  long  enough  to  know  that  many 
cared  but  little  for  promises,  especially  where  religion  and 
God  are  concerned. 

"But  what  was  the  result?  Hear  him  again:"  'A  short 
time  since  I  was  again  on  my  round  of  missionary  preach- 
ing. On  Sunday  morning  I  preached  on  this  side  of  the  river 
at  a  small  church,  some  miles  from  Clifton.  In  the  after- 
noon and  at  night  I  preached  in  Clifton.  And  what  will 
be  your  surprise  when  I  tell  you,  that  sure  enough  that  same 
respectable,  gray- haired  old  man,  christian  I  must  now  call 
him,  had  faithfully  complied  with  his  promise.  He  had  fitted 
up  the  house  for  a  church,  had  a  very  good  pulpit  in  it,  a  good 
stove,  and  a  fire  in  the  chimney  at  the  other  end.  The  seats 
were  not  completed,  but  the  people  sat  on  planks,  held  up  by 
logs  of  wood  sawed  off  the  proper  height,  without  backs.  The 
house  was  even  lathed,  and  I  understand  he  intends  to  have 
it  plastered;  and  the  next  time  I  come,  he  says,  he  will  have 
the  seats  finished  with  backs  to  them.  There  sat  the  good  old 
man  at  the  afternoon  service  and  at  night,  close  to  the  pulpit 
where  he  could  hear  distinctly,  with  a  fine  smile  upon  his 
aged  countenance,  in  his  own  church,  filled  in  every  part 
with  attentive  hearers  of  the  Gospel.  And  he  seemed  to 
me,  more  than  repaid  for  his  outlay  in  what  he  appeared  to 
enjoy.  His  good  old  wife  sat  beside  him,  and  though  up- 
wards of  seventy  years  of  age,  had  walked  more  than  two 
miles  through  the  mud  to  hear  the  precious  gospel.  And 
after  night  services  were  over,  the  pious  old  lady  came  up 
to  me  leading  her  married  daughter,  who,  she  said,  had  been 
brought  to  God  by  my  preaching;  and  with  an  overflowing 
heart  she  thanked  me,  and  said:  'Sir,  I  feel  like  shouting 
like  a  Methodist,  I  feel  so  happy,  though  T  am  a  Baptist.' 

"On  another  occasion  he  visited  the  miners  at  Peytona.  on 


in  West  Virginia.  183 

Big  Coal  river.  We  omit  a  description  of  the  utter  desti- 
tution of  that  region,  as  testified  to  by  the  best  authority. 
The  State  senator  from  that  place  was  kind  enough  to  ex- 
ert himself  in  his  behalf,  and  hunt  him  up  a  place  to  preach 
in  an  old  house  called  'The  White  Oak,'  just  on  the  banks 
of  the  river,  in  the  midst  of  some  tall  pines,  the  primitive 
growth  of  the  forest.  'He  also  very  kindly  accompanied  me 
around  to  houses  of  the  miners,  to  invite  them  to  attend 
preaching  at  the  hour  we  had  appointed;  and  to  my  surprise 
I  found  several  who  were  Chureh-of-England  people,  had  their 
English  prayer  books,  and  were  rejoiced  to  hear  that  I  was 
a  minister  of  that  church.  They  wanted  their  children  bap- 
tized, and  a  thousand  other  things  they  had  to  say,  so  over- 
joyed were  they,  to  which  I  had  not  time  to  listen.  I  had 
an  excellent  congregation  at  old  White  Oak.  I  was  treated 
with  great  respect  and  attention;  and,  services  being  over, 
was  pressed  to  come  up  again  and  preach,  and  they  said 
they  would  build  me  a  church  better  than  old  "White  Oak. 
I  have  since  received  many  invitations  from  these  simple 
hearted  miners  to  come  and  preach  again  for  them/ 

"The  committee  hopes  that  the  Convention  is  not  wearied 
with  the  length  of  this  report.  It  seemed  impossible  to  pass 
by  such  interesting  details,  and  may  we  not  suppose  that 
others  could  give  us  a  similar  experience?  Surely  enough 
has  been  said  to  show  the  demand  for  more  work  and  more 
workers,  and  to  justify  us  in  the  hope  that  the  Diocese  will 
gladly  aid,  by  an  enlarged  liberality,  to  enable  us  to  engage 
in  more  enterprizes  of  the  kind.  There  is  but  one  way  to 
extend  the  usefulness  of  the  Church,  by  the  missionary  ac- 
tivity of  those  whom  God  has  blessed  with  the  possession 
of  His  precious  gospel.  There  is  lnil  one  way  for  the  Church 
to  prosper  at  home  ,and  its  members  to  grow  in  grace,  and 
in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  by 
their  giving  their  prayers,  their  means,  their  time  and 
strength  to  the  blessed  work  of  Christian  missions.*' 

The  treasurer  reports  $493  received  for  the  contingent 
fund   from   the  churches,     of  the  parishes  reported   as  d<>- 


184:  The  Episcopal  Church 

linquent  the  three  in  Putnam  county,  and  the  three  in 
Hampshire  county,  were  no  doubt  practically  extinct. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Mr.  D.  H.  Conrad,  Lay  Reader  and  Sr.  Warden,  Trinity 
Church,   Martinsburg,    reports : 

Mt,  Zion  Church,  Bed gesmlle— -The  vestry  of  the  Church 
have  made  no  return  of  the  state  of  the  membership;  but 
have  sent  on  by  the  subscriber  their  contribution  to  the 
Bishop's  fund.  The  Convention  is  referred  to  the  last  report 
of  the  Rev.  R.  T.  Davis,  as  the  probable  condition  at  pres- 
ent of  the  church  as  to  the  number  of  communicants,  &c. 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg — Baptisms  4;  communicants 
■39;  Sunday  school  teachers  7;  scholars  40.  Having  no  Rec- 
tor, no  account  has  been  kept  of  the  contributions.  The  us- 
ual collections  have  been  taken  up  in  Church,  and  individ- 
uals have  sent  on  their  customary  subscriptions  to  be  ap- 
plied to  objects  in  connection  with  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church;  and  perhaps,  in  many  instances  to  the  usual 
objects  not  in  connection  with  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church. 

Since  the  last  of  September,  1859,  the  Churches  in  Mar- 
tinsburg, and  Hedgesville  (Trinity  and  Mt.  Zion)  have  been 
without  a  pastor,  the  Rev.  Richard  T.  Davis  having  at  that 
time  resigned  his  charge,  and  removed  to  Orange  Court 
House,  Virginia.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Andrews  has,  upon  two  oc- 
casions officiated  for  us  at  night  after  his  service  in  Shep- 
herdstown;  and  once  administered  the  Holy  Communion  in 
Trinity  Church.  The  subscriber,  under  the  authority  of  the 
Bishop,  has  officiated  as  Lay  Reader  regularly  in  both  par- 
ishes, on  alternate  Sundays.  He  believes  with  only  one 
omission  at  Hedgesville,  or  perhaps  two  during  an  absence 
in  Philadelphia.  He  has  also  conducted  the  congregational 
prayer  meetings  on  Thursday  evenings  in  Martinsburg,  with- 
out intermission;  and  has  officiated  as  superintendent  of 
the  Sunday  school  in  Martinsburg  and  taught  on  Sunday  af- 
ternoons, a  Bible  class,  first  of  young  women,  and  recently 
of  young  men.     But  it  would     be     vastly     better     for     the 


in  West  Virginia.  185 

churches,  ii'  they  could  secure  the  services  of  an  ordained, 
and  properly  qualified  minister  of  the  Gospel.  All  our  ef- 
forts hitherto  to  secure  one,  have  been,  so  far,  unavailing. 

The  Kev.  W.  T.  Leavell,  Kector  of  Wickliffe  Church,  re- 
ports preaching  occasionally  at  Kabletown. 

Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstoton — Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  Kec- 
tor. Baptisms  9;  communicants  66.  Sunday  school  teach- 
ers 10;  scholars  80;  families  25.     Contributions  $571.93. 

Xorborne  Parish,  Jefferson  and  Berkeley  Counties,  Middleway 
— Rev.  Wm.  McGuire,  Rector.  Baptisms  1;  communicants 
36;  families  21.     Contributions  f 83.67. 

Zion  Church,  Charlestoicn — Rev.  Charles  E.  Ambler.  Rec. 
tor.  Baptisms  10;  communicants  108.  In  two  Sunday  schools 
teachers  22;  scholars  120.    Contributions  $1,710.09. 

St.  Mark's  Church,  Coalsmouth — Rev.  Alonzo  J.  M.  Hudson, 
Rector.  Baptisms  5;  communicants  11;  Sunday  school  teach- 
ers 8;  scholars  36;  families  17.     Contributions  $93.67. 

The  present  Rector  took  charge  of  this  Church  at  the  be- 
ginning of  April,  1859.  It  had  been  some  eight  years  without 
a  minister,  but  lay  reading  and  the  Sunday  School  were  kept 
up  by  the  Senior  Warden,  Col.  F.  Thompson.  There  are  now 
twenty-two  candidates  for  confirmation.  Much  has  been  done 
towards  repairing  and  improving  the  parsonage  and  grounds, 
but  the  amount  is  not  yet  ascertained.  The  tax  for  the  Bishop 
has  been  neglected,  but  shall  be  attended  to  at  once. 

Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith,  reports: 

St.  John's  Church,  Kanawha  Parish — Baptisms  10;  communi- 
cants 53;  Sunday  school  teachers  11;  scholars  70;  families  35. 
Contributions  $499.76. 

St.  Luke's  Church,  Kanawha  Parish  iJaplisms  1;  communi- 
cants 21.     Contributions  for  rebuilding  Church  $188.00. 

St.  Paul's  Church.  St.  Paul's  Parish.  Lewis  County- --Rev.  T. 
H.  Smythe,  Rector.  Baptisms  19  (10  colored  infants);  commu- 
nicants 31;  Sunday  school  teachers  10;  scholars  55;  families 
30.    Contributions  $800. 

Of  the  Convention  Fund,  $7.00  came  from  the  Church  in 
Clarksburg.     I  have  had  charge  of  that  Parish  bu1   a  short 


186  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

time,  and  am  unable  positively  to  give  the  number  of  its  com- 
municants. The  fSOO  mentioned  above,  has  been  expended 
upon  our  parsonage,  in  which  1  now  live.  The  lot  and  build- 
ing cost  about  $2,000,  and  by  next  Christmas,  if  the  Lord 
prospers  our  handiwork,  I  hope  no  man  shall  have  any  claim 
upon  it. 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling — Kev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  Rector. 
Baptismis  33;  communicants  188.  In  two  Sunday, schools, 
teachers  47;  scholars  300.  Families  125.  Contributions  $2,- 
003.87.    There  is  now  a  class  awaiting  confirmation. 

St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling — Rev.  James  Moore,  Rector. 
Baptisms  9;  communicants,  63. 

The  present  Rector  took  charge  of  the  Parish  on  the  4th 
of  October,  1859.  During  the  Winter  the  Sunday  school  was 
well  attended.  Teachers  19;  scholars  125.  Average  94|. 
The  late  freshet  considerably  damaged  the  Church,  which  on 
account  of  its  liability  to  such  disasters,  and  for  other  rea- 
sons, is  most  unfortunately  located,  We  were  deprived  of 
the  use  of  the  Church  for  two  weeks,  and  having  no  room 
for  our  Sunday  school,  the  consequence  is  that  the  attend- 
ance of  both  teachers  and  scholars  has  fallen  off.  We  trust, 
however,  that  we  shall  overcome  the  difficulty  when  we  get 
fairly  to  work  again. 

St.  John's  Church,  St.  John's  Parish,  Pleasants  County — Rev. 
W.  L.  Hyland,  Rector.  Baptisms,  4 ;  communicants,  12. 
Communion  alms  $G.29.  This  Parish  is  altogether  missionary 
ground.  I  have  officiated  in  the  Church  on  Cow  Creek,  and 
in  St.  Mary's,  the  shire  town  of  the  county,  once  in  each 
month  during  the  past  year,  the  congregations  in  both 
places  have  been  large,  and  apparently  much  iuterested  in 
the  services.  Our  few  friends  there  are  much  encouraged 
by  the  renewal  of  the  monthly  services  and  seem  disposed 
to  do  all  in  their  power  to  make  these  services  effectual  for 
good  to  the  whole  community.  The  statistics  of  this  Parish 
during  the  eighteen  months  Rectorship,  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cole- 
man are  included  by  him  in  his  report  of  Trinity  Parish,  Par- 
kersburg. 


in  West  Virginia.  187 

Trinity  Church.  Parkersburg — Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Rector. 
Baptisms  5;  communicants  45;  Sunday  school  teachers  8;  fam- 
ilies 25.  Contributions, .  |228.43.  The  present  Rector  took 
charge  of  this  Parish  during  the  session  of  the  last  Conven- 
tion, and  the  above  report  embraces  only  the  past  year.  I 
enclose  the  report  of  my  predecessor,  Rev.  Thos.  K.  Coleman, 
and  would  only  remark  concerning  it,  that  the  Parish  in 
Pleasants  county  seems  to  be  included  in  it.  Several  families 
named  by  Mr.  Coleman  as  belonging  to  this  Parish,  and  a 
number  enrolled  by  him  as  communicants,  I  have  been  unable 
to  find. 

Report  of  Trinity  Parish,  Parkersburg,  for  In  months — Rev. 
Thos.  K.  Coleman,  Rector.  Baptisms  13;  communicants  found 
on  Register  28;  added  during  vacancy  11;  during  my  Rector- 
ship 23;  by  confirmation  17;  removed  11;  withdrawn  1;  died 
3;  present  number  64.  Confirmed  17.  Sunday  school  teach- 
ers 6;  scholars  40;  also  the  catechism  is  taught  openly  in  the 
Church  each  week.  Families  45.  Contributions  $300.  Began 
service  May  10,  1857;  and  resigned  November  13,  1858. 

Convention  of  1861.     St.  Paul's  Church,  Richmond,  Va.,    May  I  I. 

Bishop  Meade  preached  the  opening  sermon:    (Gen.  47:8,  0.) 

Bishop  John's  presided. 

No  representation  present  from  West  Virginia. 

From  Bishop  Meade's  report:  "Between  the  close  of  our 
last  convention  in  Charlottesville,  and  the  annual  exercises 
of  the  Theological  Seminary,  1  visited  all  the  congregations 
in  Western  Virginia.  As  they  have  also  been  visited  by  our 
Diocesan  Missionary,  Mr.  Kepler,  and  by  Dr.  Blinnigerode, 
ai  the  request  of  the  Bishop,  and  more  recently  by  Bishop 
Johns,  all  of  whom  will  have  more  or  less  to  communicate 
concerning  them,  I  will  only  state  that  my  confirmations  in 
the  different  places  amounted  to  seventy-nine  in  all."* 

Prom  Bishop  Johns' Report:  "June  5.  I  preached  a1  Bun- 
ker Hill.  6th.  J  preached  in  Trinity.  Martinsburg.  7th.  I 
preached  in  Mt.  Zion,  lledgesville  and  continued  one.  8th. 
I  preached  in  Trinity  Church.  Shepherdstown.  9th.  I  preach- 
ed in  Grace  church.  Middlewav.     loth.  1   preached   in  Zion 


188  The  Episcopal  Church 

Church,  Charlestown  and  confirmed  twelve.  12th.  In  the 
evening,  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Suter,  I  adrde'ssed 
the  same  congregation.  July  25.  Accompanied  by  the  Rev. 
R.  H.  Mason,  I  entered  on  a  visitation  and  missionary  tour 
in  the  counties  of  Bath,  Greenbrier  and  Monroe.  August  1, 
I  preached  at  the  White  Sulphur  and  baptized  an  infant. 

4th.  At  Union,  I  preached  in  the  Methodist  Church  in 
the  morning,  and  Mr.  Mason  in  the  afternoon.  5th.  Morning 
and  afternoon  we  alternated  in  the  same  place.  Oth.  In  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  morning,  I  preached  and  confirm- 
ed 3 ;  after  which,  assisted  by  Mr.  Mason,  I  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper.  In  the  afternoon  Mr.  Mason  baptized  three 
colored  children,  and  I  preached  to  the  servants. 

Through  the  indefatigable  exertions  of  Miss  Caperton,  a 
suitable  lot  has  been  secured  and  the  means  obtained  to  erect 
a  church  in  Union.  If  I  am  not  mistaken,  the  building  is  un- 
der contract,  and  soon,  the  friends  who  have  been  so  devoted 
to  this  enterprise  will  have  the  satisfaction  of  occupying 
their  own  house  of  worship.  At  night  I  preached  at  the  Salt 
Sulphur  Spring. 

April  12.  I  preached  at  Fairmont  at  night  and  also  the  next 
morning,  confirming  six.  14th.  I  preached  in  St.  John's, 
Wheeling,  and  confirmed  nine;  at  night  in  St.  Matthew's  and 
confirmed  seventeen.  15th.  I  preached  in  Christ  Church, 
Wellsburg.  10th.  I  preached  in  St.  John's,  Brooke  county. 
Though  the  roads  were  scarcely  passable,  and  the  snow  was 
falling  fast,  the  congregation  was  there  in  goodly  numbers; 
and  though  without  a  minister  for  now  more  than  two 
years,  yet  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  confirming  11  persons 
presented  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  who  had  kindly  visited 
this  Parish,  and  conversed  with  those  who  desired  to  renew 
their  baptismal  promise  and  vow.  This  congregation,  so 
steadfast,  and  growing  under  most  unfavorable  circumstan- 
ces, will  deserve  the  generous  consideration  and  aid  of  the 
Diocesan  Missionary  Society.  In  addition  to  the  other  grat- 
ifications of  this  visit,  I  must  mention  the  presence  of  my 
venerable  friend,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Morse,  of  Steubenville,  Ohio, 


in  West  Virginia.  189 

accompanied  by  the  Rev.  B.  Christian,  and  the  Rev.  8.  W. 
McCarty,  of  the  same  Diocese,  who,  notwithstanding  the  in- 
clemency  of  the  day,  came  over  on  horseback  to  unite  in  the 
services  at  St.  John's.  We  returned  with  the  good  Doctor 
to  his  hospitable  home  and  were  kindly  refreshed  on  our 
way  to  Wheeling. 

17th.  I  preached  at  Moundsville  in  the  morning;  and  at 
night  in  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling,  when  I  confirmed  six  per- 
sons, belonging  to  St.  John's,  Wheeling.  20th.  I  preached 
a  i  Cow  Creek,  and  confirmed  three.  21st.  I  preached  in  Trin- 
ity, Parkersburg,  and  confirmed  seven,  at  night  I  preached 
again  in  the  same  church.  23d.  I  preached  at  Ravenswood. 
24th.  My  appointment  was  at  Pt.  Pleasant  at  night.  Owing  to 
a  strong  head  wind  the  progress  of  the  boat  was  so  impeded 
that  we  did  not  reach  the  Point  till  about  9  o'clock.  We 
went  immediately  to  the  church,  where  services  had  been  con- 
ducted by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Smith  and  Sturgis,  the  congrega- 
tion were  singing  the  last  hymn  as  I  entered  the  chancel.  At 
the  close,  in  compliance  with  my  request  they  resumed  their 
seats,  and  afforded  me  an  opportunity  to  account  for  my  late 
arrival,  and  to  speak  to  them  a  word  of  exhortation. 

At  Wheeling,  the  painful  intelligence  which  reached  us 
from  the  East,  strongly  inclined  me  to  return.  This  feeling 
was  increased  at  Parkersburg,  but  as  we  received  no  letter 
mail,  and  I  could  obtain  no  reply  to  a  telegram  which  I  sent 
to  Alexandria,  I  resolved  to  keep  on  until  I  was  overtaken, 
by  some  positive  and  decided  information.  This  was  not 
long  in  coming.  It  was  brought  down  the  river  by  the  boat 
on  which  I  left  Ravenswood,  but  too  late  to  change  my  direc- 
lion.  1  therefore  kept  on  to  Point  Pleasant,  sixty  miles,  offi- 
ciated there,  as  related,  took  passage  up  the  river  at  2  a.  m. 
on  Thursday,  April  25,  and  by  travelling  day  and  night  reach- 
ed the  Seminary  Hill  by  10  p.  m.,  the  next  day,  though  the 
usual  route  through  Washington  being  obstructed,  I  was 
Obliged  to  diverge  at  the  Point  of  Pocks,  and  return  by  the 
way  of  Leesburg.  On  arriving  al  home,  I  found  that  some  ol 
the  students  of  the  Seminary,   whose  residence   was   in   the 


190  The  Episcopal  Church 

North,  had  thought  it  expedient, under  existing  circumstances 
to  return  to  their  homes.  The  parting  from  their  professors 
and  fellow  students,  was  with  many  tears  and  mutual  pray- 
ers. May  God  in  His  mercy  direct  and  prosper  them  in  their 
preparatory  studies  elsewhere,  and  make  them  able  and  suc- 
cessful ministers  of  His  glorious  gospel. 

I  must  express  my  great  regret  at  having  had  to  forego 
a  few  of  the  appointments  of  my  recent  visitation  of  the 
Western  portion  of  the  Diocese,  particularly  those  at  Weston 
and  Clarksburg,  which  on  my  former  visitation,  I  had  prov- 
identially been  prevented  from  reaching,  and  where  there 
are  a  number  of  persons  who  desire  to  be  confirmed.  I  can 
only  say,  that  it  will  be  my  pleasure  to  avail  myself  of  the 
earliest  opportunity  to  visit  those  Churches,  and  render  such 
services  as  may  be  required. 

Every  visit  in  that  section  of  the  Diocese  impresses  me 
more  and  more  with  the  importance  of  making  it  the  field 
of  prompt,  earnest  and  strong  missionary  labor.  It  peculiarly 
needs  this,  and  under  God's  blessing,  will,  in  due  time,  rec- 
ompense for  any  liberal  outlay  which  may  be  made.  I  trust 
the  door  will  soon  be  opened  for  this  Christian  enterprise,  and 
men  and  means  be  furnished  to  prosecute  it  as  it  deserves." 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Committee  reports:  Cash  paid 
Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Parkersburg,  $150;  cash  paid  Rev.  H.  S. 
Kepler  (at  large)  $1,706.02.  Some  of  Mr.  K's  time  was  spent 
in  West  Virginia,  ('ash  paid  Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith,  Kan- 
awha, $89.13;  cash  paid  Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith  (as  mission- 
ary at  large),  $100;  cash  paid  Rev.  G.  B.  Sturgis,  Tt.  Pleas- 
ant and  Mercer's  Bottom,  $150;  cash  paid  Rev.  Wm.  McGuire, 
Middleway,  $50;  cash  paid  Rev.  A.  J.  M.  Judson,  Coalsmouth, 
$100;  cash  paid  Rev.  T.  H.  Smyth,  Weston,  $200;  cash  paid 
Rev.  R.  H.  Mason,  traveling  expenses,  $27.90;  cash  paid  Rev. 
Dr.  Minnigerode  (missionary  tour),  $74.05;  cash  paid  Rev.  D. 
J.  Lee,  Fairmont,  $206.25. 

Received  from  little  girls:  Charleston,  Kanawha,  $1.00; 
Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg,  $10.25;  Mt.  Zion,  Hedgesville, 
$8.41;  Charlestown,  $110.50;  Shepherdstown,  $81.58;  Bunker 


in  West  Virginia.  191 

Hill,  $7;  Middleway,  $5;  Church  at  Union,  $27;  Morgantown, 
Mr.  .J  no.  Rogers,  $20;  Moundsville,  $10;  St.  John's,  Brooke 
county,  $10.01;  Wellsburg,  $7.35;  Kavenswood,  Mrs.  Henri- 
etta Fitzhugh  and  daughters  $5.00;  Weston,  $8;  Fairmont, 
Mrs.  Mary  G.  Watson,  $10;  Christ  Church,  Fairmont,  $9.10; 
Clarksburg,  $3.05;  St.  John's,  Brooke  county,  $3.25;  Barkers- 
burg,  $10.50;  St.  John's,  Charleston,  $12;  Sunday  School.  |3; 
St.  Mark's,  Coalsmouth,  $5;  Point  Bleasant,  $5.20;  Grace 
Church,  Bavenswood,  $7.05;  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling, 
Sunday  School,  $50;  Trinity,  Martinsburg,  $20.11;  Christ 
Church  Fairmont,  $1.55;  St.  John's,  Wheeling,  $24.85;  Trin- 
ity, Barkersburg,  $15.33;  Grace,  Kavenswood,  $3.25.  Total, 
$437.69. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Rev.  Wm.  D.  Hanson  reports: 

Mt.  Zion  Church,  Hedgesvillc — Baptisms  6;  communicants 
73;  contributions,  $36.76;  Sunday  school  teachers  8;  scholars 
15. 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg — Communicants  48;  Sunday 
school  teachers  9;  scholars  35.    Contributions  $70.27. 

Christ  Church,  Clarksburg — Rev.  Thos.  H.  Smyth,  Rector. 
Baptisms  7;  communicants  14;  Sunday  school  teachers  •  >; 
scholars  30.  Contributions  $152.5(1.  I  have  been  officiating 
in  this  Parish  on  alternate  Sundays,  for  more  than  a  year,  in 
which  time  I  have  baptized  five  adults.  The  interest  mani- 
fested in  the  Church,  and  the  attendance  at  worship,  were 
quite  encouraging,  the  first  part  of  the  year:  but  the  gloom 
resting  upon  the  nation,  has  settled  upon  the  minds  of  the 
people,  and  paralyzed  their  energies  in  religious  matters,  as 
in  everything  eise.  The  prospect  at  present  is  dark  for  doing 
the  Lord's  work;  but  our  trust  is  in  Him  who  hath  put  in 
His  own  power  all  times  and  seasons. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston—  Rev.  Thos.  H.  Smyth,  Rector. 
Baptisms  10;  communicants  :'>2;  confirmed  6;  Sunday  school 
tea<  hers  !);  scholars  60.    Contributions  $158. 

There  was  a  larger  class  than  usual  here,  and  also  several 
candidates  a1    Clarksburg  awaiting  confirmation,  bu1    owing 


192  The  I^piscopal  Church 

to  the  troubled  state  of  the  country,  Bishop  Johns  could  not 
visit  us.  This  second  disappiontnient  has  discouraged  me 
not  a  little,  and  I  am  afraid  materially  injured  the  churches 
under  my  care.  There  is  a  great  deficiency  in  the  Conven- 
tion fund,  although  I  have  done  my  best  for  this,  and  every 
otht^r  year  to  collect  it,  both  by  notice  from  the  pulpit  and 
personal  application,  but  there  are  some  who  cannot  and 
others  who  will  not  pay. 

Grace  Church,  Ravenswood  Parish — Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Rec- 
tor. Baptisms  2;  communicants  18.  I  am  unable  to  state 
the  sums  collected,  either  for  objects  connected  with  the 
Parish,  or  those  in  connection  with  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church.  A  collection  was  taken  up  for  the  Education  Soci- 
ety, by  Bishop  Meade,  and  by  Bishop  Johns  for  the  Diocesan 
Missionary  Society.  Dr.  Minnigerode  and  Mr.  Kepler,  also 
received  contributions,  if  I  mistake  not  for  the  Missionary 
Society  of  Virginia.  The  Communion  alms  were  placed  in  the 
hands  of  a  member  of  the  vestry,  the  amount  of  which,  to- 
gether with  the  contributions  for  repairs  on  the  church,  I  do 
not  recollect.  The  Sunday  school  is  still  kept  up  by  some  zeal- 
ous ladies  and  contains  about  forty  scholars.  I  commenced 
officiating  for  this  congregation  some  time  last  summer,  and 
have  visited  it  once  in  each  month  since.  The  time  of  my 
appointment  is  the  Wednesday  on  or  preceding  the  full  moon, 
I  have  reported  the  whole  number  of  communicants  although 
eight  or  nine  of  them  never  attend  the  services,  in  conse- 
quence of  their  remoteness  from  the  Church. 

Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown — Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  Rec- 
tor. Baptisms  8;  communicants  87  (of  which  5  colored);  Sun- 
day school  teachers  16;  scholars  90.     Contributions  $391. 

VAon  Church,  Charlestown — Rev.  C.  E.  Ambler,  Rector.  Bap- 
tisms 6;  communicants  199  (of  which  2  colored);  Sunday 
school  teachers  IS;  scholars  149.    Contributions  $455.82. 

Alex.  T.  Laidley,  Secretary  and  Junior  Warden,  St.  John's 
Church  reports: 

St.  John's  Church,  Kanawha  Parish — Baptisms  9;  coininu- 


in  West  Virginia.  193 

nicants  60;  Sunday  school  teachers  14;  scholars  55;  contribu- 
tions $12. 

St.  Luke's  Church,  Kanawha  Parish — Baptisms  2;  communi- 
cants 19.  Since  the  2nd  of  December  last,  these  churches 
have  been  without  a  Rector.  The  vestry  of  St.  John's  has 
made  arrangements  for  the  support  of  a  minister,  and  as  soon 
as  the  service  of  one  can  be  had  he  will  be  called. 

The  disturbed  condition  of  the  country,  precludes  the  prob- 
ability of  procuring  one  for  the  present.  The  late  Eector, 
still  resides  in  Charleston,  and  in  his  vocation  as  missionary 
at  large,  for  this  part  of  Western  Virginia,  gives  us  an  occa- 
sional service.  It  is  a  deplorable  state  of  things  for  us;  but 
we  hope,  when  the  events  through  which  we  are  now  passing 
shall  have  subsided,  and  under  the  blessing  of  Divine  Prov- 
idence, peace  to  our  distracted  country,  shall  be  restored,  we 
may  revive.  There  is  no  part  of  our  State,  where  the  Church 
can  do  so  much  good  as  in  this  valley;  and  we  pray  that  our 
Eastern  brethren  may  extend  to  us  a  helping  hand. 

We  intend  to  keep  our  church  organization,  having,  at  the 
usual  period,  on  Easter  Monday  last,  elected  a  new  vestry; 
and  afterwards  the  vestry  met,  organized  and  appointed  the 
usual  officers  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Trinity  Church  Parish,  Marshall  Count}/ — Rev.  David  J.  Lee, 
M.  D.,  Rector.  Baptisms  3;  communicants  22;  contributions 
$128.65  (of  this  $400  for  lot  for  new  Church  and  Rectory). 

The  Rector  has  had  charge  of  this  Parish  but  nine  months, 
having  resigned  April  21,  1861;  during  which  time  the  congre- 
gations have  been  much  increased,  and  much  interest  awak- 
ened in  the  interests  of  the  Church.  With  a  view  to  more 
extended  efforts,  several  of  the  vestrymen  have  purchased 
a  fine  location  for  a  new  Church,  Rectory  and  Seminary, 
which  will  be  begun  as  soon  as  peace  shall  be  restored  to  our 
unhappy  country,  and  the  financial  pressure  removed. 

St.  John's  Church,  St.  John's  Parish,  Pleasants  County — Rev. 
W.  L.  Hyland,  Rector.  Communicants  16;  confirmed  3;  Com- 
munion alms  $3.25. 

The  services  in  this  Parish  have  been  once  in  each  month, 


194  The  Episcopal  Church 

as  reported  to  the  Convention  last  year.  The  congregations 
in  the  church  on  Cow  Creek,  and  in  St.  Mary's,  have  been 
remarkable  large  and  attentive,  and,  although  little  fruit  has 
thus  far  been  developed,  I  am  nevertheless,  persuaded  that 
there  is  in  both  places  ground  for  hope  and  encouragement. 
More  frequent  services  would  doubtless  be  productive  of 
much  good.  But  alas!  while  the  harvest  is  great  the  laborers 
are  but  few.  We  have  no  house  of  worship  in  St.  Mary's,  but 
our  Methodist  friends  have  generously  accommodated  us  with 
the  use  of  their  church;  and  for  their  kindness,  the  Rector  re- 
turns for  himself  and  people  their  grateful  acknowledgments. 

Trinity  Church,  Trinity  Parish,  Wood  County — Rev.  W.  L. 
Hyland,  Rector.  Baptisms  3;  communicants  57;  confirmed  10; 
Sunday  school  teachers  8;  scholars  49;  contributions  $1,- 
414.50  (of  which  $167.05  for  repairs  on  church,  and  $1,140.92 
for  Parsonage  fund).  Six  communicants  not  reported  above, 
were  actually  residing  within  the  bounds  of  this  parish  at  the 
last  Convention  and  had,  most  likely  been  reported  to  the 
convention  by  the  first  two  rectors  of  the  Parish.  They  have 
never  attended  the  services  of  the  church,  in  this  place, 
since  I  became  Rector  of  it,  and  are  not  likely  to  do  so  in 
the  future,  in  consequence  of  the  remoteness  of  their  resi- 
dence from  Parkersburg.  One  of  them  attends  occasionally 
at  the  church  on  Cow  Creek,  in  Pleasants  county,  and  was 
reported  last  year  as  a  communicant  of  St.  John's  Parish  in 
that  county. 

One  thousand  dollars  of  the  sum  above  reported,  as  contrib- 
uted to  the  Parsonage  Fund  was  given  by  Judge  Rathbone, 
one  of  the  oldest  communicants  of  the  Parish,  as  a  thank- 
offering  for  the  abundance  of  wealth  of  which  he  has  become 
possessed,  in  consequence  of  the  recent  discovery  of  large 
quantities  of  coal  oil  on  his  farm  near  this  town.  This  gener- 
ous donation,  has  greatly  stimulated  the  ladies  in  their  ef- 
forts to  procure  a  suitable  home  for  their  minister,  and  it  is 
expected,  that  their  work  will  be  accomplished  this  season. 
It  will  be  done,  God  favoring  the  undertaking,  unless  the  un- 


in  West  Virginia.  195 

settled  condition  of  our  distracted     and  unhappy  country 
should  prevent  it. 

Convention  of  1862.     St.  Paul's,  Richmond,  Va. 

Bishop  Johns  presided.  Bishop  Meade  died  March  9,  1862. 
Present  25  clergy  and  15  laity.    None  from  West  Virginia. 

Only  28  Parishes  reported — none  from  West  Virginia.  Con- 
firmed 132.    Communicants  2,355.     Contributions  $21,143.35. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Society  reports  as  from  Trinity 
Church,  Shepherdstown  $10;  Zion  Church,  Charlestown,  $15; 
Mr.  J.  Rogers,  Morgantown,  $20. 

The  treasurer  reports  $3.00  from  Zion  Church,  Charlestown 
for  contingent  fund. 

In  his  address  under  date  of  June  22,  1862,  Bishop  Johns 
says:  "The  battles  in  front  of  Richmond,  which  had  now  be- 
gun, left  me  in  no  doubt  as  to  the  place  of  duty.  Suspending 
all  other  services,  I  hastened  to  the  city,  to  unite  with  my 
brethren  of  the  clergy,  in  such  ministrations  as  might  be 
needed  by  the  wounded  and  the  dying.  The  signal  successes, 
with  wliich  it  pleased  Almighty  Cod  to  crown  our  arms,  ef- 
fectually relieved  our  beleaguered  metropolis,  and  the  men- 
acing hosts  were  driven  into  a  position,  where  from  the 
demoralization  of  defeat  and  the  fatal  malaria  of  the  region, 
their  remaining  numbers  were  so  reduced,  that  their  formal 
withdrawal  was  hardly  noticeable.  In  the  midst  of  our  joy 
and  gratitude,  there  was  great  cause  for  lamentation.  Many 
noble  men,  had  fallen  in  our  defense,  and  more  wounded  were 
conveyed  to  the  hospitals  in  and  around  Richmond. 

The  scenes  of  suffering,  w7hich  resulted  from  these  con- 
flicts, verified  the  saying  of  one  of  the  greatest  generals,  that 
'next  to  the  sorrow  of  losing  a  battle,  is  ihe  sorrow  of  gain- 
ing one.'  Yet,  these  sufferings  furnished  occasion  for  the 
manifestation  of  some  of  the  finest  phases  of  character,  in  the 
uncomplaining  spirit,  with  which  they  were  borne,  and  the 
grateful,  tender  and  efficient  sympathy  and  care  which  they 
promptly  received. 

Our  own  Diocesan  Society  has  enlarged  its  operations  both 


196  The  Episcopal  Church 

by  increasing  the  number  of  its  hospital  missionaries,  and  by 
the  purchase  and  publication  of  books  and  tracts  for  the 
benefit  of  our  soldiers. 

November  10.  Accompanied  by  the  clerical  and  lay  depu- 
ties from  this  Diocese  to  the  first  General  Council,  I  left 
Richmond  for  Augusta,  Georgia.  The  Council  continued  in 
session  ten  days.  Its  chief  business  consisted  in  the  ratifica- 
tion of  our  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  with  only  the  substitu- 
tion of  "Confederate"  for  "United''  and  of  "Council"  for 
"Convention,"  where  such  alteration  was  required;  reserving 
for  future  consideration,  any  other  changes  or  amendments, 
not  affecting  any  essential  point  of  doctrine,  discipline  or 
worship,  which  might  be  deemed  expedient;  and  in  addition 
to  this,  in  the  adoption  of  a  Digest  of  Revised  Canons,  &c. 
This  will  be  found  to  differ  but  little  from  our  old  code.  The 
only  variations  being  such  as  experience  had  suggested  and 
prespicuousness  and  consistency  required. 

Before  closing  this  report  I  must  again  exhort  to  certain 
special  services  of  Christian  sympathy  and  love,  to  which  we 
are  called  by  the  great  and  eventful  conflict,  in  which  our 
country  is  engaged.  In  those  sections  of  our  State,  which  have 
been  invaded  and  devastated  by  the  enemy,  parishes  and  con- 
gregations previously  flourishing  and  efficient,  have  been  sad- 
ly impoverished  and  disabled.  If  they  are  to  continue  to 
enjoy  those  ministrations  of  the  Church,  to  which  they  have 
been  accustomed,  and  which  they  dearly  prize,  they  must  be 
generously  aided  by  their  brethren,  who  have  not  been  (sub- 
jected to  such  spoliations.  These  devastated  parishes  are 
now,  in  a  measure  missionary  ground,  and  rendered  so  by  a 
painful  dispensation,  which  must  endear  them  exceedingly  to 
their  more  favored  brethren.  For  this  cause  I  ask  your  fer- 
vent prayers,  and  increased  pecuniary  support,  for  our  Dio- 
cesan Missionary  Society." 

On  motion  of  Rev.  Mr.  Murdough,  it  was  resolved  that  the 
clergy  and  laity,  present  in  this  Council,  mark  with  regret 
the  absence  of  loved  brethren,  with  whom  it  has  long  been 
their  privilege  to  gather  in  annual  meeting,  and  in  the  name 


in  West  Virginia.  197 

of  the  church,  in  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  send  messages  of 
love  and  greeting,  in  Christ,  to  ministers  and  brethren  from 
whom  God's  Providence  is  now  separating  them,  with  prayerg 
for  a  speedy  restoration  of  our  full  communion. 

In  his  address,  1862,  Bishop  John's  says:  "I  concluded  to 
suspend  the  regular  routine  of  visitation?  and  wait  the  indi- 
cations of  Providence  as  to  the  action  which  the  interests  of 
the  Diocese  might  require.  With  this  view,  after  the  ad- 
journment of  the  last  Convention,  I  returned  immediately  to 
my  late  residence,  hoping  also  that  by  being  there,  I  might 
counsel  and  cooperate  with  the  Professors  of  the  Seminary, 
and  the  Principal  of  the  High  School,  for  the  protection  of 
the  valuable  property,  in  that  vicinity.  This  arrangement 
was  of  brief  duration. 

On  Friday  morning,  May  24th,  (1861),  at  an  early  hour  the 
Federal  forces  took  possession  of  Alexandria.  It  was  now 
evident  that  I  could  no  longer  remain  there,  unless  I  was 
prepared  to  be  separated  from  the  Diocese  and  restricted  in 
my  official  duties.  In  two  hours,  after  the  invasion,  I  was  on 
the  road  with  those  of  my  family  who  had  not  previously  re- 
moved. We  went  forth  not  knowing  whither,  but  satisfied 
that  we  should  find  shelter  and  service  where  God  had  ap- 
pointed. The  first  night,  we  passed  with  our  friends  at  Chan- 
tilly.  Saturday  brought  us  to  Warrenton,  already  crowded 
with  refugees. 

July  14.  During  this  week  I  visited  the  camp  at  Manassas, 
and  united  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Barten  in  conducting  religious 
services  for  the  soldiers.  The  meeting  was  at  night  in  front 
of  one  of  their  tents.  There  were  many  present.  The  solem- 
nity with  which  many  gave  attention  to  the  addresses,  the 
effect  of  their  voices  in  open  air  as  they  joined  in  sinking  the 
appropriate  hymns,  the  place,  the  hour,  all  combined  to  ren- 
der the  scene  peculiarly  impressive.  It  was  the  last  service 
in  which  some  of  them  were  privileged  to  unite.  But  one 
day  intervened,  between  it  and  the  engagement,  and  four  be- 
tween it  and  the  great  battle  of  Manassas,  where  they  fell 
in  defense  of  their  country.    July  21.  I  preached  in  St.  James* 


198  The  Episcopal  Church 

Church,  Warrenton,  within  hearing  of  the  cannon,  and  with- 
in sight  of  the  clouds  of  smoke  and  dust  of  the  eventful  con- 
flict which  has  rendered  that  day  memorable.  At  night  I 
officiated  for  the  servants  in  the  Lecture  Room,  but  the  ex- 
ercises were  often  interrupted  by  the  intense  excitement  pro- 
duced by  tidings  from  the  battle  ground,  tidings  of  sorrow 
indeed  for  the  slain,  but  of  gratitude  and  joy  for  the  signal 
success  with  which  God  had  crowned  our  arms. 

July  23.  I  delivered  a  funeral  address  to  a  large  concourse 
of  citizens,  in  the  Court  house  yard,  in  Warrenton,  who  had 
assembled  to  render  their  tribute  of  respect  to  the  mortal 
remains  of  four  of  the  soldiers  who  had  fallen  at  Manassas. 
One  of  them,  the  worthy  officer,  on  whose  arm  I  had  leaned, 
just  one  week  before,  in  passing  through  the  encampment  to 
the  religious  service  which  I  have  mentioned.  Many  hearts 
were  severely  afflicted  by  this  bereavement,  and,  deeply  felt 
that  the  miseries  of  war  are  inseparable  from  its  most  bril- 
liant victories. 

October  14  and  15.  Were  occupied  in  reaching  Columbia, 
South  Carolina,  the  place  designated  for  the  meeting  of  the 
Provisional  Convention,  for  framing  a  Constitution,  for  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Confederate  States. 

Since  the  first  of  December,  my  residence  has  been  in  Rich- 
mond. This  has  enabled  me  to  devote  the  afternoon  of  every 
Sunday  to  St.  Philips'  Church,  which  has  been  erected  for  the 
use  of  servants,  by  the  contributions  of  a  few  liberal  mem- 
bers of  our  congregations  in  this  city.  It  has  also,  afforded 
me  an  opportunity  of  visiting  the  sick  soldiers  in  our  hospit- 
als, ministering  from  cot  to  cot,  and  assembling  the  conva- 
lescent for  social  worship.  In  these  services  I  engaged  daily 
and  with  increasing  interest. 

On  Friday  the  14th  of  March,  (1862),  at  7  a.  m.,  it  pleased 
Almighty  God,  to  remove  from  us  our  venerable  and  beloved 
Bishop,  whom  He  had  chosen  to  cherish  our  Church  in  Vir- 
ginia, during  its  infancy,  to  aid  in  bringing  it  up  in  the  nur- 
ture and  admonition  of  the  Lord,  and  long  honored  and  blest 
as  its  chief  pastor.    The  habit  which  forms  by  duration,  and 


in  West  Virginia.  199 

the  love  which  excellence  and  usefulness  inspire  and  invig- 
orate, had  so  bound  and  endeared  him  to  us  all,  that  the 
thought  of  being  without  him  was  not  seriously  entertained, 
and  we  were  ill  prepared  for  the  afflictive  separation.  Per- 
haps we  ought  to  have  been  more  discerning,  and  gathered 
premonitions  from  the  significant  service,  with  which  our  last 
Convention  was  opened.  When  the  Bishop  under  a  solemn 
sense  of  appropriateness  and  duty,  officiating  as  preacher 
delivered  his  semi-centenary  discourse,  spoke  of  the  experi- 
ence of  his  long  and  eventful  life,  with  the  deep  humility  of 
a  sage — that  the  benefit  of  his  carefully  acquired  knowledge 
might  accrue  to  us — there  was  impressively  evident  'a  ripe- 
ness and  perfeotness  of  age  in  Christ,'  which  might  have  ad- 
vised us,  that  his  maturity  for  Heaven  was  attained,  and  'the 
time  of  his  departure  at  hand.'  For  many  years  his 
bodily  infirmities,  though  they  did  not  abate  his  intellectual 
labors,  or  suspend  the  use  of  his  pen,  but  only  rendered  them 
more  abundant  and  beneficial,  yet  they  did  deprive  us  of  his 
impressive  services  in  the  pulpit.  His  capability  for  these, 
however,  was  recently  restored,  and  in  that  memorable  dis- 
course, there  was  an  unction  of  piety,  and  a  rich  melody  of 
religious  thought,  in  which  our  ears  have  recognized  the  dy- 
ing notes  of  our  aged  apostle.  He  has  since  finished  his 
course  in  peace  and  hope,  and  adding  to  his  wholesome  ex- 
ample and  salutory  instructions  of  his  self-denying  and  labo- 
rious life,  the  solemn  zeal  of  a  fearless  death.  It  was  my  priv- 
ilege to  minister  to  him  during  his  sickness,  receive  his  dying 
testimony,  watch  his  waning  strength,  catch  his  expiring 
breath,  and  then  close  those  eyes,  which  in  an  intimate  as- 
sociation of  twenty  years,  had  never  been  turned  on  mine  and 
men's,  but  in  true  friendship  and  tender  love. 

The  particulars  of  his  illness,  and  his  dying  testimony  to 
his  brethren  and  country,  I  have  communicated  in  the  ad- 
dress delivered  at  the  funeral.  That  testimony  will  be  long 
and  religiously  preserved  as  a  precious  legacy  of  a  christian 
patriot  to  the  church  and  people  whose  prosperity  was  so 
dear  to  his  breast,  both  in  life  and  in  death.     May  our  devo- 


200  The  Episcopal  Church 

ted  love  for  our  departed  Father  in  God,  and  our  sympathy 
in  sorrow  under  our  sore  bereavement,  be  so  sanctified,  as  to 
unite  us  in  closer  Christian  affection,  and  animate  us  to  great- 
er zeal  and  diligence  in  the  cause  of  our  Lord  and  Master, 
that  we  'lose  not  those  things  that  have  been  wrought,'  but 
may  behold  his  pleasure  still  prospering  in  our  hands. 

In  closing  this  statement,  it  becomes  me,  to  express  my 
gratitude  for  the  kind  Providence  which  has  directed  and  sus- 
tained me  amidst  the  disturbances  and  trials  of  the  year,  and 
given  me  opportunity  and  strength  for  the  services  reported. 

We  miss  from  our  Convention  this  morning,  some  of  our 
brethren  of  the  clergy  and  laity,  whose  attendance  in  years 
past  has  been  so  regular,  that  we  may  be  assured,  nothing  but 
circumstances  beyond  their  control  would  detain  them  now. 
Though  we  lose  the  comfort  of  their  presence  and  the  bene- 
fit of  their  counsel,  we  know  that  they  are  still  with  us  in 
heart,  and  striving  together  with  us  in  prayer,  that  God 
would  remove  the  existing  hindrances  to  the  advancement  of 
his  church,  and  grant  that  "the  course  of  this  world  may  be 
so  ordered  by  His  governance  that  peace  and  happiness, 
truth  and  justice,  religion  and  piety  may  be  established  among 
us  for  all  generations.' 

How  long  the  eventful  struggle  in  which  we  are  engaged 
is  to  continue  or  to  what  sacrifice  and  suffering  it  may  expose 
us  in  its  progress,  it  is  for  God,  in  His  wise  and  merciful  prov- 
idence to  determine.  It  is  our  part  and  place,  to  be  at  His 
feet  in  sincere  humiliation  for  our  sins,  with  filial  trust 
in  His  mercy,  and  persevering  prayer  for  His  protection  and 
deliverance.  Thus  committing  our  country  and  ourselves  in- 
to the  hands  of  our  covenant  God,  we  may  hopefully  abide  the 
issue." 

Convention  of  1863.     St.  Paul's,  Richmond,  May  20. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding. 

Forty-nine  clergy  and  thirty  laity  present.  None  from 
West  Virginia. 


in  West  Virginia.  201 


Sixty-five  reports  showing  4,578  communicants  and 
312.40  contributed. 

Contributions  reported  from  West  Virginia:  For  Dioce- 
san missions,  Mrs.  M.  Harrison,  Salt  Sulphur,  $5.00;  Rev.  Dr. 
Andrews,  Shepherdstown,  $25;  Mrs.  H.  B.  Caperton,  $10. 

Convention  of   1864.    St.  Paul's,  Richmond,  May  18. 

Bishop  Johns  presided. 

Present:  Twenty-six  clergy  and  fourteen  laity.  None  from 
West  Virginia. 

Twenty-eight  Parochial  reports  received:  Communicants 
2,322;  confirmed  442;  contributions  $61,153.45  in  Confederate 
currency.     The  Bishops  salary  was  increased  to  $10,000. 

The  Treasurer,  Mr.  John  Stewart,  reports  as  received  for 
the  contingent  fund,  Jefferson,  Zion  Chu.'ch,  from  an  officer 
C.  S.  A.  Navy  in  full  for  1863  and  all  past  arrears,  through 
Mrs.  R.  C.  Jones,  $125.00. 

Jefferson  (Rev.  Dr.  Andrews)  Shepherdstown,  through  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Minningerode,  including  $10  in  bank  notes,  $200.00; 
received  premium  on  above  $10  from  broker  $20. 

Bishop  John's  in  his  address,  says:  "It  may  be  proper  in 
this  connection  to  introduce  a  letter  received  by  flag  of  truce, 
a  few  weeks  since,  from  a  clergyman  officiating  in  one  of  our 
congregations  within  the  lines  of  the  enemy.  It  will  explain 
itself,  and  my  reply  contains  the  only  answer  I  felt  at  liberty 
to  return. 

Washington  City,  Jan.  27,  1864. 
Rt.  Rev.  John  Johns,  D.  D. 

My  Dear  Bishop: — It  is  very  important  to  the  interest  of 
St.  Matthews  Parish,  (Wheeling)  that  we  should  have  an 
Episcopal  visitation,  and  inasmuch  as  you,  our  own  beloved 
Bishop  are  kept  from  us,  and  may  be  kept  from  us  for  years 
by  the  war,  we  are  constrained  to  beg  that  you  will  give  your 
consent,  to  our  inviting  a  Bishop  to  officiate  in  your  stead. 
Will  you  not  give  us  a  discretionary  power,  as  to  the  selec- 


202  The  Episcopal  Church 

tion  of  a  Bishop?    We  shall  conform  as  nearly  as  practica- 
ble to  your  known  wishes  on  the  subject. 

Affectionately  your  humble  servant, 

Thos.  G.  Addison. 

Answer. 

Richmond,  Feb.  13,  1864. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Brother: — Your  letter,  by  flag  of  truce,  has 
just  reached  me,  and  I  hasten  to  assure  you,  that  I  fully  re- 
ciprocate the  kindness  which  it  expresses,  and  that  I  retain 
an  unabated  interest  for  the  good  people  of  your  charge.  It 
is  truly  gratifying  to  know  that  the  unhappy  disturbances  of 
the  times  have  left  unimpaired  our  higher  relations  and  the 
Christian  feeling  which  they  involve.  It  is  now  nearly  three 
years  since  I  visited  Wheeling.  It  may  be  long  before  the 
country  is  sufficiently  settled  to  enable  me  to  officiate  there 
again.  Whilst  I  trust  I  shall  ever  be  unwilling  to  obtrude 
myself,  where  I  have  no  right  to  appear,  or  where  my  services 
are  not  desired,  I  am  ready  to  discharge  my  duty  as  for  as 
possible  to  the  whole  Diocese.  If  therefore  those  who  have 
the  power  with  you,  will,  on  my  parole  of  honor,  furnish  me 
a  safe  conduct,  you  will  soon  receive  such  official  services  as 
you  may  require.  I  say  this  on  the  presumption,  that  those 
in  authority  here  will  not  object  to  the  arrangement,  and 
with  the  distinct  understanding,  that  whilst  its  conditions 
will  be  sacredly  observed  by  me,  they  are  not  to  conflict  with 
my  obligations  to  the  government  under  which  I  live.  I 
make  this  overture  in  good  faith,  and  leave  the  result  to  His 
disposal,  who  orders  all  things  well.  If  it  is  regarded  fa- 
vorably, you  will  of  course  apprise  me.  If  otherwise,  I 
shall  at  least  have  the  'satisfaction  of  knowing  that  it  is  from 
no  remissness  on  my  part,  that  a  portion  of  my  cure  is  de- 
prived of  Episcopal  services. 

Yours  truly, 

J.  JOHNS,  &c. 

Rev.  Thos.  G.  Addison. 


ix  West  Virginia.  203 

I  know  that  the  answer  reached  its  destination,  and  was 
well  received  by  my  correspondent  and  others.  It  has,  how- 
ever, so  far  as  I  am  informed,  led  to  no  further  action  on 
their  part.  We  must  wait  patiently  and  hopefully,  till  the 
good  Providence  of  God  opens  the  way  for  the  renewal  of 
services,  which  I  am  ready  to  render. 

Some  of  the  usual  forms  of  religious  activity  and  usefulness, 
have  as  you  are  aware,  been  embarrassed  by  the  disturbances 
of  the  country.     The  closing  of  the  ports  of  the  Confederate 
States,  deprives  us  of  the  privilege  of  participating  in  the 
support  of  those  Foreign  Missions,  in  the  establishment  of 
which  our  good  people  gladly  aided,  both  by  furnishing  labor- 
ers and  contributing  means  for  their  maintenance.    For  the 
present,  we  can  only  give  ourselves  to  more  earnest  prayer, 
'that  we  lose  not  those  things  which  we  have  wrought,'  and 
that  a  great  and  effectual  door  may  be  early  opened  to  us,  for 
renewing  our  efforts  in  the  holy  enterprise  of  preaching  the 
Gospel  to  every  creature.     We  may  thus  preserve  and  invig- 
orate the  true  spirit  of  Evangelization,  and  be  the  better  pre- 
pared for  productive  service,  when  it  is  the  will  of  the  Great 
Head  of  the  church  that  we  may  be  again  thus  employed. 
Thanhs  be  to  God  the  domestic  held  is  open  to  us,  and  within 
our  own   Diocesan  limits,  affords  ample  scope  for  all   our 
Christian  energies,  and  most  worthy  occasion  for  every  ex- 
penditure which  our  means  will  allow.     By  position  and  by 
the  appointment  of   Providence,  the  breast  work  of  the  Con- 
federacy is  on  the  soil  of  Virginia.    Here  the  great  army  of 
our  defence  is  stationed.       Its     various     encampments  are 
thronged  by  the  patriot  sors  of  sister  states,  cheerfully  en- 
during the   hardships,   inseparable   from  their   service,   and 
ready  for  any  further  sacrifice  which  their  country  needs. 
God   has   favored  them   with  encouraging   success,   blessed 
them  with  an  extraordinary  desire  for  the  knowledge  and 
ministrations  of  the  gospel,  beyond  what  the  Chaplains  in 
commission   can   supply.     This   extensive   field   at   our   very 
doors,  is  white  for  the  harvest  and  the  laborers  comparative- 


204  The  Episcopal  Church 

ly  how  few.  Every  pious  heart,  I  am  persuaded,  must  swell 
with  solicitude,  to  share  in  the  honor  of  gathering  in  its  yield 
in  the  garners  of  the  Lord. 

I  take  pleasure  in  calling  attention  to  the  good  service  ren- 
dered by  the  Missionary  Society  of  the  Diocese,  not  only 
through  the  agency  of  such  missionaries  to  the  camps  and 
hospitals,  as  its  funds  will  allow,  but  also  by  the  circulation 
of  its  books  and  tracts,  and  more  especially  by  preparing  and 
publishing  a  very  large  edition  of  the  Army  and  Navy  Prayer 
Book,  in  form  and  size  suited  to  the  use  of  those  for  whom  it 
is  especially  designed,  capable  of  being  carried  in  the  side 
pocket  of  the  soldier,  and  constituting  his  valuable,  vade  me- 
cum,  on  every  march. 

An  esteemed  Professor  of  Theology  has  not  intermitted  his 
important  services.  Kesiding  in  Staunton,  he  has  gathered 
around  him  a  few  students,  not  embraced  by  the  conscription 
act,  and  instructed  them,  not  only  in  the  branches  pertaining 
to  his  own  department,  but  in  those  also,  which  belong  to  the 
vacant  chair,  and  to  the  other,  the  worthy  incumbent  of 
which,  has  been  providentialy  detained  from  his  duties.  The 
Rev.  Dr.  Sparrow,  is  thus  performing  the  work  of  three  Pro- 
fessors, and  is  entitled  to  our  grateful  recognition  of  these 
voluntary  and  laborious  services. 

In  closing  this  statement  of  the  affairs  of  the  Diocese,  since 
the  meeting  of  the  last  Council,  it  behooves  me  to  remark 
what  the  report  itself  discloses ;  that  though  we  are  under 
discipline,  our  God  has  not  forsaken  us.  His  chastisements 
have  been  mingled  with  many  mercies,  both  temporal  and 
spiritual.  Whilst  He  has  marvellously  restrained  the  raging 
violence  of  our  enemies,  who  proclaim  their  purpose  of  exter- 
minating our  people,  and  possessing  themselves  of  our  coun- 
try, He  has  graciously  visited  our  parishes  with  nis  salva- 
tion, and  our  camps  with  the  regenerating  influence  of  His 
gospel,  'and  I  therein  do  rejoice,  yea  and  will  rejoice.' 

But  let  us  not  be  so  engrossed  by  the  accompanying  mer- 
ries, as  to  fail  to   'hear  the  rod  and  who  hath  appointed  it.' 
And  let  not  the  injustice  and  inhumanity  of  our  foes,  lead 


in  West  Virginia.  205 

us  to  indulge  the  malevolence  and  execration  and  revenge, 
which  such  deeds  so  powerfully  excite.  Rather  let  us  re- 
member how  it  is  written,  'Vengeance  is  mine,  I  will  repay 
saith  the  Lord.'  Let  us  not  be  overcome  of  evil,  but  over- 
come evil  with  good,  and  God  will  invigorate  and  guide  us  in 
the  conflict,  and  give  us  victory,  with  His  blessing." 

Convention  of    1865.     St.  Paul's  Church,  Richmond. 

Bishop  Johns,  presiding. 

Clergy  in  West  Virginia:  xRev.  T.  G.  Addison,  St.  Mat- 
thews, Wheeling;  xRev.  C.  E.  Ambler,  Zion  Church,  Charles 
Town;  xRev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  D.  D.,  Trinity  Church,  Shep- 
herdstown;  Rev.  J.  F.  Curtis,  Moundsville;  Rev.  Isaac  Gibson, 
assistant,  Zion,  Charles  Town;  Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson,  Trinity 
Church,  Martinsburg;  xRev.  W.  L.  Hyland  Trinity  Church, 
Parkersburg;  xRev.  W.  F.  M.  Jacobs,  St.  John's  Church, 
Charleston;  Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell,  Wickliffe  Parish,  Kabletown; 
xRev.  T.  B.  Maury,  Missionary,  Ravenswood;  Rev.  J.  J.  Page, 
Christ  Church,  Clarksburg;  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods,  Moundsville. 

Those  marked  x  present. 

Lay  Delegates  present:  Augustine  J.  Smith,  Trinity 
Church,  Jefferson  county. 

Bishop  Johns  in  his  address  says:  "During  the  past  year 
my  visitations  were  frequently  interfered  with  by  interrup- 
tions of  the  lines  of  travel,  and  other  causes  connected  with 
the  war.  All  of  my  appointments  for  May  1804,  were  thus 
frustrated,  and  my  services  were  necessarily  confined  to  the 
servants  of  the  plantation  on  which  I  resided,  and  others  in 
the  vicinity.  Aug.  6th  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones  accompanied  me 
for  a  few  days.  It  was  our  intention  to  visit  Charles  Town; 
but  as  we  approached  we  learned  that  the  Federal  forces 
were  then  entering  the  town;  we  therefore  passed  on  to  Mid- 
dleway.  Here  we  were  kindly  received  by  Dr.  Nelson,  at 
whose  residence  I  had  in  the  evening,  the  privilege  of  uniting 
in  social  worship,  with  some  of  the  congregation  who  as- 
sembled there,  on  hearing  of  my  arrival.  This  Parish  had, 
for  more  than  a  vear  been  without  a  minister.     The     next 


206  The  Episcopal  Church 

morning  (Sunday)  we  made  an  early  start,  and  proceeded 
through  a  desolated  and  apparently  deserted  country  to 
Shepherdstown,  into  which  as  we  could  obtain  no  information 
by  the  way,  we  entered  with  some  anxiety,  uncertain  by  which 
army  it  was  occupied.  We  found  it  in  possession  of  a  few 
Confederates,  but  as  the  Union  troops  in  large  numbers 
were  known  to  be  only  a  few  miles  distant,  and  their  advance 
expected,  it  was  suggested  that  we  might  be  interrupted  in 
our  proposed  services,  and  subjected  to  inconvenient  deten- 
tion. We  concluded,  however,  to  venture  upon  the  experi- 
ment. The  bell  was  rung  and  the  congregation  assembled. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Jones  read  prayers.  W7hilst  I  was  preaching,  a 
note  was  handed  to  the  Hector,  informing  him  that  the  Fed- 
eral forces  were  approaching  the  town.  I  was  unwilling  to 
leave  the  church  without  confirming  those  who  were  desir- 
ous to  ratify  their  baptismal  vows.  Descending  to  the  chan- 
cel and  calling  them  around  me,  I  administered  the  Apostolic 
rite  to  ten  persons.  The  service  was  of  peculiar  interest  and 
I  am  sure  will  not  soon  be  forgotten.  To  return  to  Smith- 
field,  as  we  intended  was  now  deemed  impracticable,  and  we 
made  our  way  around  by  Bunker  Hill  to  Winchester.  In 
passing  through  Bunker  Hill,  I  was  pained  to  see  that,  the 
neat  little  church,  in  which  on  former  visitations,  I  had  offici- 
ated, had,  like  many  others  been  damaged  by  occupancy  for 
military  purposes. 

April  16.  As  soon  as  I  received  reliable  intelligence,  (in 
Halifax  county)  of  the  entire  failure  of  the  painful  and  pro- 
tracted struggle  for  the  independence  of  the  Confederate 
States,  and  the  re-establishment  of  the  Federal  authority,  I 
felt  it  incumbent  upon  me  to  prepare  a  brief  circular,  ad- 
dressed to  the  clergy  and  laity  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia, 
recognizing  the  duty  of  prompt  and  honest  obedience  to  the 
existing  government,  and  the  obligation  to  pray  for  'those 
in  authority/ 

On  returning  to  Alexandria,  I  found  that  the  buildings  of 
the  Theological  Seminary  and  High  School,  and  the  residen- 
ces of  the  Professors  were  still  held  by  the  government  for 


in  West  Virginia.  207 

hospital  purposes,  but  it  was  understood  that  they  would  be 
vacated  and  returned  to  us,  in  time  to  prepare  for  resuming 
the  exercises  of  the  Seminary,  at  about  the  usual  period.  July 
27.  In  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown,  after  a  sermon  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  DilJon,  of  Maryland,  I  addressed  the  congregation; 
and  on  the  29th,  I  preached  in  the  same  church  and  confirm- 
ed seven. 

July  30.  In  Martinsburg.  I  preached  both  morning  and  even- 
ing, aud  confirmed  thirteen. 

Among  changes  the  Bishop  notes  that  the  Rev.  W  F.  M. 
Jacobs  has  been  elected  Rector  of  the  Church  in  Charleston, 
Kanawha.  The  total  number  of  confirmations  reported,  207 
(of  which  1  colored);  communicants  3,261  (of  which  1G  are 
colored.) 

The  Committee  on  the  state  of  the  Church  suggested  that 
immediately  after  the  appointment  of  the  Standing  Commit- 
tees, the  Council  resolve  itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole, 
the  Bishop  in  the  chair,  when  each  member  of  the  Council 
shall  have  opportunity  to  present  such  facts  and  suggestions, 
as  may  bear  upon  the  subject  committed  to  the  Committee  on 
the  state  of  the  Church,  and  which  are  to  form  the  basis  of 
their  report. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg — Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson.  Baptisms 
35;  (of  which  6  colored);  communicants  45;  confirmed  13. 
Total  contributions  $299.00. 

Wickliffe  Church — Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell.  Baptisms  4;  commu- 
nicants 24 ;  confirmed  2.    Total  contributions  $174. 

Trinity  Church,  Shcpherdstown — Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  D.  D. 
Baptisms  25;  (of  which  colored  Sj;  communicants  60;  confirm- 
ed 19.    Total  contributions  $8.00. 

Zion  Church,  Charlestoicn — Rev.  C.  E.  Ambler.  Communi- 
cants 106.    Total  contributions  $225. 

Council  of    1866.     St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding.  Six  clergy  and  two  laymen  from 
West  Virginia.    In  his  address,  the  Bishop  says:    ''I  had  com- 


208  The  Episcopal  Church 

municated  to  the  brethren  in  the  Western  portion  of  the  Dio- 
cese, my  intention  to  be  with  them  immediately  after  the  ad- 
journment of  the  General  Council,  and  now  though  late  in  the 
season,  and  with  necessarily  short  notice  of  my  appoint- 
ments, I  crossed  the  mountains  to  visit  the  Churches.  I 
reached  Parkersburg  on  Saturday  morning,  November  25,  and 
at  night  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  of  Ken- 
tucky, I  addressed  the  congregation  in  Trinity  Church. 

November  26.  In  the  morning,  I  preached  in  Trinity  Church, 
Parkersburg,  and  at  the  request  of  the  Rector,  baptized  nine 
infants.  At  night  I  preached  in  the  same  church  and  con- 
firmed five.  November  28.  At  Ravenswood  I  preached  in 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  kindly  loaned  to  us,  as  our  own 
had  been  rendered  unfit  for  use,  by  military  occupation.  No- 
vember 29  and  30,  were  passed  in  reaching  Weston.  At  night 
after  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  I  addressed  the  congre- 
gation in  St.  Paul's  Church.  December  1.  In  the  same  Church, 
I  preached  in  the  morning  and  baptized  two  adults  and  three 
infants.  At  night  I  preached  again,  and  confirmed  twelve. 
December  2.  Returned  to  Clarksburg,  and  the  next  morning 
preached  in  Christ  Church,  confirming  seven. 

I  cannot  refrain  from  expressing  my  great  gratification  at 
the  very  cordial  reception  uniformly  extended  to  me, 
throughout  this  partial  visitation,  and  my  regret,  that  it 
could  not  then,  include  all  the  Churches  in  that  section  of  the 
Diocese.  December  10.  I  preached  morning  and  night  in  Mt. 
Zion,  Hedgesville,  and  confirmed  nine. 

December  17.  In  the  Prayer  Hall  of  the  Theological  Semi- 
nary, I  admitted  to  Priest's  orders  the  Rev.  Josiah  Curtis,  of 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston. 

March  27.  In  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Charlestown,  I  preached 
and  confirmed  thirty-two. 

Clerical  Changes: — At  my  request  the  Rev.  T.  B.  Maury  has 
taken  charge  of  the  missionary  stations  on  the  Ohio,  Point 
Pleasant  and  Ravenswood,  and  1  am  happy  to  know  that  he 
meets  with  much  encouragement.  At  Ravenswood  the  re- 
pairs of  the  Church  are  near  completion.    At  Point  Pleasant 


REV.    WILLIAM    H.    MEADE,    D.    I).,    1867, 


REV.    ISAAC   GIBSON,    D.    D.,    1865. 


REV.    JOSHUA  COWPLAND,    1867. 


REV.   HORACE  EDWIN   HAYDEN,    1868. 


in  West  Virginia.  209 

the  good  people  are,  very  properly,  exerting  themselves  to 
provide  a  parsonage,  to  secure  permanent  residence  for  their 
minister,  and  as  they  will  need  assistance,  I  commend  the 
enterprise  to  the  generous  consideration  of  our  good  friends 
in  Virginia  and  elsewhere,  who  are  specially  interested  in 
the  prosperity  of  the  Church  in  that  section  of  the  Diocese. 
The  Key.  Isaac  Gibson  and  the  Rev.  T.  M.  Carson  recently 
admitted  to  the  Diaconate,  are  with  my  approval  engaged, 
the  first  as  an  assistant  in  Zion  Church,  Charlestown,  the 
other  in  missionary  services  at  Smithfield,  Leetown  and  Bun- 
ker Hill." 

The  Council  adopted  the  following  Resolution:  Whereas 
the  conditions  which  rendered  necessary,  the  separate  or- 
ganization of  the  Southern  Diocese  no  longer  exists,  and  that 
organization  has  ceased  by  the  consent  and  action  of  the  Dio- 
ceses concerned;  and  whereas  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  un- 
changed as  are  her  principles,  deems  it  most  proper  under  ex- 
isting circumstances,  to  resume  her  interrupted  relations  to 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States,  there- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Diocese  do  accordingly,  now  resume  its 
connection  with  the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States,  and  that  the  Bishop 
be  requested  to  send  a  copy  of  this  preamble  and  resolution 
to  the  presiding  Bishop,  and  one  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 

The  vote  was  called  for  by  ayes  and  noes  and  by  orders, 
and  resulted  as  follows:  Affirmative,  clergy  57,  laity  36;  neg- 
ative, clergy  9;  laity  11. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Communicants  6,066;  confirmed  463;  contributions  $30,199. 

Statistics: 

Com.  C'fd.  Cont. 
Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson,  Mt.  Zion,  Hedgesville,        62       9         |32 

"  Trinity,    Martinsburg, 54      ..        1,000 

Rev.  VY.  T.  Leavell,  Wickliffe,  Ripon  23     .  .  <!5 

Rev.  T.  B.  Maury,  Grace,  Ravenswood, 14     .  .  04 


210  The  Episcopal  Church 

Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  Trinity,  Shepherdstown    58     . .  140 

Rev.  Chas.  E.  Ambler,  Zion,  Charlestown  . .     120    32         323 
Rev.  W.  F.  M.  Jacobs,  St.  John's,  Charles 

ton 40     

Rev.  J.  F.  Curtis,  St.  Paul's,  Weston 35     12  7 

Rev.  J.  F.  Woods,  Trinity,  Moundsville, 12     . .  12 

Rev.  Wm.  L.  Hyland,  Trinity,  Parkersburg     60      5       8,368 

This  report  for  five  years. 

Remarks: — Ravenswood.  This  congregation  has  enjoyed 
no  ministerial  culture  for  many  years.  Its  church  building 
was  most  shamefully  desecrated  by  the  United  States  sol- 
diery stationed  there  during  the  war.  But  through  the 
Christian  activity  and  kind  generosity  of  friends  of  the 
Church,  the  funds  necessary  to  repair  its  walls,  and  to  paint 
and  furnish  it  anew,  are  now  in  hand,  and  the  renovation  al- 
most complete. 

Charleston.  The  present  Rector  took  charge  of  the  Church 
in  1865.  He  found  the  congregation  very  much  disorganized, 
and  the  Church  building  desolated,  it  having  been  used  as 
barracks,  and  subsequently  as  depository  for  quartermas- 
ter's stores.  Every  article  of  chancel  furniture  had  been  de- 
stroyed, the  pews  removed,  the  windows  demolished,  and  the 
organ  so  abused,  as  to  be  almost  entirely  useless.  By  the  ef- 
forts of  parishioners,  and  friends  abroad,  we  were  enabled  to 
put  it  in  a  condition  for  use  during  the  winter.  We  still  have 
some  funds  for  further  improvements.  The  absence  of  the 
Rector,  for  the  previous  six  years,  together  with  the  demor- 
alizing influence  of  the  war,  render  the  spiritual  condition 
of  the  Parish  not  as  encouraging  as  desired.  My  report  is 
somewhat  incomplete,  on  account  of  my  illness  during  the 
past  two  months. 

Moundsville.  One  of  the  wardens  removed,  the  other  sus- 
pended. 

Parkersburg.  My  report  embraces  the  past  five  years.  There 
are  other  communicants  residing  in  this  Parish,  but  they  are 
not  reported  as  communicants,  of  the  same,  in  consequence 


in  West  Virginia.  211 

of  their  having  failed  to  place  in  my  hands  the  usual  certifi- 
cate required  by  the  canon. 

It  is  proper  to  remark  that  the  above  report  is  not  entire- 
ly accurate,  having  been  made  out  chiefly  from  memory,  since 
my  arrival  in  Alexandria.  Some  of  the  data  which  were  nec- 
essary to  entire  accuracy,  having  been  inadvertently  left  at 
home;  but  I  believe  it  to  be  substantially  correct. 

Council  of  1867.     Trinity  Church,  Staunton. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding:  Present  from  West  Virginia: 
9  Clergy;  4  Laity. 

From  Bishop  Johns'  address:  "June  1.  I  preached  in  the 
Church  at  Fairmont,  Marion  county,  and  as  this  church  was 
without  a  minister,  I  officiated  there  again  the  next  morning. 
Since  my  visit  the  congregation  has,  I  am  thankful  to  say,  en- 
gaged part  of  the  time  of  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods,  of  Mounds- 
ville.  June  3.  I  officiated  in  Wheeling  both  morning  and 
night.  The  congregation  of  St.  Matthew's,  had  recently  dis- 
posed of  their  building,  with  the  view  to  the  erection  of  a 
larger  one,  in  a  more  convenient  location,  and,  as  the  build- 
ing which  had  been  occupied  by  St.  John's  congregation  had 
also  been  sold,  we  were  for  the  time  without  a  house  of  wor- 
ship in  the  city  of  Wheeling.  The  corner  stone  of  the  new 
Church  for  St.  Matthew's  congregation  has  since  been  laid, 
and  the  work  is  so  far  advanced,  that  its  consecration  may 
be  effected  at  an  early  day.  For  the  services  of  the  morning 
our  Baptist  friends,  who  had  purchased  St.  Matthew's 
Church,  kindly  loaned  it  to  us,  and  I  preached  there  and  con- 
firmed thirty-two  persons. 

It  was  not  without  a  feeling  of  sadness  that  I  officiated  for 
the  last  time  in  that  spacious  and  substantial  church,  which, 
some  thirty  years  ago,  was  erected  to  accommodate  the  con- 
gregation, then  rapidly  increasing  under  the  faithful  labors 
of  the  Rev.  Win.  Armstrong.  Tn  the  first  years  of  our  minis- 
try, we  had  been  pleasantly  associated  in  Frederick  county, 
Maryland,  as  Rectors  of  adjoining  Parishes,  and  subsequently 
when  we  had  both  removed  to  this  Diocese,  I  had  again  and 


212  The  Episcopal  Church 

again  shared  his  joy,  as  tlie  arrival  of  the  confirmation, 
brought  the  fruits  of  his  diligence  and  fidelity  around  the 
chancel  of  that  commodious  church,  to  be  sealed  for  the  Mas- 
ter's service.  Those  sacred  scenes  had  imparted  a  peculiar 
interest  to  the  place,  and  however  politic  the  disposal  of  it 
may  prove,  made  it  impossible  for  some  to  part  with  it,  with- 
out a  painful  struggle.  May  God  in  His  mercy,  so  fill  the 
new  house  with  His  glory,  that  in  comparison  of  it,  the  first 
house  will  be  as  nothing  in  our  eyes,  and  may  He  continue  to 
crown  the  ministrations  of  His  servants,  with  such  success 
that  its  capacity  will  be  insufficient  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  worshippers,  and  frequent  colonization  render  neces- 
sary the  erection  of  new  edifices,  till  the}7  beautify  and  bless 
every  section  of  the  city. 

At  night  the  Presbyterian  Church  was  offered  for  our  use, 
and  I  preached  there  to  a  large  and  serious  congregation. 
June  4.  I  preached  at  Moundsville  and  confirmed  twelve.  June 
5.  Accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Addison  and  Woods,  I 
proceeded  by  way  of  Steubenville,  where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gillette 
joined  us,  to  St.  John's  Church,  Brooke  county,  and  preached 
there.  As  the  Church  was  without  a  minister,  and  the  notice 
of  my  visit  had  been  late  in  reaching  them,  there  were  no 
candidates  for  confirmation.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Webb,  of  Ohio, 
has  engaged  to  officiate  part  of  his  time  for  this  congregation. 
June  6.  Was  occupied  in  passing  from  Wheeling  to  Parkers- 
burg. 

June  7.  Accompanied  by  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  I  rode  some 
twenty  miles,  to  the  Church  at  Cow  Creek,  Avhere  I  preached, 
and  returned  the  same  evening  to  Parkersburg.  June  8.  I 
preached  in  Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg,  and  confirmed  sev- 
en. June  9.  Accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  I  proceed- 
ed to  Point  Pleasant.  Here  we  have  some  earnest  members, 
who  are  very  anxious  to  be  supplied  with  stated  services. 
As  yet  we  have  no  church  of  our  own  at  the  Point,  but  are 
kindly  accommodated  by  our  Methodist  brethren.  June  10. 
I  preached  at  Point  Pleasant  in  the  morning  and  at  night  af- 
ter a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  I  again  addressed  the 


in  West  Virginia.  213 

congregation.  June  12.  Was  occupied  in  reaching  Charleston, 
Kanawha,  where  I  preached  at  night.  June  13.  The  Salines. 
Here  our  house  of  worship  was  destroyed  during  the  war,  and 
we  were  again  indebted  to  our  Methodist  brethren,  for  the 
use  of  their  church.  I  baptized  six  infants,  and  confirmed 
four  persons.  At  night  I  preached  in  St.  John's,  Charleston, 
and  confirmed  eighteen.  June  14.  Coalsmouth.  Here  also, 
our  Church  building  was  entirely  ruined  during  the  war.  The 
people  assembled  in  a  private  house,  where  I  preached  and 
confirmed  two.  It  was  the  residence  of  the  late  Col.  Frank 
Thompson,  then  recently  deceased,  whose  Christian  life  and 
labors  had  rendered  him  a  noble  example  and  eminent  bless- 
ing to  the  community  and  Church,  with  which  he  was  connect- 
ed, and  which  I  found  in  much  sorrow  for  their  great  bereave- 
ment. The  congregation  here  and  at  the  Salines  might  be 
advantageously  served  by  one  minister,  and  at  both  places 
they  expressed  great  desire  to  be  soon  supplied,  but  with 
every  effort,  I  have  been  unable  to  gratify  their  pious  wish. 

In  the  afternoon  I  returned  to  Charleston,  and  at  night, 
in  connection  with  services  conducted  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hy- 
land  I  baptized  one  adult  and  one  infant.  June  15.  At  7  a. 
m.  I  held  a  special  service  ir.  St.  John's  Church,  and  confirm- 
ed two  persons. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Jacobs,  the  Rector  of  St.  John's,  and  the  only 
resident  minister  of  the  Church,  throughout  the  portion  of  the 
Diocese  west  and  south  of  the  Little  Kanawha,  was  then 
detained  in  Alexandria  by  sickness,  which  has  since  led  to 
his  resignation  of  the  Parish.  In  his  absence  the  Rev.  W. 
Thompson,  of  Gallipolis,  kindly  consented  to  visit  the 
Churches  in  Kanawha  county,  and  prepare  them  for  such 
Episcopal  services  as  might  be  desired.  I  take  this  opportu- 
nity to  acknowledge  his  frequent,  and  useful  ministrations, 
winch  were  very  acceptable  to  the  congregations  and  highly 
appreciated  by  myself. 

Alter  the  early  service  in  St.  .John's.  1  took  passage  down 
the  river  to  meet  my  next  appointment,  which  was  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  Guyandotte,  where  a1   the  Marshall  Academy,  the 


214  The  Episcopal  Church 

Kev.  Mr.  Tompkins  of  the  Diocese  of  Kentucky,  occasionally 
officiated.  After  a  tedious  trip,  I  was  landed  on  the  evening 
of  the  16th,  near  the  place  of  my  destination. 

June  17.  The  next  morning  (Sunday)  to  our  great  disap- 
pointment, a  heavy  rain,  which  commenced  early  and  contin- 
ued the  day  through,  prevented  the  attendance  of  many,  who 
desired  to  be  present.  At  the  usual  hour  I  preached  and  con- 
firmed two,  one  of  whom,  I  had  baptized  in  connection  with 
a  previous  service.  It  was  now  necessary  for  me  to  avail  my- 
self of  the  first  boat  that  passed,  or  I  might  not  be  in  time 
for  my  next  appointment.  Twelve  tedious  hours,  in  a  small 
house  on  the  bank  of  the  Ohio,  were  passed  in  waiting  for  a 
boat.  The  next  morning  at  half  past  1  o'clock,  the  signal 
was  heard,  and  in  the  dark,  through  rain  and  mud,  we  made 
our  way  to  the  landing,  which  I  could  not  have  reached, 
but  for  the  arm  and  guidance  of  Dr.  Buffington,  whose  kind 
and  valuable,  services  are  held  in  grateful  vpmembrance. 
June  18.  At  night,  and  also  the  next  morning,  I  read  the 
service  and  preached  at  Ravenswood,  on  the  first  occasion 
I  baptized  two  children,  and  on  the  second  I  confirmed  one 
person.  Since  my  visit  in  November  last,  the  little  band  of 
church  people  here,  had,  much  to  their  credit,  repaired  the 
damage  which  their  building  had  sustained  during  the  war, 
and  we  were  now  privileged  again  to  worship  in  our  own 
Church. 

June  24.  In  the  morning  I  preached  at  Smithfield  and  con- 
firmed five.  After  the  morning  service  I  accompanied  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Andrews  to  Shepherdstown,  where  at  night  I  con- 
firmed seven  in  Trinity  Church. 

The  Rev.  W.  F.  M.  Jacobs,  whose  failing  health  rendered 
it  necessary  for  him  to  resign  the  charge  of  the  congrega- 
tion at  Kanawha  Court  House,  and  who  after  several 
months  rest,  thought  himself  sufficiently  recruited  to  recom- 
mence his  labors  in  a  smaller  field,  died  in  Alexandria  a  few 
weeks  since,  'in  the  comfort  of  a  reasonable  religious  and 
holy  hope.'  " 


in  West  Virginia.  215 

Diocesan  Statistics : 

Communicants  6,522;  confirmed  631.  Contributions  $45,183. 
Expended  for  Diocesan  Missions,  $2,604. 

Rev.  F.  M.  Whittle  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  was  elected  Assist- 
ant Bishop. 

Parochial  Reports* 

Coins.  Cn'fd  Cont. 

Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson,  Martinsburg 54       .  .       $     71 

Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson,  Hedgesville 70       ..  30 

Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell,  Wickliffe   25       . .  262 

Rev.   D.  H.   Greer,   Clarksburg    22 

Rev.  T.  M.   Carson,   Smithfleld,   &c 40       ..  391 

Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  D.  D.,  Shepherdstown    65        7  160 

Rev.  W.  H.  Meade,  Charlestown, 120       . .  431 

Rev.  J.  F.  Curtis,  Weston  36       . .  62 

Rev.  Jno.  F.  Woods,  Fairmont    12       . .  12 

Rev.   Jno.   F.   Woods,   Moundsville, 21      12  72 

Rev.  T.  G.  Addison,  St.  Matt.,  Wheeling    340      32  506 

Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Parkersburg 64       . .         1,052 

Remarks: 

Clarksburg.  The  above  is  the  report  for  nine  months  past. 
During  that  time  there  has  been  no  visitation  of  the  Bishop, 
although  several  persons  are  now  ready  for  confirmation. 
There  is  an  increase  of  zeal  and  interest  in  the  Parish,  and 
a  prospect  of  better  things  still. 

Smithfield  and  Leetoicn.  I  am  pleased  to  report  substan- 
tial progress  in  all  the  interests  of  the  Church,  within  the 
Parish  during  the  past  year.  Two  of  our  church  buildings 
have  been  repaired  at  considerable  material  cost.  Congre- 
gations uniformly  good,  with  an  encouraging  prospect  and 
promise  of  addition  to  the  number  of  communicants. 

Fairmont.  Since  February  17th  I  have  officiated  at  Fair- 
mont regularly  on  Sunday  evening,  in  connection  with 
Moundsville,  which  places  are  sixty-six  miles  apart.  The 
congregations  at  both  places  have  been  good,  and  the  work 
encouraging. 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling.    The  congregation  is  build- 


216  The  Episcopal  Church 

ing  a  large  and  handsome  Church.  It  will  be  ready  for  con- 
secration, at  farthest,  in  November;  $50,000  will  have  been 
expended  on  it  before  that  time.  This  drain  upon  the  means 
of  the  congregation  accounts  for  the  raeagerness  of  their  con- 
tributions to  other  objects. 

St.  John's  Parish  has  commenced  with  much  zeal  the  erec- 
tion of  a  new  church  edifice.  They  hope  to  occupy  it  be- 
fore winter. 

The  prospects  of  the  Church  in  Wheeling  are  exceedingly 
encouraging. 

Report  of  Rev.  James  H.  McMechen:  "My  time  is  much 
taken  up  with  my  duties,  (teaching);  but  I  have  preached 
some  six  or  eight  times  for  Mr.  Addison,  and  spent  one 
Sunday  in  Washington,  Pa.  I  hold  myself  ready  to  visit 
any  points,  at  a  convenient  distance,  and  expect  during  the 
summer  vacation  of  eight  weeks  to  go  about  a  good  deal.  In 
the  interval  between  the  departure  of  Mr.  Addison,  and  the 
coming  of  his  successor,  I  expect  to  supply,  in  part  at  least, 
the  vacancy  in  St.  Matthew's. 

Council  of  1 868.     St.  Paul's,  Lynchburg. 

List  of  Clergy  in  West  Virginia; 

Rev.  C.  E.  Ambler,  Charlestown;  xRev.  C.  W.  Andrews, 
Shepkerdstown;  Rev.  C.  George  Currie,  Wheeling;  Rev.  J. 
F.  Curtis,  Weston;  xRev.  D.  H.  Greer,  Clarksburg;  xRev.  W. 
D.  Hanson,  Martinsburg;  xRev.  H.  E.  Hayden,  Point  Pleas- 
ant; xRev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Parkersburg;  xRev.  W.  T.  Leavell, 
Kabletown;  xRev.  W.  H.  Meade,  Charlestown;  Rev.  Jos.  H. 
McMechen,  Wheeling;  Rev.  W.  B.  Morrow,  Wheeling;  xRev. 
Joseph  A.  Nock,  Charleston;  Rev.  Win.  G.  Stewart,  Coals- 
mouth;  xRev.  J.  F.  Woods,  Moundsville. 

Those  marked  x  in  attendance. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding.  Bishop  Johns'  address:  "Novem- 
ber 14.  I  left  home  on  a  visitation  of  the  Churches  in  the 
Western  Section  of  the  Diocese.  November  15.  I  reached 
Fairmont  at  7  a.  m.,  preached  morning  and  night  in  Christ 


in  West  Virginia.  217 

Church,  and  confirmed  ten.  This  church  shares  with  the 
Church  at  Moundsville,  the  services  of  the  "Rev.  J.  F.  Woods, 
and  is  evidently  reviving  under  his  faithful  ministrations. 
November  lfi.  I  preached  in  Trinity  Church,  Moundsville,  and 
confirmed  two.  November  17.  I  preached  in  the  new  Church 
erected  by  the  congregation  of  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling, 
and  confirmed  seven.  Although  the  spacious  and  imposing 
building  was  not  then  completed,  it  was  sufficiently  advanced 
to  be  used  for  public  worship.  On  this  occasion  it  was  filled 
to  overflowing;  happily  ominous,  I  trust,  of  the  size  and  char- 
acter of  the  assembly,  which  will  love  to  frequent  its  sa- 
cred courts,  and  enjoy  its  salutary  ordinances.  The  congre- 
gation, then  without  a  Rector,  was  much  indebted  to  the  Rev. 
J.  H.  McMechen  for  the  services  he  readily  rendered,  The 
building  has  since  been  finished  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Currie  lias 
accepted  the  Rectorship. 

At  night  I  preached  for  the  congregation  of  St.  John's, 
then  worshipping  in  a  large  upper  room  in  the  custom  house. 
They  also  were  engaged  in  erecting  a  new  and  commodious 
building,  which  is  still  in  progress,  with  the  prospects  of 
early  completion.  It  will  be  a  large  advance  on  the  Church 
which  they  vacated,  and  occupied,  I  have  no  doubt,  by  a  con- 
gregation correspondingly  enlarged  and  strengthened. 

November  18.  Accompanied  by  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods,  I 
crossed  into  Ohio,  and  took  the  railroad  to  Steubenville, 
where  we  procured  a  conveyance,  and  having  re-crossed  the 
river,  proceeded  to  St.  John's  Churcjh,  Brooke  county.  Find- 
ing it  closed,  we  drove  to  the  house  first  of  one,  and  then  of 
another  of  the  vestry,  and  discovered  that  the  notice  of  my 
appointment  had  not  been  received.  We  endeavored  to  com- 
pensate for  the  failure,  by  visiting  the  friends  of  the  Church, 
both  there  and  at  Wellsburg,  and  after  passing  the  day  in 
such  intercourse,  returned  to  Wheeling,  whore  1  baptized, 
in   private,   the  infant    of  parents  residing   in   Buckingham. 

My  next  appointment  was  in  Parkersburg,  which  I  expected 
to  reach  by  river;  but  the  stage  of  water  was  so  low  thai  my 
friends  advised   me,   not   to  venture      by   Steamboat.      I    was 


218  The  Episcopal  Church 

therefore  obliged  to  return  by  railroad     to     Grafton,  and 
come  by  the  other  branch  of  the  road  to  Parkersburg. 

November  20.  I  preached,  morning  and  night,  in  Trinity 
Church,  and  confirmed  eleven.  November  21.  No  other  con- 
veyance being  available,  the  Kev.  Mr.  Hyland  and  myself, 
started  from  Parkersburg  in  a  very  small  and  inferior  boat, 
for  Eavenswood.  Our  progress  was  so  retarded  by  the  fog, 
and  the  lowness  of  the  river,  that  we  found  we  could  not  stop 
there,  without  risking  the  several  ensuing  appointments, 
and  we  therefore  concluded  to  keep  on  to  Point  Pleasant, 
which  we  did  not  reach  until  the  next  afternoon.  Novem- 
ber 22.  I  preached  there  at  night,  in  the  room  which  the 
congregation  have  fitted  up  for  their  services,  and  confirmed 
five. 

November  24.  Such  was  the  density  of  the  fog  and  lowness 
of  the  river,  that  we  could  not  obtain  a  boat  for  Charleston. 
We  succeeded  however  in  procuring  a  buggy  and  though 
late  in  the  morning,  started  on  our  journey,  and  after  riding 
until  it  became  too  dark  to  see,  we  found  shelter  for  the  night 
in  a  small  house  of  entertainment.  Next  morning,  we  were 
off  as  early  as  our  hospitable  landlord  would  allow,  and  we 
hoped  to  make  the  ride,  about  twenty  three  miles,  in  time  to 
meet  my  appointment.  But  the  intense  density  of  the  atmos- 
phere, and  the  condition  of  the  road,  made  driving  on  the 
precipitous  bank  of  the  river  slow  and  at  times  perilous.  We 
did  not  arrive  in  Charleston  until  half  past  twelve  o'clock, 
just  as  the  congregation  were  returning  from  Church.  Happi- 
ly, we  were  recognized  by  many.  It  soon  became  generally 
known,  and  at  night,  I  preached  in  St.  John's  Church,  to  a 
large  congregation,  and  confirmed  eight.  One  of  them  from 
St.  Mark's  Church,  Coalsmouth.  November  25.  In  the 
Methodist  church  at  Maiden,  I  baptized  several  infants  and 
preached.  St.  Luke's  Church  was  destroyed  during  the 
war,  and  has  not  been  rebuilt,  the  Rev.  W.  G.  Stewart,  who 
at  my  request,  officiated  for  this  congregation  some  months 
previous,  is  now  acting  as  a  missionary  at  other  places  to 
which  he  has  been  appointed,  in  connection  with  his  princi- 


in  West  Virginia.  219 

pie  station  at  Coalsmouth.  At  night  in  St.  John's  Church, 
Charleston,  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  I  con- 
firmed two  persons. 

November  26.  I  preached  in  St.  Mark's  Church,  Coals- 
mouth,  and  confirmed  ten.  When  I  visited  this  Parish  eigh- 
teen months  before,  the  Church  was  in  ruins,  and  the  congre- 
gation so  diminished,  that  I  was  tempted  to  despair  of  its 
recovery.  In  July  last  Rev.  W.  CI.  Stewart  commenced  ser- 
vices there.  On  this  visit,  I  found  the  repair  of  the  Church 
sufficiently  advanced  to  allow  of  its  use  for  public  worship; 
an  interesting  class  for  confirmation,  and  as  many  people  in 
attendance  as  the  building  could  accommodate.  Near  the 
Church,  a  new  Parsonage  was  nearly  finished.  I  was  much 
gratified  to  see  all  these  improvements,  and  to  leave  minis- 
ter and  congregation  in  the  kindest  relations,  and  diligently 
co-operating  in  the  Gospel.  The  portion  of  his  time  previ- 
ously given  to  Maiden,  will  now  be  divided  between  Winfield 
and  Buffalo,  in  each  of  which  there  is  a  desire  for  the  ser- 
vices of  the  Church.  Immediately  after  the  exercises  at 
Coalsmouth,  we  resumed  our  ride,  down  the  West  side  of 
the  Kanawha,  over  patches  of  partially  constructed  roads, 
and  intervening  spaces  where  there  was  no  road  at  all,  till 
at  last,  after  dark,  we  lost  our  route,  and  must  have  camped 
out,  but  for  an  intelligent  boy,  Avho  heard  our  halloo!  came 
to  our  rescue,  and  did  not  abandon  us  till  he  conducted  us 
to  a  ferry  where  we  crossed  the  Kanawha,  and  were  glad  to 
find  any  kind  of  shelter  for  the  night.  The  next  afternoon 
we  reached  Point  Pleasant. 

During  my  absence  several  persons  who  before,  had  not 
been  able  to  make  up  their  minds,  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  on  my  return  tbey  would  apply  to  be  confirmed.  At  the 
request  of  their  minister,  I  preached  on  the  night  of  my  arriv- 
al, when  he  presented  four  more  for  the  imposition  of  hands. 

The  condition  and  prospects  of  the  congregation  at  Point 
Pleasant  are  encouraging.  The  Rev.  Mr.  EEayden,  who  offi- 
ciates for  them,  has  exerted  himself  successfully  in  collect- 


220  The  Episcopal,  Church 

ing  funds  for  building  a  church,  which  I  hope  soon  to  hear 
is  completed  and  fully  occupied. 

I  still  hoped  to  reach  Clarksburg  on  time  for  my  next  ap- 
pointment, and  also  to  call  at  Ravenswood,  and  make  some 
amends  for  passing  it  by,  on  our  way  down  the  river  as  al- 
ready stated.  November  28.  We  were  on  the  road  from 
morning  until  10  p.  m.,  a  journey  which  neither  of  my  com- 
panions nor  myself  would  desire  to  repeat.  Through  all  of 
its  exposures,  a  kind  of  Providence  brought  us  safely  to  the 
hospitable  home  of  Mrs.  Fitzhugh,  where  refreshments  and 
rest,  soon  made  us  oblivious  of  the  discomforts  of  the  day. 
November  29.  At  Ravenswood  I  confirmed  two.  As  the  only 
conveyance  in  which  it  was  deemed  safe  to  attempt  to  ride 
to  Parkersburg  was  an  open  wagon,  and  it  now  came  on  to 
rain,  we  were  obliged  to  defer  our  journey  until  the  next 
morning.  Meanwhile  the  weather  became  so  suddenly  cold, 
and  the  roads  so  frozen,  that  the  driver  declined  complying 
with  his  engagement,  and  our  prospect  of  progress  was  most 
discouraging.  About  2  p.  m.,  a  small  boat  most  unexpected- 
ly appeared,  and  though  it  was  a  venture,  we  had  no  choice. 
We  succeeded  in  reaching  Parkersburg  after  midnight.  De- 
cember 1.  Being  Sunday,  no  train  went  out,  or  I  might  yet 
have  been  in  Clarksburg  in  time  for  my  appointment.  The 
detention  afforded  me  the  opportunity  of  assisting  the  good 
brother,  who  had  kindly  accompanied  me  on  my  visitation, 
and  rendered  me  very  acceptable  aid  and  comfort.  I  preach- 
ed morning  and  night  in  Trinity  Church. 

Dec.  2.  I  left  Parkersburg  in  a  snow  storm,  which  contin- 
ued at  intervals  for  several  days.  At  night  I  preached  in 
Christ  Church,  Clarksburg,  and  confirmed  eighteen. 

Dec.  3.  Accompanied  by  Rev.  Mr.  Greer,  I  rode  twenty 
two  miles  to  Weston,  and  at  night,  I  preached  in  St.  Paul's 
Church  and  confirmed  eleven. 

Though  the  weather  was  very  unfavorable  at  both  these 
appointments,  the  congregations  were  large  and  the  services 
very  interesting.  At  both  places  the  contrast  with  appear- 
ances on  former  visitations  evinced  decided  improvement. 


ix  West  Virginia.  221 

Returning  to  Clarksburg,  I  took  the  cars  at  1  o'clock  next 
morning  and  crossed  the  mountain  in  a  snow  storm,  aud 
made  my  way  to  Shepherdstown,  and  at  night,  after  a  sermon 
by  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Meade  addressed  the  congregation  in 
Trinity  Church. 

Dec.  0.  In  the  same  Church  I  preached  in  the  morning  and 
confirmed  eleven.  At  night  I  again  addressed  the  congrega- 
tion, after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Meade. 

These  services  completed  my  visitation,  the  most  severe 
and  arduous  I  ever  made;  aud  though  accomplished  without 
omitting  any  of  the  churches,  yet  not  without  exertions,  lli<' 
effects  of  which  I  felt  the  winter  through. 

April  30.  In  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria,  assisted  by 
Bishops  Lee  and  Bedell,  I  consecrated  the  Rt.  Rev.  Francis 
M.  Whittle,  D.  D.,  as  Assistant  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Vir- 
ginia. 

Thus  after  an  unprecedented  and  unreasonable  delay  of 
nearly  a  year,  your  right  as  a  Diocese  has  been  recognized, 
and  your  devout  desire  happily  accomplished.  The  absurd 
misrepresentations  and  frivolous  pretexts,  which  were  enter- 
tained by  some  to  our  wrong,  are  known  and  understood, 
and  as  they  are  of  no  account  to  us,  may  be  forgotten  in  the 
satisfaction  with  which  we  receive  and  welcome  to  his  new 
and  arduous  services,  the  brother,  beloved,  whom  I  thank 
you  for  having  called  to  share  with  me,  the  responsibilities 
of  the  Episcopate  in  this  Diocese." 

Report  of  the  Diocesan  Missionary  Committee:  Bal.  #741 ; 
receipts,  $2,571;  expenditures  $3,201;  aided  eighteen  minis- 
ters, of  which  in  West  Virginia  Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  in  Bath, 
Monroe  and  Greenbrier  counties;  Rev.  F.  D.  Goodwin,  in  .Mar- 
ion county;  paid  by  West  Virginia  Churches  to  the  Bishops 
and  Contingent  fund  $809.73,  and  to  the  Diocesan  .Missions 
fl  49.00. 

Parochial  Reports: 

Corns.  C'fd.  i  'out. 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason,  (Va),  Union   20       .  .       $ 

Rev.   R.   H.   Mason,    (Va.),    Lewisburg.  . .  .       4 


222  The  Episcopal  Church 

Corns.  CTd.  Cont. 

Rev.  W.  D.  HansoD,  Martinsburg    54  ..  91 

Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell,  Wickliffe 29  6  174 

Rev.  D.  H.  Greer,  Clarksburg 37  18  821 

Rev.  Horace  E.  Hay  den,  Ravens  wood  ....     14  2  15 

Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  D.  D.,  Shepherdstown    75  11  400 

Rev.  W.  H.  Meade,  Charlestown 127  . .  932 

Rev.  Joseph  A.  Nock,  Charleston  ........     74  31  1,410 

Rev.  Wm.  G.   Stewart,  Coalsmouth    39  12  174 

Rev.  J.  F.  Woods,  Fairmont   22  10  39 

Rev.  J.  F.  Woods,  Moundsville 23  2  22 

Rev.  H.  E.  Hayden,  Point  Pleasant 23  9  2,477 

Rev.  C.  G.  Currie,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling  200  7 

Rev.  W.  B.  Morrow,  St.  John's,  Wheeling     53  15  11,579 

Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Parkersburg   64  11  600 

Remarks:  Union.  I  have  visited  Union,  Monroe  county, 
Missionary  Station,  every  fourth  Sunday.  Baptisms  3;  com- 
municants added  7;  present  number  20.  Sunday  school  teach- 
ers 8;  scholars  40. 

Leivisburg.  Visited  every  fourth  Tuesday.  Communicants 
4.  If  this  place  could  have  services  regularly  on  the  Lord's 
Day,  it  wTould  doubtless  exhibit  a  very  encouraging  field  for 
the  Church. 

Hedgesville.  Rev.  Mr.  Mackenbeimer,  who  has  had  charge 
of  the  Parish  about  four  months,  has  been  obliged  to  resign 
on  account  of  his  ill  health.  He  sent  in  his  resignation 
March  2nd,  and  as  yet  we  have  been  unable  to  obtain  a  suc- 
cessor. During  our  late  convocation,  several  of  the  min- 
isters agreed  with  us,  in  thinking  it  would  be  more  desirable 
and  add  more  to  the  interest  of  our  Church,  to  have  a  Rec- 
tory in  this  place.  Rev.  Dr.  Andrews  mentioned  it  to  the 
congregation,  and  liberal  contributions  were  made,  and  we 
have  reason  to  hope,  we  shall  soon  be  able  to  purchase  a 
Rectory.  Have  also  given  Rev.  William  Pendleton  a  call. 
Should  he  not  accept,  I  hope  you  will  assist  us  in  procuring 
a  Pastor. 


in  West  Virginia.  223 

Wickliffe.  The  Rector  reports  increased  interest  and  en- 
larged offerings. 

Clarksburg.  The  Rector  reports  the  Church  as  almost  en- 
tirely renovated  from  turret  to  foundation   stone. 

Charleston.  Report  embraces  two  years.  St.  Luke's 
Church,  Maiden,  was  formerly  reported  along  with  reports 
from  St.  John's;  the  same  minister  officiating  in  both;  but 
that  Church  organized  as  a  separate  Parish  in  April,  1867, 
elected  a  vestry,  and  took  some  measures  to  rebuild  their 
Church,  with  a  view  to  the  call  of  a  minister.  They  paid  an 
amount  of  one  dollar  for  each  of  their  communicants  last 
November.  Whether  they  continued  their  organization,  by 
a  new  election  of  vestrymen  on  Easter  Monday  last,  has 
not  been  made  known  to  this  Parish.  What  steps,  if  any  are 
being  taken  towards  a  building,  we  do  not  know.  Here  is 
an  important  point  for  a  missionary,  and  it  is  sincerely  hoped 
that  of  the  class  which  shall  be  ordained  this  summer,  some 
one  of  them  may  be  sent  to  Maiden,  to  minister  there  (where 
there  is  a  goodly  number  of  communicants)  and  at  two  other 
points  in  the  vicinity,  Cannelton  and  Coalburgh.  It  is  not 
at  all  probable  that  Maiden  will  become,  at  the  present  time, 
a  self  supporting  Parish,  but  if  a  suitable  man  could  be  found 
a  very  good  support  from  our  people  there,  at  Cannelton, 
Coalburgh,  and  Peytona,  on  Coal  River,  would  be  made;  and 
once  they  erect  a  Church,  Maiden  itself  would  support  a 
minister. 

Coalsmouth.  This  Parish  was  without  a  minister  from  the 
outbreak  of  the  war  in  L861.  The  Church  was  occupied  by 
soldiers  the  whole  time,  and  left  with  nothing  but  roof  and 
walls.  The  Rectory  was  burnt.  I  took  charge  of  the  Parish  in 
July,  18G7,  since  which  time  by  the  assistance  of  our  friends 
in  Pittsburg,  and  in  Louisville,  the  Church  has  been  repaired 
and  furnished,  and  a  bell  placed  in  the  cupola.  The  Rectory 
has  been  rebuilt  from  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  land  be- 
queathed by  a  lady  in  the  Parish.  At  six  places  in  the  Kan- 
awha valley,  and  within  twenty  miles  of  Coalsmouth,  the 
people  are  anxious  for  the  services  of  our  Church,  and  they 


224  The  Episcopal  Church 

are  willing  to  contribute  towards  the  support  of  a  missionary. 
At  two  of  these  Sunday  schools  have  been  established  and 
the  prayer  book  is  in  use. 

Point  Pleasant.     This  Parish  was  organized  July  20,  1807. 

tit.  Matthew's,  Wheeling.  I  have  been  in  charge  since  Eas- 
ter. The  contributions  of  the  congregation,  not  only  towards 
the  building  of  their  new  Church,  but  for  other  purposes, 
have  been  quite  large,  but  during  the  vacancy  of  the  Rector- 
ship,    regular     accounts     have     not     been     kept. 

tit.  John's,  Wheeling.  In  the  winter  of  03-64,  the  old  edifice 
of  St.  John's  congregation  together  with  the  lot  situated  on 
South  Main  Street,  was  sold  and  the  Parish  became  disor- 
ganized. Jn  October  1866  St.  John's  Parish  was  revived,  and 
a  well  situated  lot  (60x120)  on  Market  street,  Center  Wheel- 
ing, was  bought  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  new  church. 
Sometime  before  this  the  Rectory  had  been  sold  for  $5,000, 
which  was  put  into  the  building  fund.  On  Trinity  Sunday, 
1867,  the  present  Rector  took  charge  of  the  Parish,  since 
which  time,  Divine  service  has  been  holden  continuously  in 
the  United  States  Court  room,  situated  in  St.  Matthew's 
Parish,  by  the  good  will  of  that  congregation.  On  August 
22,  1867,  the  foundation  stone  was  laid  for  a  massive  stone 
Church,  in  the  style  of  architecture  known  as  the  perpendic- 
ular Gothic.  The  architect  and  superintendent  is  Mr.  J.  Or. 
Fairfax  of  this  city.  There  has  been  already  expended  on 
the  building  $11,066.44.  The  ultimate  cost  will  be  about  $17,- 
000.  It  is  expected,  that  the  new  Church  will  be  finished  in 
about  six  weeks  from  this  date,  and  before  the  close  of  the 
summer,  free  from  debt  and  ready  for  consecration. 

As  respects  the  number  of  communicants,  the  present  re- 
port includes  those  only  who  commune  regularly.  Many  more 
come  occasionally  to  the  Holy  Table  and  attend  the  services 
of  whom  no  account  is  taken,  because  they  have  not  formal- 
ly signified  to  the  Pastor,  their  wish  to  be  accounted  mem- 
bers of  this  Parish.  When  the  new  Church  is  entered  out- 
numbers will  doubtless  be  much  stronger. 

Rev.  Jos.  H.  McMechen,  reports  preaching  regularly  in  St. 


REV.   JAMES   GRAMMER,    1869. 


REV.   C.   GEORGE  CURRIE,    1868. 


REV.    PENDLETON    BROOKE,    1870. 


REV.    RICHARD    H.    MASON,    1870. 


in  West  Virginia.  225 

Matthew's,  Wheeling,  from  the  date  of  Dr.  Addison's  de- 
parture to  September  1,  1S07.  Since  that  time,  as  the  state 
of  his  health  allowed  in  St.  John's;  also  in  Moundsville,  Fair- 
mont, Clarksburg,  and  Washington,  Pa. 

Council  of    1869.     Fredericksburg. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding.  Six  clergy  from  West  Virginia 
and  two  laymen  present. 

Bishop  Johns  reported:  "June  16,  (1868).  I  preached  in 
Grace  Church,  Middleway,  and  confirmed  one.  June  17.  In 
Zion  Church,  Charlestown,  I  preached  and  confirmed  four- 
teen. At  night  after  sermon  by  the  Key.  Osborne  Ingle,  of 
Frederick  City,  Md.,  1  again  addressed  the  congregation.  Au- 
gust 12.  At  night  I  preached  at  the  Warm  Springs,  and  again 
the  next  morning  and  confirmed  one. 

"August  15.  At  Union,  Monroe  county,  I  preached  at  night. 
August  16.  I  preached  in  the  same  place  both  morning  and 
night  and  confirmed  eight.  August  19.  At  Lewisburg,  I 
preached  in  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  confirmed  two.  The 
Bishop  also  reports,  Rev.  Joshua  Cowpland,  as  Rector  of 
Christ  Church,  Wellsburg,  and  St.  John's,  Brooke  county; 
also  the  Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins  as  officiating  at  Sistersville; 
also  that  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Curtis  had  resigned  the  Church  in 
Weston. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Committee  reported,  thai  they 
had  contributed  to  the  support  of  Rev.  Horace  F.  liayden, 
Point  Pleasant;  Rev.  R.  H.  Mason,  Bath  aud  Monroe,  in  all 
1200.00.     Contributions  to  Diocesan  Missions  $226.63. 

Parochial  Reports- 
Coin.  In  S.  S.  Cont. 

Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson,  Martinsburg 53      244         |230. 

Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson,  Hedgesville 62        53  21 

Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell,  Wickliffe  30        58  101 

Rev.  W.  H.  Meade,  Zion  Ch.,  Charlestown  144         65         1,427 
Rev.   C.    W.   Andrews,   Shepherds!  o\\  n.  .      85         50  650 


59 

29 

55 

G5 

67 

1,150 

226  The  Episcopal  Church 

Rev.  Jos.  A.  Nock,  Kanawha  Parish 56       149        4,125 

(of  this  $2,600  was  for  Parish  school.) 

Kev.  Jno.  F.  Woods,  Moundsville   26 

Rev.  Jno.  F.  Woods,  Fairmont   22 

Rev.  Horace  E.  Hayden,  Pt.  Pleasant  . .  20 
Rev.  Wm.  Bryce  Morrow,  St.  Matthew's, 

Wheeling,   67                    3,090 

Rev.   C.   George   Currie,   St.   Matthew's, 

Wheeling 200      300       4,250 

Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Parkersburg 82      119        1,100 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  says:  "At  Union,  Monroe  county,  a 
Church  was  organized  May  3rd,  by  electing  a  vestry  and  del- 
egate to  the  Council.  Baptisms  3;  communicants  20;  con- 
firmed 8;  marriages  3.     In  Sunday  school  45. 

"During  the  past  year,  chiefly  through  the  instrumentality 
of  zealous  ladies,  a  room  has  been  rented,  a  parlor  organ 
purchased,  also  books  and  Sunday  school  material  and  other 
expenses  met,  and  one  hundred  dollars  raised  for  the  Mis- 
sionary; he  has  received  some  presents  in  addition. 

"If  a  young  single  clergyman  could  be  placed  here  to  visit 
Lewisburg,  once  or  twice  a  month,  the  Church  would  proba- 
bly flourish.  Lewisburg  had  five  communicants,  two  have 
removed.  Pocahontas  county  is  a  very  interesting  field, 
which  has  been  visited  but  twice.  There  is  one  communicant 
there  and  there  have  been  two  baptisms. 

Rev.  J.  F.  Woods  says:  "Our  Female  Seminary  in  this 
place,  (Moundsville)  under  the  charge  of  Prof.  W.  L.  Hutch- 
ins,  a  communicant  of  our  church,  has  at  present  14  board- 
ers, a  very  good  number  of  day  scholars,  and  a  very  fair  pros- 
pect of  an  increase  next  session. 

Rev.  Horace  E.  Hayden  reports  holding  frequent  services 
at  Buffalo,  Coalsmouth  and  Winfield  with  good  congrega- 
tions. 

Rev.  Wm.  Bryce  Morrow  says,  the  Xew  Church  edifice  (St. 
John's,  Wheeling),  was  opened  early  last  autumn ;  it  has  cost 
124,766.31,  of  which  amount  $10,925  remains  unpaid.  The  cost 


ix  West  Virginia.  227 

of  the  stone  steps  and  fence  wall,  will  soon  give  a  total  in- 
debtedness of  |11,600. 

Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins  reports,  that  by  invitation  of  the 
friends  of  the  Church  in  Sistersville,  he  entered  upon  duty 
November,  1868.  Since  that  time,  he  has  held  services  twice 
a  month.  A  lot  has  been  given  and  $400  subscribed,  towards 
the  erection  of  a  Church.  Three  hundred  dollars  have  been 
pledged  towards  his  support.  He  has  also  officiated  in  St. 
.John's  Church,  Pleasants  county,  once  a  month.  He  has 
baptized  two  children.  There  are  eleven  communicants  in 
this  Parish. 

Council  of  1870.     St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling,  W.  Va. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding.  List  of  Clergy  in  West  Virginia: 
Rev.  C.  E.  Ambler,  Charlestown;  xRev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  D. 
D.,  Shepherdstown;  xRev.  M.  M.  Benton,  Jr.,  St.  John's, 
Wheeling;  xRev.  Pendleton  Brooke,  Clarksburg;  xRev. 
Joshua  Cowpland,  Jr.,  Wellsburg;  xRev.  C.  George  Currie, 
St.  Matthew's,  WTheeling;  xRev.  James  Crammer,  Middleway; 
xRev.  W.  D.  Hanson,  Martinsburg;  xRev.  H.  E.  Hayden,  Pt. 
Pleasant;  xRev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Parkersburg;  Rev.  W.  T.  Lea- 
veil,  Kabletown;  xRev.  R.  H.  Mason,  Union;  xRev.  W.  H. 
Meade,  Charlestown;  xRev.  Jas.  H.  McMechen,  Wheeling; 
xRev.  Jos.  A.  Nock,  Coalsmouth;  xRev.  Chas.  H.  Page, 
Hedgesville;  xRev.  Henry  T.  Sharp,  Weston;  xRev.  Samuel 
D.  Tompkins,  Sistersville ;  xRev.  John  F.  Woods,  Moundsville. 
Those  marked  x  were  present.  Lay  Delegates  in  attend- 
ance: Wm.  E.  Baxter,  St.  John's,  Brooke  county;  R.  C.  Bon- 
ham,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling;  Geo.  D.  Curtis,  Moundsville; 
Beverly  M.  Eoff,  St.  John's,  Wheeling;  H.  R.  Howard,  Point 
Pleasant;  General  J.  J.  Jackson,  Parkersburg;  A.  T.  Laidley, 
Kanawha  Parish;  Edmund  I.  Lee,  Shepherdstown;  Col.  James 
McCluey,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling;  Dr.  Spicer  Patrick,  Kan- 
awha Parish:  Cruger  W.  Smith,  Jr.,  Clarksburg;  Thus.  ii. 
Steele,  Fairmont;  Nathan  S.  White,  Charlestown. 

Bishop   Johns   in   his   address   says:      "June    5,    (1860).    In 


228  The  Episcopal  Church 

Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg,  preached  morning  and  night 
and  confirmed  twenty-seven  persons.  June  7.  I  preached  in 
Grace  Church,  Ravens  wood.  Here  and  at  Ripley,  in  the  vi- 
cinity, the  services  of  an  active  minister,  are  earnestly  de- 
sired. June  8.  In  Christ  Church,  Point  Pleasant,  I  preached 
morning  and  night,  and  confirmed  ten  persons.  Immediately 
after  service,  accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hayden,  I  took 
the  boat  for  Kanawha  Court  House.  The  storm  in  which  we 
started,  and  the  consequent  darkness  of  the  night,  so  inter- 
fered with  our  progress,  that  we  did  not  reach  our  destina- 
tion until  noon  of  the  next  day.  June  11.  We  proceeded  to 
Maiden,  where  I  preached  in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Our 
house  of  worship  which  was  destroyed  has  not  yet  been  re- 
placed. Except  occasional  services  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nock, 
the  good  people  of  Maiden  were,  and  still  are,  without  the 
ministration  of  their  own  Church. 

June  12.  We  rode  to  Coalsmouth,  where  I  preached  and 
confirmed  three  persons.  This  congregation  has  also,  during 
the  past  year,  had  the  benefit  of  the  services  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Nock.  June  13.  I  preached  in  St.  John's  Church,  Kanawha 
C.  H.  This  Church,  vacated  by  the  resignation  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Nock  has  recently  elected  to  the  Rectorship,  the  Rev. 
Chas.  M.  Callaway,  who  I  am  happy  to  state,  has  signified 
his  acceptance.  As  the  Capital  of  West  Virginia,  and  right 
on  the  line  of  internal  improvement,  intended  to  furnish 
the  shortest  and  best  connection  between  the  Western  waters 
and  the  Atlantic,  the  population  of  this  city,  indeed  of  the 
whole  valley  of  the  Kanawha,  must  receive  rapid  and  large 
accessions,  and  afford  a  fine  field  for  ministerial  activity  and 
usefulness.  May  our  esteemed  brother,  and  others  who  may 
be  his  fellow  laborers,  in  that  interesting  region,  share  large- 
ly in  the  coming  harvest. 

June  15.  On  my  return,  I  passed  a  few  hours  in  Parkers- 
burg, addressed  the  congregation  of  Trinity  Church,  and 
confirmed  two  persons.  June  16.  I  preached  in  Christ  Church, 
Clarksburg.  It  was  then  vacant,  but  has  since  been  supplied 
by  the  Rev.  Pendleton  Brooke,  of  the  last  class  in  the  The- 


in  West  Virginia.  229 

ological  Seminary.  June  17.  I  preached  in  St.  Paul's,  Wes- 
ton, and  confirmed  four.  This  Church,  then  vacant,  has  since 
been  supplied  by  the  Rev.  H.  T.  Sharp,  also  of  the  last  class 
in  the  Theological  Seminary.  The  visitation  of  the  other 
Churches  in  the  Western  section  of  the  Diocese,  was  post- 
poned that  I  might  be  present  at  the  examinations  and  or- 
dinations at  the  Seminary.  October  16.  In  the  morning  I 
preached  in  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling,  and  confirmed 
forty-four.  At  night  I  preached  in  St.  John's  Church  and 
confirmed  six.  This  Church,  then  without  a  Rector,  has 
since  been  supplied  by  the  Rev.  M.  M.  Benton,  Jr. 

October  18.  I  preached  in  Trinity  Church,  Moundsville,  and 
confirmed  five.  October  10.  In  St.  John's,  Brooke  county, 
and  confirmed  eight.  At  night  in  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg, 
and  confirmed  four. 

October  21.  I  went  to  Sistersville,  one  of  the  stations  at 
which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  officiates.  October  22.  I  preach- 
ed in  Sistersville  and  confirmed  four.  About  midnight  I  reach- 
ed Cow  Creek  and  next  morning,  October  23.  I  preached  in  St. 
John's  Church,  notwithstanding  the  hard  rain,  through 
which  we  rode  in  an  open  wagon,  a  large  congregation  as- 
sembled, and  though  some  of  the  candidates,  who  lived  re- 
mote from  the  Church,  were  prevented  by  the  weather,  from 
being  present,  I  confirmed  fifteen. 

In  the  afternoon,  accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  who 
kindly  met  me  at  this  point,  I  rode  some  twenty  miles  to 
Parkersburg.  October  24.  I  preached  both  morning  and  night 
and  confirmed  eight.  October  25.  I  preached  in  Christ 
Church,  Fairmont.  October  26.  I  preached  in  the  same 
Church,  and  confirmed  six." 

Bishop  Whittle  in  his  address  says:  "August  13.  Preached 
and  confirmed  five  in  Wickliffe  Church.  August  16.  In  Zion 
Church,  Charlestown,  preached  and  confirmed  thirteen.  Au- 
gust 17.  Preached  and  confirmed  two  in  Grace  Church,  Mid- 
dle way,  where  there  was  no  Rector.  August  18.  Preached  and 
confirmed  nineteen  in  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown.  Au- 
gust 19-20.   Services  in  Trinity.   Martinsburg,   where   thirty 


230  The  Episcopal  Church 

were  confirmed.  August  21.  Preached  in  the  morning  in 
Mt.  Zion  Church,  Hedgesville,  and  at  night  made  an  address, 
after  sermon  by  the  Kev.  J.  B.  T.  Heed.  Sunday,  August  22. 
In  the  same  Church,  the  Hector,  Rev.  C.  H.  Page,  being  con- 
fined to  his  room  by  a  fall  from  a  wagon,  preached  and  con- 
firmed fifteen,  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

Sunday  September  12.  Preached  at  the  Warm  Springs,  Va. 
September  13.  Travelled  twenty-five  miles  across  the  Alle- 
gheny mountains  to  Huntersville,  Pocahontas  county,  where 
I  expected  to  have  services  the  next  day;  but  found  my  ap- 
pointment had  been  changed,  to  a  point  fifteen  miles  more 
distant,  and  that  there  were  no  candidates  for  confirmation, 
September  14.  Was  spent  in  Huntersville  with  Rev.  Mr. 
Withers,  visiting  and  conversing  with  the  people,  while  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Mason  went  on  and  preached.  September  18.  At 
night  preached  in  Union.  September  19.  In  the  morning 
preached  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Union,  and  at  night 
in  the  room  used  as  an  Episcopal  church,  confirmed  two. 

May  20  and  21,  (1870).  In  Christ  Church,  Fairmont,  preach- 
ed and  confirmed  two.  Sunday,  May  22.  Services  were  held 
morning  and  night  in  the  Methodist  Church,  which  our 
brethren  kindly  insisted  we  should  occupy;  our  own  building 
being  too  small  to  hold  the  congregation.  May  23.  In  St. 
John's,  Wheeling,  but  recently  taken  charge  of  by  Rev.  M. 
M.  Benton,  Jr.,  preached  and  confirmed  five.  May  24.  Preach- 
ed in  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling,  and  confirmed  twenty-five." 

Trinity  Church,  Cabell  Parish,  Cabell  county,  was  admit- 
ted into  union  with  the  Council. 

Appropriated  by  Diocesan  Missionary  Society,  $300.  Con- 
tributions to  the  /same  $460.  Parochial  reports  from  nine- 
teen Churches  show  1,164  communicants;  251  confirmations, 
1,322  in  the  Sunday  schools.    $18,010  total  contributions. 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  reports:  Lewisburg  has  been  visited 
one  Tuesday  in  the  month.  In  Pocahontas  county,  regular 
monthly  services  have  been  held,  with  much  encouragement. 

Rev.  James  Grammer  took  charge  of  Grace,  Middleway, 
October  15,  1869. 


in  West  Virginia.  231 

The  Eev.  Jos.  A.  Nock  resigned  St.  John's,  Charleston, 
November  30,  1869. 

Report  of  Alex.  T.  Laidley,  Secretary  of  Vestry  and  Junior 
Warden,  St.  John's,  Charleston:  "We  add  nine  communicants 
this  year.  Two  of  them  confirmed  in  June.  There  is  likely 
to  be  a  rapid  increase  of  the  population  of  Charleston  and 
I  lie  Kanawha  valley,  and  of  the  accessions,  it  is  fair  to  as- 
sume that  our  Church  will  get  its  share.  It  is  therefore  of 
the  utmost  importance  to  us  that  the  Church  should  no  longer 
1m-  vacant.  Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway  will  take  charge  in  June. 
There  is  an  increasing  demand  for  missionary  labor  in  this 
part  of  the  Diocese.  AVe  have  assurances  that  if  there  could 
be  found  one  active,  energetic  minister,  without  a  family, 
who  would  be  willing  to  undergo  some  of  the  hardships  and 
privations  incident  to  this  mountain  country,  he  could  be 
almost  supported  by  voluntary  contributions. 

A  report  was  made  to  the  Council  in  1868,  which  embraced 
this  subject  to  a  much  larger  extent,  and  if  that  report  had 
been  published,  the  clergy  of  the  Diocese,  and  others  inter- 
ested in  the  subject  of  missionary  labors,  would  see  how  im- 
portant it  is,  that  some  definite  action  should  be  taken  in 
reference  to  this  branch  of  Church  work." 

Report  of  Rev.  Jos.  A.  Nock,  Coalsmouth.  The  present 
Rector  took  charge  of  this  cure  in  February  last,  and  hence 
has  but  a  meagre  report  to  make.  He  found  but  a  small 
remnant  of  this  once  flourishing  Parish,  but  these  faithful 
tew,  have  given  him  their  hearty  support,  furthering  his 
plans,  aiding  him  in  such  way,  as  to  make  his  work  pleasant 
and  profitable  to  the  Church.  The  number  attending  the 
services  has  increased  from  week  to  week,  until  now  a  very 
large  congregation,  the  greater  portion  males,  assembles 
each  Lord's  Day  to  unite  in  prayer  and  praise,  and  to  hear 
the  Word  of  Life.  The  ravish  has  been  without  a  Rector 
for  two  years,  although  the  Church  has  been  kept  open,  and 
services  read  nearly  every  Sunday  by  a  lay  reader.  Every- 
thing looks  encouraging.  Services  have  been  held  once  a 
month  at  Barboursvill<\  since  January  last. 


232  The  Episcopal  Church 

Rev.  Henry  T.  Sharp  reports  that  he  took  charge  of  St. 
Paul's,  Weston,  August  10,  I860,  the  confirmation  class  (sev- 
en) was  presented  by  his  predecessor,  Rev.  J.  F.  Curtis. 

The  Rev.  Horace  E.  Hayden  reports:  "I  have  during  the 
past  year  devoted  nearly  eighteen  weeks  to  missionary 
work  in  the  Kanawha  valley  and  parts  adjacent,  preaching 
once  a  month  for  a  part  of  the  time  at  Buffalo,  and  Winfield, 
and  also  at  Coalsmouth  and  Barboursville.  At  Buffalo  I 
established  a  Sunday  school  of  about  fifty  scholars,  but  hav- 
ing no  male  communicant  to  take  charge  of  it,  and  very  much 
opposition  to  contend  with,  it  was  discontinued  in  the  fall. 
I  took  charge  of  St.  Mark's,  Coalsmouth,  in  June,  last,  until 
the  vestry  could  secure  a  permanent  Rector,  and  relinquish- 
ed it  in  January,  when  Rev.  Jos.  A.  Nock  accepted  a  call.  I 
preached  there  and  administered  the  Communion,  during  the 
fourth  week  of  each  month,  baptized  four  children,  and  pre- 
sented three  persons  for  confirmation  at  the  June  visitation 
of  the  Bishop.  In  August,  I  preached  at  Barboursville,  or- 
ganized a  new  Parish,  and  secured  the  appointment  of  a 
lay  Reader,  and  the  election  of  a  vestry.  This  Parish  has 
since  been  under  the  charge  of  the  Rev.  Jos.  A.  Nock.  Since 
January,  I  have  ministered  monthly  at  Catlettsburg,  Ky.,  re- 
organizing the  Parish,  and  have  been  blessed  so  far,  with 
excellent  success  in  the  work,  a  class  of  six  having  been  con- 
firmed there  in  April  last.  And  at  present  I  am  unfortunate- 
ly, the  only  Protestant  Episcopal  minister,  on  the  South  side 
of  the  Ohio,  from  Parkersburg  to  Newport,  Ky.  May  the 
Lord  speedily  send  laborers  into  the  needy  field. 

Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins  reports,  that  he  holds  services  at  Sis- 
tersville  twice  a  month.  Bishop  Johns  confirmed  four  in 
October,  1861).  Three  candidates  are  awaiting  confirmation. 
Number  of  communicants  12;  no  organization. 

Rev.  Jas.  H.  McMechen  reports  that  as  heretofore  he  has 
devoted  himself  to  educational  work,  and  with  encouraging 
results;  meantime  preaching  occasionally  and  taking  part 
in  services  as  opportunity  offered. 


in  West  Virginia.  233 

Council  of  187  I.     Grace  Church,  Petersburg,  Va. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding.  New  names  on  the  West  Virginia 
list:  Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway,  Charleston;  Key.  Andrew  Fisher, 
Weston;  Rev.  J.  A.  Latane,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling;  Rev. 
H.  Suter,  Wickliffe;  Rev.  Thos.  O.  Tongue  (missionary  i  Wheel- 
ing. 

Present  from  West  Virginia:  10  clergy  and  4  laymen. 

Bishop  Johns  in  his  address  says:  "During  the  session  of 
the  last  Council  (Wheeling,  1870),  I  addressed  the  congrega- 
tion in  St.  Matthew's  on  Ascension  Day,  and  after  the  Coun- 
cil had  adjourned,  I  addressed  a  congregation  on  Sunday 
morning  in  St.  Matthew's,  and  in  the  afternoon  another  in 
&t.  John's  Church,  on  the  subject  of  missions.  November 
16.  In  Wickliffe  Church,  I  preached  and  confirmed  four.  No- 
vember 17.  In  Zion  Church,  Charlestown,  I  preached  and 
confirmed  seventeen.  November  IS.  In  Grace  Church,  Mid- 
dleway,  I  preached  and  confirmed  two.  November  1!».  I 
preached  in  St.  Bartholomew's,  Leetown.  November  -0.  I 
preached  in  Christ  Church,  Bunker  Hill.  The  same  morning 
in  Trinity,  Shepherdstown,  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Avirett,  I  addressed  the  congregation.  November  21.  In  the 
same  Church,  I  preached  and  confirmed  six.  November  22. 
In  Trinity,  Martinsburg,  I  preached  and  confirmed  six.  No- 
vember 23.  In  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Hedgesville,  I  preached  and 
confirmed  eleven." 

Bishop  Whittle  in  his  address  says:  "During  the  Council 
in  Wheeling  (1870)  I  made  missionary  addresses  in  both  the 
Churches,  and  Sunday  night,  May  29,  I  preached  the  closing 
sermon  in  St.  Matthew's  Church.  May  30.  I  preached  in  St. 
John's  Church,  Brooke  county,  and  in  Christ  Church,  Wells- 
burg,  aud  confirmed  two. 

May  31.  Preached  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  Sistersville. 
June  1.  In  the  same  Church,  I  preached  and  confirmed  three. 
June  3.  In  St.  John's,  Pleasants  county,  preached  and  con- 
firmed one.  June  5.  Trinity,  Parkersburg,  preached  morning 
and  night  and  confirmed  one.    November  10.  Preached  in  the 


234  The  Episcopal  Church 

Methodist  Church,  Morgantown.  November  11.  Preached  in 
the  same  Church  in  the  morning,  and  confirmed  three,  and 
after  a  ride  of  nineteen  miles,  preached  at  night  in  Christ 
Church,  Fairmont.  November  13.  Preached  morning  and 
night  in  Christ  Church,  Clarksburg.  November  14.  Preached 
at  night  in  St.  Paul's,  Weston.  November  15.  In  the  same 
Church  made  an  address  and  confirmed  three.  November 
16.  Preached  in  Grace  Church,  Ravenswood,  and  after  ser- 
vice, baptized  an  adult.  November  17.  In  the  same  Church, 
baptized  a  child,  made  an  address  to  the  congregation  and 
confirmed  six.  I  had  taken  a  severe  cold  in  travelling  from 
Clarksburg  to  Weston,  and  after  struggling  against  it  for 
several  days,  was  so  unwell  at  this  point,  that  I  was  obliged 
to  recall  my  remaining  appointments  and  return  home. 

May  3.  In  Christ  Church,  Fairmont,  preached  and  confirmed 
four.  May  4th.  Trinity,  Moundsville,  after  sermon,  confirmed 
three.  May  5.  Preached  in  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling,  and 
confirmed  thirty-one.  May  6.  Preached  in  Christ  Church, 
Wellsburg.  May  7.  In  St.  John's,- Brooke  county,  in  the 
morning,  preached  and  confirmed  one,  and  at  night  preached 
and  confirmed  six  in  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg. 

May  9.  In  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling,  ordained  Rev.  Thomas 
O.  Tongue,  Presbyter,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods, 
and  J.  Cowpland.  Sermon  by  myself.  Mr.  Tongue 
went  to  Wheeling  in  November  as  city  missionary,  but  since 
Christmas  had  been  acceptably  and  successfully  supplying 
St.  Matthew's,  which  was  without  a  Rector.  May  10.  Preach- 
ed in  St.  John's,  Pleasants  county.  May  11.  In  the  morning 
preached  in  Emmanuel  Church,  Volcano,  and  in  the  after- 
noon, after  sermon  by  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  addressed 
Jind  confirmed  five.  This  church  is  about  twenty -five  miles 
from  Parkersburg,  surrounded  by  oil  wells,  and  in  the  midst 
of  a  population  of  several  hundred  souls.  Four  months  be- 
fore, the  building  had  not  been  commenced;  it  was  now  fin- 
ished; a  beautiful  edifice,  with  seats  for  1G0  persons,  and 
having  cost  from  .$3,000  to  $3,500. 

Messrs.  Hyland  and  Tompkins  supply  them  with  services, 


in  West  Virginia.  235 

as  far  as  they  can,  but  the  people  seem  resolved  to  have  a 
pastor  of  their  own.  May  12.  In  Trinity,  Parkersburg,  I 
preached  and  confirmed  two.  May  13.  Read  prayers  and 
preached  in  Grace  Church,  Ravenswood.  May  14.  Rode  twelve 
miles  to  Ripley,  where  I  read  Morning  Prayer  and  baptized 
one  adult  and  four  children,  preached  aud  confirmed  four, 
and  returning  to  Ravenswood,  read  Evening  Prayer,  bap- 
tized an  adult,  and  preached.  The  people  in  these  two  places 
are  very  anxious  to  procure  the  services  of  a  minister,  and 
pledge  themselves  to  contribute  $400  towards  his  support. 

May  16.  Preached  morning  and  night  in  Point  Pleasant  and 
confirmed  five.  May  18.  Preached  in  the  Court  House  at  Bar- 
boursville.  May  19  and  20.  Preached  in  St.  Mark's,  Coals- 
mouth  and  confirmed  one.  Here  and  at  Huntington  the  ter- 
minus of  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Railroad,  are  good  and 
constantly  enlarging  fields  of  labor  for  an  earnest,  Godly 
man,  Oh!  that  Christians,  everywhere,  would  unceasingly 
pray  the  Lord  of  the  Harvest  to  send  forth  laborers  into  His 
harvest. 

May  21.  In  St.  John's  Church,  Charleston,  in  the  morning, 
at  the  request  of  the  Rector,  baptized  six  children,  preached 
and  confirmed  five;  and  at  night  baptized  an  adult,  preached 
and   continued  one." 

All  Saints'  Parish,  Monroe  county,  was  received  into  union 
with  the  Council,  the  metes  and  bounds  to  be  the  same  as 
those  of  the  county. 

Seventeen  Churches  report  943  communicants;  108  con- 
firmed and  |21,362  contributed. 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  reports  services  held  with  considerable 
regularity  in  Pocahontas  county,  with  some  encouragement, 
not  only  from  the  few  members  of  the  Church,  so  warm  in 
their  attachment,  but  from  others  also. 

Rev.  Mr.  Haj'den  reports:  Our  Church  building  at  Point 
Pleasant,  is  not  yet  ready  for  use,  but  we  hope  to  enter  it 
this  summer. 

Rev.  W.  H.  Hyland  reports  that  four  of  the  children  bap- 
tized in  his  Parish,  were  baptized  by  Mr.  Tompkins  a1  Volca- 


236  The  Episcopal  Church 

no,  and  five  of  the  persons  confirmed  were  presented  by  him 
at  the  same  place.  I  de.sire  here  to  record  my  high  apprecia- 
tion of  the  services  rendered  by  this  Brother,  at  this  and 
other  points  within  my  Parish,  during  the  past  year,  and  to 
express  the  hope  that  the  people  whom  he  has  served  with 
great  acceptance  may  continue  to  enjoy  the  benefit  of  his 
ministrations." 

The  good  people  of  Volcano  have,  with  commendable  zeal, 
erected  within  the  past  few  months  a  handsome  and  commo- 
dious house  of  worship,  at  a  cost  of  $3,500,  which  amount  is 
included  in  my  report,  (the  whole  being  $3,934).  The  Church 
is  nearly  finished,  and  was  used  for  Divine  service  for  the 
first  time,  on  the  occasion  of  Bishop  Whittle's  late  visita- 
tion to  the  Western  section  of  the  Diocese.  Application  will 
be  made  by  this  congregation,  at  the  approaching  Council, 
to  be  set  apart  as  a  separate  Parish,  and  I  commend  the 
same   to   their   favorable   consideration. 

Report  of  Rev.  J.  H.  McMechen:  "About  the  first  of  Sep- 
tember, 1870,  I  accepted  a  professorship  in  the  West  Vir- 
ginia University,  but  owing  to  failing  health,  did  not  retain 
it  longer  than  the  end  of  the  fall  term,  December  1,  following. 
I  found  at  Morgantown  but  one  decidedly  Episcopal  family. 
Bishop  Whittle  confirmed  three  persons  at  his  visitation  last 
fall,  two  of  whom  were  students.  I  found  at  the  University 
some  twelve  or  fifteen  students,  from  different  parts  of  the 
State,  whose  families  were  more  or  less  inclined  to  the  Epis- 
copal Church.  I  think  that  Morgantown  should  receive  at 
least,  a  monthly  missionary  visit,  and  am  pleased  to  learn, 
that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Woods  proposes  to  give  to  that  point  one 
fourth  of  his  time. 

On  my  return  to  Wheeling  I  entered  into  an  arrangement 
with  the  vestry  of  St.  John's  Parish,  to  supply  their  pulpit 
for  an  indefinite  length  of  time.  My  services  in  that  capaci- 
ty lasted  from  January  first,  to  the  first  of  May  following, 
As  I  was  not  charged  with  the  pastoral  duties  of  the  Parish, 
it  does  not  devolve  on  me  to  report  as  to  its  condition,  but 
I  presume  the  Secretary  of  the  Vestry  will  do  so. 


in  West  Virginia.  237 

1  am  now  engaged,  again,  in  Educational  work,  having  as- 
sumed the  charge  of  the  Lindsley  Institute,  a  classical  school 
of  this  city.  It  seems  that  providence  will  hold  me  to  this 
kind  of  work,  however  much  I  may  have  desired,  to  devote 
myself  entirely  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  God's  will,  not 
mine,  be  done." 

Report  of  Rev.  Thomas  O.  Tongue:  "I  took  charge  of  the 
mission  work  of  this  Parish  about  the  first  of  last  December. 
Owing  to  the  resignation  of  the  Rev.  C.  G.  Currie,  I  have  been 
in  temporary  charge  of  St.  Matthew's  since  January  1st.,  but 
expect  to  resume  missionary  duty,  as  soon  as  the  services  of 
a  Rector  are  obtained."' 

Nineteen  Churches  report  |7GG,  contributed  to  the  Con- 
tingent Fund.  Three  Churches  gave  $21,  to  the  Widows'  and 
Orphans'  Fund.  Three  Churches  gave  $60,  to  the  Disabled 
Clergy  Fund.  The  total  contributions  to  Diocesan  Missions 
was  $591.    Amount  appropriated  in  West  Virginia  $920. 

Council  of  1872.     Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  Va. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding.  New  names  on  clergy  list  of  West 
Virginia:  Rev.  Geo.  S.  May,  Hedgesville;  Rev.  C.  B.  Mee, 
Coalsmouth;  Rev.  W.  L.  Braddock,  Union;  Rev.  Jno.  W.  Lea, 
Ripon.    Present  12  (out  of  19)  clergy  and  4  laymen. 

Bishop  Whittle  in  his  address  says:  "August  17.  In  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  Pocahontas  C.  H.,  preached  and  con- 
firmed one,  and  after  a  ride  of  48  miles  preached  the  next 
night  in  Lewisburg.  August  20.  Preached  morning  and  night 
in  All  Saints',  Union,  and  confirmed  five. 

April  30.  Preached  and  confirmed  twelve  in  Zion.  Charles- 
town.  May  1.  Preached  in  Grace,  Middleway;  the  next  day  in 
Christ  Church,  Bunker  Hill,  and  confirmed  three;  and  ihe  day 
following  in  St.  Bartholomew's,  Leetown.  May  4.  In  Trin- 
ity, Shepherdstown,  preached  and  confirmed  three.  A  new- 
Sunday  school  and  Lecture  Room  had  recently  been  erected 
here,  of  lime  stone  and  black  walnut,  to  correspond  with  the 
Church,  and  now  the  buildings  el'  this  Parish  are  surpassed 


238  The  Episcopal  Church 

by  none  in  the  Diocese,  for  durability,  elegance  ana  conven- 
ience. May  5.  Preached  morning  and  night  in  Trinity,  Mar- 
tinsburg,  and  confirmed  six.  May  G.  Preached  and  confirmed 
three  in  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Hedgesville." 

Emmanuel  Parish  was  set  apart,  comprising  Walker  Town- 
ship, Wood  county,  and  Ritchie  county. 

Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  of  Committee  to  revise  the  Parish  List, 
reported  as  in  West  Virginia: 

Berkeley  county — Norborne  Parish,  Trinity,  Martinsburg. 

Berkeley  county — Norborne  Parish,  Mt.  Zion,  Hedgesville. 

Berkeley  county — Norborne  Parish,  Christ  Church,  Bun- 
ker Hill. 

Brooke  county — St.  John's  Parish,  St.  John's  Church. 

Brooke  county — Christ  Church  Parish,  Christ  Church, 
Wellsburs'. 

Cabell  county — Cabell  Parish. 

Harrison  county — Bethel  Parish,  Christ  Church,  Clarks- 
burg. 

Jackson  county — Ravenswood  Parish,  Grace,  Ravenswood. 

Jefferson  county — St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Zion,  Charlestown. 

Jefferson  county — St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Trinity,  Shepherds- 
town. 

Jefferson  county — St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Grace,  Middleway. 

Jefferson  county — St.  Andrew's  Parish,  St.  Bartholomew's, 
Leetown. 

Jefferson  county — Wickliffe  Parish,  Wickliffe  Church. 

Kanawha  county — Kanawha  Parish,  St.  John's,  Charleston. 

Kanawha  county — Bangor  Parish,  St.  Mark's,  Coals- 
mouth. 

Lewis  county — St.  Paul's  Parish,  St.  Paul's,  Weston. 

Marion  county — Christ  Church  Parish,  Christ  Church, 
Fairmont. 

Mason  county — Pt.  Pleasant  Parish,  Christ  Church,  Point 
Pleasant. 

Mason  county — Pt.  Pleasant  Parish,  Bruce  Chapel. 

Monroe  county — Monroe  Parish,  All  Saints',  Union. 

Marshall   county — Trinity  Parish,   Trinity,   Moundsville. 


ix  West  Virginia.  239 

Ohio  county — St.  Matthew's  Parish,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheel- 
ing. 

Ohio  county — St.  John's  Parish,  St.  John's,  Wheeling. 

Pleasants  county — St.  John's  Parish,  St.  John's,  Willow 
Island. 

Wrood  county — Trinity  Parish,  Trinity,  Parkersburg. 

Wood  county — Emmanuel  Parish,  Emmanuel,  Volcano. 

Rev.  Mr.  Hayden  reports:  "During  the  past  year  I  have 
held  divine  service  frequently  at  Gallipolis,  Ohio,  a  vacant 
Parish,  and  since  January  last,  I  have  held  services  at  Bruce 
Chapel,  Mercer's  Bottom,  and  also  at  West  Columbia.  At 
these  two  places,  I  will  hereafter  officiate  regularly." 

Rev.  J.  H.  McMechen  reports  that  during  the  early  part 
of  the  past  year  he  was  doing  missionary  work  in  East  Wheel- 
ing and  on  Wheeling  Island. 

Council  of  1873.     Christ  Church,  Winchester. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding.  Out  of  twenty-one  clergy  in  West 
Virginia,  fourteen  present.    Also  five  lay  delegates. 

New  names  among  the  clergy:  Rev.  David  Barr,  Coals- 
nioutli;  Rev.  W.  L.  Braddock,  Union;  Rev.  Edward  V.  Jones, 
Huntington. 

Bishop  Johns  in  his  address  says:  "After  the  adjournment 
of  the  last  Council,  my  first  visitation  was  in  the  Western 
part  of  the  Diocese.  May  30.  I  took  the  5  p.  m.,  cars  at  Bal- 
timore, and  the  next  morning  reached  Fairmont,  where  the 
same  night  ]  preached  in  Christ  Church.  June  2.  In  the 
morning  I  preached  in  St.  John's,  Wheeling,  and  confirmed 
fourteen.  At  night  I  preached  in  St.  Matthew's  and  cofirni- 
ed  twelve.  June  3.  I  preached  in  St.  John's,  Brooke  county, 
and  confirmed  four.  At  night  I  preached  in  Christ  Church, 
Wellsburg,  and  confirmed  two. 

June  5.  I  preached  in  Trinity,  Moundsville.  This  Church 
vacant  since  the  resignation  of  Rev.  Mr.  Woods,  has  recently 
been  favored  with  service,  by  the  Rev.  Thos.  O.  Tongue.  June 
7.  I  consecrated  Emmanuel  Church,  Volcano,  preached  and 
confirmed  eight,     The  site  of  Volcano  is  in  a     deep     valley 


210  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

abounding  in  petroleum.  The  village  seems  to  have  sprung 
up  in  a  day,  in  the  midst  of  bush  and  thicket,  which  the  set- 
tlers have  not  yet  found  time  to  remove.  Happily  they  have 
found  time  both  to  finish  and  furnish  this  very  neat  build- 
ing, all  completed,  without  begging  abroad,  and  have  secured 
and  comfortably  provided  for  a  minister,  without  any  aid 
from  the  Missionary  Society;  all  very  creditable  to  the  good 
people  themselves,  and  worthy  of  being  reported  as  an  ex- 
ample to  others. 

June  9.  In  Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg,  I  preached  in  the 
morning,  and  at  night,  after  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mee, 
I  confirmed  six. 

June  10.  I  preached  in  Grace  Church,  Ravenswood.  I  am 
happy  to  say.  that  since  my  visit  the  Rev.  C.  R.  Page,  of  the 
last  graduating  class  of  our  Seminary,  has  commenced  mis- 
sionary services  in  Jackson  county,  and  is  officiating  at  Ra- 
venswood and  Ripley,  with  very  encouraging  prospects. 

June  11.  With  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  who  accompanied  me 
on  my  visitation,  and  rendered  me  acceptable  assistance, 
I  proceeded  to  Point  Pleasant,  where  I  preached  the  next 
morning,  and  at  night,  after  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland, 
confirmed  four. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hayden,  who  has  for  several  years  been  offi- 
ciating very  usefully  at  Pt.  Pleasant,  and  places  in  the  vicin- 
ity, has  felt  it  his  duty  to  accept  a  call  from  another  Diocese. 
A  successor  has  not  yet  been  obtained.  June  13.  I  proceeded 
to  Coalsmouth,  now  called  St.  Albans,  and  confirmed  two. 
St.  Mark's,  at  this  place,  is  again  vacant,  and  to  an  earnest 
and  energetic  minister,  offers  a  good  prospect  of  usefulness. 
June  14.  Went  by  rail  to  Huntington,  the  new  town,  which 
has  arisen  so  rapidly  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio,  and  with  ad- 
vantages which  justify  the  hope,  of  continued  growth  and  of 
increasing  prosperity.  At  night,  in  a  large  hall,  after  ser- 
vice by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  1  addressed  the  Congregation, 
and  the  next  morning  in  the  chapel  of  Marshall  College,  I 
preached  and  confirmed  four.  We  have  as  yet  no  Church 
edifice  in  Huntington,  but  the  Parish  is  regularly  organized, 


REV.  HENRY  T.  SHARP,  1870. 


REV.  JAMES  A.  LATANE,  1871, 


REV.    EDWARD    VALENTINE   JONES,    1873. 


REV.    WILLIAM    L.    BRADDOCK    1873. 


in  West  Virginia.  211 

thirty  communicants,  and,  with  a  vestry  of  zealous  and  en- 
terprising members.  All  I  saw  and  heard  impressed  me  so 
favorably,  that  in  response  to  their  earnest  request,  I  prom- 
ised to  send  them  a  minister  as  early  as  practicable.  This 
promise  I  have  performed.  The  Rev.  E.  V.  Jones,  of  the  last 
graduated  class  of  the  Seminary,  commenced  his  services 
there  in  September.  He  officiates  one  Sunday  in  the  month 
at  Barboursville.  In  his  report  to  me  dated  November  6, 
1872,  after  alluding  to  the  happy  influence  of  a  visit  from 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Minnigerode,  and  the  Rev.  J.  S.  Lindsay,  he 
writes,  "Mr.  Lowe,  President  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce, 
New  York,  was  much  interested  in  our  services,  and  the 
progress  we  had  been  enabled  to  make,  and  the  Lord  put  in 
into  his  heart  to  secure  for  the  prospective  Church  edifice, 
two  of  the  most  desirable  lots  in  the  city,  and  to  encourage 
us  with  the  hope  of  still  further  assistance.'  From  Hunting- 
ton, I  returned  to  St.  Albans,  and  the  same  evening  reached 
Charleston,  Kanawha.  June  16.  I  preached  in  St.  John's 
Church,  Charleston,  and  at  night  after  sermon  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Hyland,  I  confirmed  eight.  The  next  day  and  night  were 
passed  on  the  steamboat,  making  our  way  to  Parkersbuig. 
which  I  reached  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  and  left  the 
same  evening,  for  Clarksburg.  June  19.  I  preached  in  Christ 
Church,  Clarksburg,  and  confirmed  eight.  My  engagements 
at  the  Seminary  required  me  to  hasten  home,  and  so  deprived 
me  of  ( lie  pleasure  of  visiting  the  Church  at  Weston." 

Statistics  of  the  whole  Diocese  of  Virginia:  Baptisms, 
1.429;  confirmations  911;  communicants  11,570.  In  Sunday 
schools,  9,G97.     Total  contributions  $146,581.30. 

The  Churches  in  West  Virginia  reported  1,012  communi- 
cants. 1200  in  Sunday  schools,  and  $15,508  contributed.  Con- 
tributions by  the  Wes1  Virginia  Churches;  to  Widows'  and 
Orphans'  Fund,  $40.24;  Disabled  Clergy,  $103.84;  Diocesan 
Missions.  $615.71;  Education  Society,  $394.23;  Bishop's  and 
Contingent    Fund,  $604.40. 

Appropriations  from  Diocesan  Missions  for  work  in  West 
Virginia,  $994.50. 


242  The  Episcopal  Ciiukch 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  reports:  "I  have  been  officiating  in  Hunt- 
ers ville,  and  on  Knapp  Creek,  once  in  four  weeks  with  much 
to  encourage  me.  Communicants  8.  Three  are  candidates  for 
confirmation.  Since  the  last  Council,  Union,  Monroe  county, 
has  been  placed  within  the  charge  of  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Brad- 
dock/" 

Rev.  Edw.  Valentine  Jones  reports  of  Huntington:  The 
first  parochial  report  of  this  new  Parish  dates  from  last  Sep- 
tember; when  I  took  charge. 

The  Rev.  Horace  E.  Hayden,  of  Point  Pleasant,  reports: 
''This  report  extends  to  April  1,  1873,  at  which  time  I  resign- 
ed the  charge  of  this  Parish  to  take  charge  of  St.  John's, 
West  Brownsville,  Pa.  In  the  Foreign  Missionary  contribu- 
tions, is  included  the  support  of  a  Chinese  boy,  at  the  mis- 
sionary school,  Wuchang. 

During  the  past  Diocesan  year,  I  have  done  missionary 
work  only  within  the  limits  of  the  Parish,  Mason  county,  at 
five  missionary  points.  I  have  held  service  and  preached  at 
Mason  City,  Clifton,  and  West  Columbia,  places  of  an  aggre- 
gate population  of  near  4,000.  Every  fourth  Sunday  in  each 
month,  morning,  noon  and  night,  until  April  l.st.  Every 
fifth  Sunday  at  Bruce  Chapel,  and  occasionally  at 
Buffalo,  on  the  county  line.  There  are  three  other 
missionary  points  in  the  Parish,  which  for  want  of 
time  and  strength,  I  have  not  visited  for  services.  At 
these  missionary  stations  the  congregations  are  large  and 
responses  full.  I  always  take  with  me  a  number  of  Prayer 
Books,  and  page  out  the  service;  I  find  the  church  is  winning 
its  way  to  the  hearts  of  the  people  in  this  section,  and  in  the 
upper  part  of  the  Parish,  there  is  much  promise  of  a  good 
Church  being  organized  at  an  early  date.  I  have  baptized 
five  children  at  West  Columbia,  and  our  communicants  in 
the  three  towns,  West  Columbia,  Clifton,  and  Mason  City, 
number  sixteen.  I  earnestly  pray  that  the  Lord  of  the  Har- 
vest will  speedily  send  another  laborer  into  this  field  now 
vacant.  The  Church  building  at  Point  Pleasant  it  is  hoped 
will  be  ready  for  use  by  May  1. 


in  West  Virginia.  243 

I  would  add,  that  in  the  three  towns  above  mentioned,  I 
have  received  no  salary  from  the  people,  but  I  have  secured 
the  pledge  of  $100  for  the  coming  year,  with  assurances  of 
nearer  $250,  if  the  next  missionary  will  divide  his  time  be- 
tween these  three  places  and  Ft.  Pleasant.' 

Rev.  Samuel  D.  Tompkins  reports  of  Volcano:  "I  had  held 
service  in  this  place  several  years  before,  when  1  was  engaged 
in  missionary  work.  My  first  visit  to  the  place  was  in  Novem- 
ber, 1860.  I  preached  in  an  old  school  house,  and  found  five 
communicants.  Here  I  held  service  occasionally  for  two 
years,  until  the  Church  was  built,  which  was  in  the  early 
part  of  1871.  There  is  no  debt  hanging  over  it.  I  continued 
to  visit  the  place  and  hold  service  until  the  24th  of  April, 
1872.  when,  at  the  request  of  friends  of  the  Church,  I  took  up 
my  residence  in  Volcano.'' 

Council  of  1874.     Christ  Church,  Charlottesville,  Va. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding. 

West  Virginia  clergy  present:  15  (out  of  18);  also  10  laymen.. 

New  names:  Eev.  Jonas  B.  Clark;  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy;  Rev. 
C.  R.  Page. 

Bishop  Johns,  in  his  address,  says:  "May  27.  In  Zion 
Church,  Charlestown,  I  preached  and  confirmed  thirty-five. 
May  28.  I  preached  in  Grace  Church,  Middleway.  May  29. 
I  preached  in  St.  Bartholomew's,  Leetown,  and  confirmed  two. 
At  night,  in  Trinity,  Shepherdstown,  after  service  by  the 
Rector,  I  addressed  the  congregation.  May  30.  In  the  same 
Church,  I  preached  and  confirmed  thirteen.  May  31.  In  Trin- 
ity, Martinsburg,  I  preached  and  confirmed  six.  June  1.  In 
Mt.  Zion,  Hedgesville,  I  preached  and  confirmed  six.  Among 
the  parochial  clergy  but  one  has  been  removed  by  death,  the 
Rev.  Andrew  Fisher,  late  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Wes- 
ton. His  unobtrusive,  but  earnest  piety,  endeared  him  to  his 
brethren,  and  secured  for  him  the  respeel  and  affection  of 
the  several  congregations  which  had  enjoyed  his  faithful 
services." 


244  The  Episcopal  Church 

Bishop  Whittle  reports  services  and  confirmations  as  fol- 
lows: 'July  25.  Presbyterian  Church,  Pocahontas  C.  H.,  con- 
firmed two.  July  29.  All  Saints',  Union;  confirmed  one.  July 
30.  All  Saints'.  October  14.  St.  Paul's,  Weston.  October 
15.  St.  Paul's,  Weston;  confirmed  rive.  Christ  Church, 
Clarksburg.  October  1G.  Christ  Church,  Clarksburg:  Christ 
Church,  Fairmont.  October  17.  In  Trinity,  Moundsville, 
which  has  long  been  without  a  Rector.  October  19.  St. 
John's,  Brooke  county;  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg;  confirmed 
three.  Rev.  Mr.  Cowpland,  the  Rector,  having  been  sick, 
for  several  weeks  was  unable  to  make  any  preparations  for 
my  visit,  or  to  assist  me  in  the  services.  October  20.  St. 
Matthew's,  Wheeling;  confirmed  nine.  October  21.  St. 
John's,  Wheeling;  confirmed  four.  October  23:  St.  John's. 
Pleasants  county.  I  was  unable  to  meet  an  appointment  in 
Williamstown. 

October  24.  Trinity,  Parkersburg.  October  25.  Emmanuel, 
Volcano.  October  26.  Emmanuel,  Volcano;  confirmed  sev- 
en. October  27.  Trinity,  Parkersburg;  confirmed  five.  Octo- 
ber 28.  Grace,  Ravenswood;  confirmed  four.  October  29.  In 
the  Court  House,  Ripley;  confirmed  five.  October  30.  Christ 
Church,  Point  Pleasant.  October  31.  Bruce  Chapel;  con- 
firmed one.  Christ  Church,  Pt.  Pleasant;  confirmed  one.  No- 
vember 2.  Preached  morning  and  night  in  Trinity,  Hunting- 
ton, and  on  each  occasion  confirmed  two.  November  4.  St. 
Mark's,  St.  Albans;  confirmed  two.  November  5.  St.  John's, 
Charleston.  Preached  morning  and  night;  confirmed  eigh- 
teen (one  being  colored.) 

November  6.  Returned  to  Huntington,  where  two  days 
were  spent,  in  examining  a  candidate  for  Priest's  orders. 

November  9.  In  St.  John's.  Charleston,  ordained  Rev.  C. 
R.  Page,  Presbyter;  Rev.  Messrs.  Callaway,  Latane,  Hyland 
and  Barr,  assisting.  At  night,  after  sermon  by  Mr.  Hyland. 
confirmed  four." 

Rev.  John  W.  Lea  says:  "I  have  preached  at  Ripon  regu- 
larly 1st  and  3rd  Sunday  afternoons  throughout    the  year. 


in  West  Virginia.  245 

also  ai  Kabletown  on  the  2nd  and  4ih,  during  spring  and 
summer. 

A  most  desirable  lot  has  been  given  ns  for  our  prospective 
Church  at  Ripon,  and  if  we  succeed  in  raising  $700  more,  it 
will  enable  us  to  erect  a  neat  stone  Church  at  a  cost  of  $2,500. 
The  success  of  this  enterprise  will  greatly  strengthen  Wick- 
Parish  and  render  it  entirely  self  supporting." 

Rev.  David  Barr  (St.  Albans)  says:  "It  is  my  privilege  to 
report,  that  this  Parish  has  improved  in  several  respects 
since  I  took  charge  of  it,  by  God's  blessing  upon  my  labors, 
which  began  in  June,  1873.  The  congregations  are  nearly  al- 
ways of  very  respectable  numbers  and  often  large.  Evening 
services  have  been  particularly  well  attended.  The  Sunday 
school,  though  small,  is  diligent  and  well  taught;  generally, 
the  majority  of  the  children  belong  to  families  of  working- 
people  in  the  town,  people  who  generally  speaking,  belong 
to  other  denominations  of  Christians.  There  is  also  a  Union 
Sunday  school  in  the  Parish,  several  miles  in  the  country, 
in  which  several  ladies  of  the  Church  are  doing  good  work. 
The  Church  building  is  greatly  in  need  of  repairs,  the  roof 
being  in  a  very  leaky  condition,  and  the  plastering  frequently 
failing,  in  greater  or  less  quantities.  The  vestry  now  have 
strong  hope  however,  of  recovering  a  suffieienl  amount  from 
the  United  States  government,  to  thoroughly  repair  it.  if 
not  to  build  a  new  Church,  if  it  is  thougb.1  best  to  do  so."* 

The  Rev.  Jno.  V.  Woods  (Fairmont)  says:  "There  is  a  good 
parsonage  in  this  Parish  almost  paid  for.  1  give  one  Sun- 
day a  month  to  this  church,  the  besl    1  can  do.'* 

The  Rev.  T.  II.  Lacy  (Pt.  Pleasant)  says:  "Mv  report  dates 
from  October  1,  1873,  when  1  took  charge  of  the  Parish.  I 
found  some  earnest  workers  in  the  congregation,  who  had 
ong  been  engaged  in  the  effort  of  establishing  the  Chinch 
here,  and  they  through  the  agency  of  their  indefatigable 
Rector,  my  predecessor,  who  labored  here  for  several  years, 
had  succeeded  in  building  up  a  congregation,  in  the  face  of 
many  difficulties,  and  largely  through  their  own  means,  with 
help  from  without,  they  had  almost   completed  a  large  and 


24G  The  Episcopal  Chtikch 

handsome  Church  building-.  There  are  three  points  above  on 
the  river,  in  connection  with  the  place,  as  missionary  sta- 
tions, which  I  have  visited  regularly  on  the  3rd  Sunday  in 
the  month,  with  the  apparent  prospect  of  good,  as  the  pop- 
ulation, (chiefly  of  miners)  greatly  need  the  gospel  and  seem 
to  desire  the  services  of  the  Church.  Only  a  few  communi- 
cants are  found  among  them  but  they  are  very  zealous.  The 
service  is,  for  the  most  part,  unfamiliar,  and  has  to  be  'paged 
out,'  yet  the  congregations  are  encouraging.  "Bruce 
Chapel,  below,  has  also  been  visited  on  the  fifth  Sunday. 
Four  communicants  are  in  the  neighborhood,  one  of  whom 
was  reported  above,  among  those  recently  confirmed,  the  re- 
maining three  were  not  reported.  The  congregations  are 
good,  and  the  work  promising." 

St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling:  Communicants  about  200.  The 
Parish  Register  having  been  lost  or  mislaid  this  report  is 
informal  and  defective. 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  reports  of  Pocahontas  county:  "Commu- 
nicants 9.  The  members  of  this  congregation  being  scat- 
tered widely  over  the  county,  there  is  great  difficulty  in  car- 
rying on  a  Sunday  school.  But  family  and  pastoral  instruc- 
tion of  the  young  is  diligently  attend  to." 

Rev.  Samuel  D.  Tompkins  reports:  "In  addition  to  my  par- 
ochial duties,  I  have  preached  several  times  in  Sistersville, 
my  former  home.  The  prosperity  here  seems  to  be  much  bet- 
ter than  formerly.  I  baptized  two  children.  They  talk  of 
building  a  Church.  I  have  visited  St.  John's,  Pleasants 
county,  as  often  as  I  could.  I  have  preached  several  times 
at  Eaton  Station,  Wood  county,  where  we  have  four  wor- 
thy communicants.  Also  at  Cairo,  Ritchie  county,  where  we 
have  some  true  friends,  anxious  to  have  regular  services." 

Grace  Church  (?)  Pocahontas  county,  was  received  into 
union  with  the  Council. 

Council  of  1875.     St.  Paul's  Richmond,  Va. 

Bishop  Johns  presiding.  Present  from  West  Virginia,  8 
(out  of  14)  clergy  and  7  laymen.    Bishop  Johns  reported,  Rev. 


ix  West  Virginia.  247 

P.  Brooke  accepted  and  since  resigned.  St.  Albans.  Rev. 
R.  H.  Mason  accepted  All  Saints'.  Union.  Rev.  J.  G.  Arm- 
strong accepted  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling.  Rev.  A.  A.  Mc- 
Donough  accepted  St.  Paul's,  Weston,  (Sept.,  1S74). 

Also  as  deposed  from  the  ministry  Rev.  -1.  A.  Latane  and 
Rev.  J.  H.  Mc-Mechen,  (they  having  seceded  from  the  church). 

Bishop  Whittle  reported  services  as  follows: 

-July  31.  After  services  by  Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway,  preached 
in  the  Court  House  at  Hinton,  and  continued  5.  Aug.  2.  St. 
John's.  Charleston;  confirmed  eight;  Aug.  22.  Mt .  Zion, 
Hedgesville;  Aug.  23.  In  the  same  church  baptized  a  child 
of  the  Rector,  and  confirmed  four;  ar  night  in  Trinity.  Mar- 
tinsburg;  confirmed  four;  Aug.  24.  Trinity.  Shepherdstown, 
confirmed  one;  Aug.  25.  St.  Bartholomew's,  Leetown;  Aug. 
26.  Christ  Church.  Bunker  Hill;  baptized  a  child;  Aug.  27. 
Grace,  Middleway;  confirmed  one;  Aug.  28.  Zion,  Charles- 
town;  confirmed  ten;  Aug.  29.Wickliffe,  confirmed  three; 
April  7.  St.  John's,  Charleston;  baptized  three  children  and 
confirmed  ten;  the  Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway.  I  was  sorry  to  find, 
had  resigned  the  Rectorship  of  this  Church. 

April  8.  Preached  in  the  morning  in  a  hall  at  St.  Albans, 
and  at  night  in  Huntington,  and  confirmed  one.  The  Church 
building  at  St.  Albans  was  so  much  injured  during  the  war 
that  it  has  become  unsafe,  and  the  people  being  unable  to 
raise  the  means  to  repair,  have  been  compelled  in  abandon  it. 

April  10.  A.  M.,  West  Columbia;  confirmed  five;  P.  M., 
.Mason  City;  confirmed  six.  April  11.  Baptized  a  child  of  the 
Rector  in  chrisi  chinch,  Pt.  Pleasant,  and  confirmed  five. 
In  the  afternoon  preached  in  Bruce  Chapel.  April  25.  A.  M. 
and  P.  M.,  Emmanuel,  Volcano;  confirmed  two.  April  2G. 
St.  Paul's,  Weston;  confirmed  two.  April  27.  Chris!  church, 
Clarksburg;  confirmed  one.  April  28.  Christ  church.  Fair- 
mont; confirmed  three.  April  21).  Trinity.  Moundsville;  con- 
firmed one  April  30.  Christ  Church.  Wellsburg;  confirmed 
three.  May  1.  St.  John's,  Brooke  county;  confirmed  three. 
May  2.  Si.  Matthew's,  Wheeling;  confirmed  thirty-one;  St. 
John's;  confirmed  nine.     May  ::.   Now   Martinsville.     .May  4. 


248  The  Episcopal  Church 

Sistersville.  confirmed  one;  May  5.  St.  John's,  Pleasants 
county;  confirmed  one.  P.  M.,  preached  in  Williamstown. 
May  6.  A.  M.;  Trinity,  Parkersburg;  baptized  a  child  of  the 
Rector;  P.  M.,  in  the  same  church,  preached  and  confirmed 
eight.  May  7.  Grace,  Ravenswood.  May  S.  In  the  Court 
House,  Ripley;  confirmed  five.  May  9.  A.  M.  and  P.  M.,  Grace. 
Ravenswood  and  confirmed  eleven." 

Statistics  of  Diocese  of  West  Virginia:  Baptisms  1,348; 
confirmations  897;  communicants  11,585.  In  Sunday  schools 
10,902.     Total  contribution,  |128,187.07. 

The  Churches  in  West  Virginia  gave:  Education  Society, 
$465;  Disabled  Clergy  #12S;  Widows  and  Orphans,  $53.80.  Di- 
ocesan Missions  $232.  Contingent  Fund  $776.50.  Missionary 
appropriations  to  West  Virginia,  $550. 

Rev.  John  W.  Lea  (Martinsburg)  says:  "I  took  charge  of 
this  parish,  April  1,  1875.  My  report  is  chiefly  a  record  of  the 
official  acts  of  Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson,  who  resigned  in  Novem- 
ber, 1874.  By  connecting  Wickliffe  Church  with  Trinity 
and  Mt.  Zion,  Churches  from  April  to  October  1875.  a.  con- 
siderable sum  is  saved  to  the  Missionary  Societies,  though 
my  own  support  for  the  six  months,  is  thereby  but  slightly 
increased.  After  October,  my  connection  with  WTickliffe  and 
Ripon,  and  possibly  Mt.  Zion  Church,  ceases." 

Trinity,  Shepherdstown,  reports:  Rectorship  made  vacant 
by  the  death  of  Dr.  Andrews,  May  24,  1875. 

Rev.  -lames  Grammer  (Middleway)  reports:  ''The  result  of 
the  envelope  system  which  has  been  in  operation  now  twelve 
months,  is  that  the  pastor's  salary  is  paid  in  full,  but  no  mar- 
gin left  for  outside  charities  and  missions." 

Rev.  Jno.  W.  Lea  reports:  "During  the  past  year,  as  here- 
tofore, I  have  held  services  in  the  school  house  at  Ripon,  on 
the  1st  and  3rd  Sunday  afternoons.  A  church  has  been  con- 
tracted  for,  at  $2,100,  and  is  to  be  completed  by  October,  1875. 
There  are  about  fifteen  communicants  here,  and  5  candidates 
for  confirmation." 

St.  John's,  Kanawha  C.  H.,  reports:  Five  teachers  and 
35  scholars  at  the  Mission  Chapel,  West  Charleston,  under 


i.\  West  Virginia.  240 

the  superintendence  of  E.  L.  Bill.  $1,000  lias  beeu  contribu- 
ted  for  tlie  mission  chapel  in  West  Charleston. 

St.  Mark's,  St.  Albans,  reports:  Church  vacant  since  res- 
ignation of  Rev.  Pendleton  Brooke.  Since  the  latter  part  of 
September  last,  the  Church  has  been  unfit  for  use. 

The  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy  (PL.  Pleasant)  reports:  "There  are  con- 
nected with  this  Parish,  two  Mission  Stations,  Mason  City 
and  West  Columbia,  distant  10  and  12  miles.  There  seems 
a  good  prospect  for  the  Church  in  these  towns.  Most  of  the 
inhabitants  are  miners  and  laboring  people.  There  are  sev- 
eral Episcopalians  among  them,  and  of  the  16  confirmations 
reported  11  took  place  there.  Though  some  know  and  love 
the  service,  for  the  bulk  of  the  congregations  it  must  be 
•paged  out'.  There  are  a  good  many  others,  besides  these 
who  are  connected  with  the  Church  in  Ohio,  but  reside  on 
this  side  of  the  river,  who  I  suppose  would  join  the  Church 
in  their  midst,  if  it  ever  becomes  regularly  established.  At 
Bruce  Chapel,  there  are  three  communicants.  They  live  in 
the  vicinity  of  a  regular  Episcopal  Church,  but  the  neighbor- 
hood is  so  sparsely  settled,  that  it  hardly  seems  to  justify 
frequent  services.     Their  interest  however  seems  abiding. 

At  Point  Pleasant,  we  have  been  struggling  on,  and  en- 
deavoring to  pay  off  the  Church  debt,  and  making  efforts  to 
forward  the  building  to  completion.  This  whole  Parish  is 
strictly  speaking,  a  missionary  jurisdiction,  but  this  is  the 
strongest  place  in  it,  and  through  the  earnest  perseverence 
of  i  he  zealous  workers  here,  may  eventually  become  self-sup- 
porting and  independent." 

Rev.  Jonas  B.  Clark,  St.  John's.  Wheeling  .says:  "Seven 
hundred  dollars  of  our  total  contributions  ($1,455.35)  was 
given  by  an  excellent  lady  of  this  Parish,  to  redeem  certain 
bonds  held  against  the  Parish.  The  balance  was  subscribed 
by  the  bond-holders  themselves,  and  other  benevolent  mem- 
bers of  St.  John's  Parish.  The  sum  of  *:u).:\7}  was  raised  by 
a  few  estimable  and  efficient  young  Indies  id'  the  Parish  for 
a  Sunday  school   library." 


250  The  Episcopal  Church 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  reports  five  candidates  for  confirmation 
in  Madison  Parish,  Pocahontas  county. 

Rev.  Samuel  D.  Tompkins,  (Volcano)  reports  that  on  ac- 
count of  the  difficulty  in  business  many  people  have  left  Vol- 
cano, among  others  some  of  our  communicants.  I  had  a  good 
number  of  candidates  for  confirmation  one  year  ago,  but 
they  left  a  few  months  since.  I  hold  regular  services  at  St. 
John's,  Pleasants  county,  and  at  Cairo.  The  prospects  in  each 
place  are  encouraging.  Occasionally  I  hold  services  at  Sis- 
tersville,  at  Eaton  Station,  Wood  county,  and  at  Petroleum. 
I  use  the  Mission  Prayer  Book,  and  have  good  responses. 

Rev.  Mr.  Rambo  (Bellaire,  O.)  reports  services  at  Mounds- 
ville  twice  a  month;  services  for  the  convicts  in  the  peniten- 
tiary monthly,  also  monthly  visits  to  New  Martinsville  (Mon- 
day mornings).     Number  of  communicants   S. 

Council  of   1876.     St.  Paul's,  Alexandria,  Va. 

Bishop  Whittle  presiding.  Out  of  16  West  Virginia  cler- 
gy, 14  were  present;  also  9  laymen.  New  names  among  the 
clergy,  Rev.  Edmund  Christian,  Moundsville;  Rev.  R.  A. 
Cobbs,  Charleston;  Rev.  Geo.  A.  Gibbons,  Fairmont;  Rev. 
Jno.  P.  Hubbard,  Shepherdstown;  Rev.  F.  A.  Meade,  Wick- 
liffe. 

Bishop  Whittle,  in  his  address  said:  "It  is  under  peculiar- 
ly sad  and  solemn  circumstances  that  we  are  assembled  in 
this  81st  Council  of  our  Church  in  Virginia.  Our  venerable 
and  beloved  Bishop  Johns,  said  to  us  in  his  address  twelve 
months  ago,  'During  the  past  year  not  one  of  the  clergy,  ca- 
nonically  connected  with  this  Diocese  has  been  removed  by 
death.'  But  how  different  the  report  which  I  must  make 
to  you  today.  We  had  hardly  adjourned  and  while  most 
of  us  were  on  our  way  to  our  homes,  the  Rev.  Chas.  W.  An- 
drews, D.  D.,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown,  who 
had  been  arrested  by  sickness  in  Fredericksburg,  on  his  way 
to  the  Council,  after  a  most  faithful  and  useful  ministry  of 
forty-three  years,  on  24th  day  of  May,  1875,  ceased  from  his 
labors,  and  entered  into  the  rest  that  remaineth  for  the  peo- 


in  West  Virginia.  2."»L 

pie  of  God.  Xo  words  of  eulogy  are  needed  from  me,  of  one 
so  well  known,  not  only  in  our  own  Diocese,  but  throughout 
our  entire  Church,  and  wherever  known  so  much  admired, 
for  his  superior  talents,  and  loved  for  his  devout  and  earnest 
Christian  spirit.  It  is  enough  to  say  of  him  that  he  'fought  a 
good  fight,  and  finished  his  course  and  kept  the  faith;'  and 
we  doubt  not  has  received  the  crown  of  righteousness  which 
the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  has  laid  up  for  all  them  that 
love  His  appearing. 

-The  Rev.  Chas.  E.  Ambler  was  the  next  to  follow.  A  pur- 
er and  more  lovable  Christian  character,  it  was  never  my 
privilege  to  know.  I  am  not  informed  as  to  the  day  and 
month  of  his  decease.  He  had  been  for  many  years  in  de- 
clining health,  but  'while  the  outward  man  decayed,  the  im- 
mortal man  was  renewed  day  by  day.'  So  that  when  his 
change  came,  we  doubt  not  an  abundant  entrance  was  min- 
is fored  unto  him  into  the  Everlasting  Kingdom  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

"But  our  greatest  sorrow  for  the  whole  Diocese  was  yet 
to  come.  Our  beloved  Bishop,  the  Rt.  Rev.  John  Johns,  was 
stricken  with  sickness  on  the  13th  of  March,  and  after  linger- 
ing with  us,  amidst  our  hopes  and  our  fears  until  midnight  of 
the  4th  of  April,  he  finished  his  course  with  joy,  and  the  min- 
istry which  he  had  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the 
Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.  His  end  was  not  only  peaceful 
but  triumphant:  God  had  given  him  for  long  and  important 
service  in  His  church.  His  ministry  extended  through  a  peri- 
od, of  within  one  month,  of  fifty-seven  years;  the  record  of 
his  abundant  labors  as  Bishop  and  Assistant  Bishop  during 
nearly  thirty-three  of  those  years,  being  spread  on  the  pages 
of  your  Journals.  I  can  add  nothing  to  what  has  been  pub- 
lished by  individuals,  vestries,  and  other  bodies  in  regard  to 
the  character,  life  and  work  of  the  dear  departed.  I  will 
merely  testify,  that  he  ever  treated  me  with  the  kindness 
and  confidence  of  a  father.  The  better  I  came  to  know  him. 
during  my  intimate  association  with  him,  for  nearly  eight 
vears,  the  more  I  admired  him  for  his  varied  and  greal  abil- 


252  The  Episcopal  Church 

ities,  and  loved  him  for  his  Christian  virtues.  But  he  has 
gone!  The  place  amongst  us  which  so  long  knew  him  shall 
know  him  no  more  forever.  Surely  his  loss  to  me  can  never 
be  repaired.  May  a  double  portion  of  his  spirit  rest  on.  his 
unworthy  successor,  and  may  God's  strength  be  made  per- 
fect in  my  weakness.  May  we  my  dear  clerical  brethren, 
be  enabled  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  preach  Christ,  as  uniform- 
ly, as  simply  and  as  earnestly  as  he  preached  Him,  and  may 
we  all,  ministers  and  laymen,  receive  grace  to  follow  Christ, 
as  he  followed  Him.  So,  (and  what  more  can  we  desire?) 
may  we  die  the  death  of  this  eminent  servant  of  God,  and 
our  last  end  shall  be  like  his." 

From  Bishop  Johns'  Journal:  'July  16.  I  preached  in  Wick- 
liffe  Church,  and  confirmed  five.  July  18.  Zion,  Charlestown; 
confirmed  fifteen.  July  ID.  Grace,  Middleway;  confirmed 
three.  July  20.  St.  Bartholomew's,  Leetown.  July  21.  Trin- 
ity, Shepherdstown.  July  22.  Trinity,  Martinsburg;  confirm- 
ed eight.  July  23.  Christ  Church,  Bunker  Hill;  confirmed 
three.  July  24.  Mt.  Zion,  Hedgesville;  confirmed  five.  Oc- 
tober 11.  I  left  home  to  visit  the  Western  section  of  the  Dio- 
cese. October  12.  Preached  in  Christ  Church,  Clarksburg. 
The  next  day  was  spent  in  reaching  Wheeling.  October  14. 
St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling;  confirmed  eight.  I  had  no  appoint- 
ment for  St.  John's  congregation.  The  house  which  they 
had  occupied,  but  which  never  belonged  to  them,  had  been 
recently  sold  to  pay  the  debt  contracted  in  its  erection. 
Whether  the  good  people,  thus  unhoused  will  provide  them- 
selves with  suitable  accommodations  elsewhere,  or  unite 
with  St.  Matthew's,  I  am  not  informed.  I  am,  however,  hap- 
py to  know  that  the  Rector  of  St.  Matthew's  proposes  to 
enter  at  an  early  day  upon  the  missionary  work,  for  which 
North  and  South  Wheeling  seem  to  be  prepared.  Returning 
by  Grafton  and  Clarksburg,  I  passed  on  to  Parkersburg. 

October  17.  In  the  morning  I  preached  in  Trinity  Church, 
and  at  night  after  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins,  I 
confirmed  five.  October  18.  I  preached  in  Grace  Church,  Ra- 
venswood.     This  and  St.  John's,  Ripley,  vacant  by  the  res- 


ix  West  Virginia.  253 

ignation  of  the  Rev.  C.  R.  Page,  have  made  arrangements 
for  occasional  services  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lacy.  October  20. 
At  Point  Pleasant  I  baptized  an  infant  of  the  Rev.  If.  E. 
Eayden,  former  Rector  of  the  Parish,  and  preached  in  Christ 
( 'lunch.  The  next  morning,  the  only  boat  going  down  the 
river  that  day  passed  without  stopping,  and  so  deprived  me 
of  the  conveyance  on  which  1  depended,  for  reaching  Hunt- 
ington in  time  for  my  appointment  that  night.  But  the  en- 
terprise of  my  clerical  brother  was  equal  to  the  emergency. 
Carriages  were  quickly  provided.  We  were  soon  ferried  over 
the  Ohio;  and  by  a  rapid  ride  to  Gallipolis  reached  the  wharf 
before  the  boat  had  finished  taking  on  her  freight.  I  was 
thus  enabled,  to  fulfill  my  engagement  in  the  evening,  when 
I  preached  to  a  large  and  interesting  congregation  at  Hunt- 
ington. The  Churches  here  and  at  St.  Albans  are  both  va- 
cant. United  they  might  furnish  a  support  for  a  minister. 
and  a  faithful  and  persistent  laborer,  in  these  fields,  will  not 
have  long  to  wait  for  precious  fruit.  October  22.  At  Charles- 
ton, Kanawha,  I  was  happy  to  find  the  Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs,  re- 
cently elected  Rector,  of  St.  John's  Church,  who  had  has- 
tened to  the  Parish,  that  he  might.be  there  during  my  visit, 
and  assist  me  in  the  services.  As  he  had  reached  Charles- 
ton but  a  few  days  before  I  did,  there  was  no  time  to  arrange 
for  confirmation.  At  night  T  preached  in  St.  John's,  and  next 
day  at  noon  left  for  home  by  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  rail- 
road. 

Prom  Ravenswood  to  Charleston  T  was  accompanied  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Lacy,  whose  services  were  very  acceptable  to 
the  several  congregations." 

Bishop  Whittle's  report:  ••August  14  and  15.  Accompan- 
ied by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Meredith,  visited  Moorefield.  where  I 
preached  twice  in  the  Court  House,  made  an  address  after 
sermon  by  Dr.  Meredith  and  confirmed  five.  Here  I  Pound  a 
small,  but  very  earnest  band  of  Episcopalians,  who  are  carry- 
ing quite  a  flourishing  Sunday  school  and  are  making  an  ef- 
fort to  erect  a  Church.  In  this  effort  1  trust  they  may  be  suc- 
-f'ul.  and  also  in  some  how  procuring  the  regular  services 


254  The  Episcopal  Church 

of  a  minister.  Entirely  cut  off  by  mountains  and  long  dis- 
tances from  all  intercourse  with  members  of  their  own 
Church,  they  deserve  the  sympathy  and  assistance  of  their 
more  favored  brethren.  August  20.  All  Saints',  Union;  con- 
firmed two.  August  22.  Preached  and  confirmed  eight  in 
Christ  Church,  Warm  Springs,  four  of  whom  were  from  Po- 
cahontas county.  I  have  received  the  following  communica- 
tion: 

Eesolutions  of  the  Convocation  of  West  Virginia: 

At  the  20th  regular  session  of  the  Convocation  of  West 
Virginia,  held  in  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg,  commencing 
Wednesday,  April  19,  187G,  after  a  full  and  free  discussion 
the  following  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted: 

Res.  1.  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Convocation  the  in- 
terests of  the  Church  in  our  State  clearly  demand  a  division 
of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia. 

2.  That  while  we  would  prefer  a  Diocesan  organization, 
yet  rather  than  the  division  should  fail,  we  ask  that  West 
Virginia,  or  such  part  thereof,  as  may  be  designated  by  the 
Council  of  Virginia,  be  set  apart  as  a  missionary  jurisdiction. 

o.  That  we  respectfully  ask  the  Bishop  and  the  ensuing- 
Council  to  take  the  necessary  action  in  the  premises. 

4.  That  in  expressing  our  views  as  above,  of  the  neces- 
sity of  a  division  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  we  would  have 
it  distinctly  understood  that  we  continue  toward  our  Bishop,, 
the  same  loyal  affection  and  high  esteem  for  his  zeal  and  fidel- 
ity, which  we  have  always  felt.  And  also  that  for  our  belov- 
ed and  much  lamented  Bishop,  recently  deceased,  we  have 
the  most  affectionate  remembrance  and  highest  veneration. 

'  W.  L.  Hyland,  President. 
T.  H.  Lacy,  Secretary. 

It  does  not  appear  from  the  above  who  were  represented 
in  the  Convocation.  I  should  be  sorry  to  see  any  of  our  breth- 
ren cut  off  from  us,  against  their  will.  But  if  it  shall  be  made 
to  appear,  that  the  ministers  and  people  of  Trans-Allegheny 
West  Virginia,  desire  their  territory  to  be  erected  into  a 


in  West  Virginia.  255 

separate  Diocese  or  Missionary  District,  I  trust  the  Council 
will  do  whatever  may  be  necessary  to  accomplish  their 
wishes. 

The  trouble  with  regard  to  the  Church  in  West  Virginia, 
is  not  the  want  vf  Episcopal  supervision.  That  portion  of 
the  Diocese  as  compared  with  some  other  portions,  has  re- 
ceived more  than  its  share  of  the  services  of  our  late  Bishop 
and  his  assistant.  What  is  needed  is  settled  ministers  and 
money  to  support  them.  These  are  not  to  be  had  in  WTest 
Virginia,  and  it  is  simply  impossible  for  Virginia  to  supply 
them.  There  is  no  more  reason,  why  our  Diocesan  Mission- 
ary Society  should  be  expected,  unaided,  to  build  up  the 
Church  in  that,  than  in  any  other  adjoining,  but  separate  and 
independent  State.  It  belongs  to  the  Board  of  Missions  of 
the  whole  Church  to  do  this  work  in  West  Virginia,  as  well 
as  in  Colorado  and  Utah,  and  more  than  in  Northern  Cali- 
fornia, and  northern  and  western  Texas.  To  the  Board  of 
Missions,  therefore,  in  my  judgment,  it  ought  to  be  transfer- 
red. I  commend  this  subject,  of  so  much  importance  to 
the  growth  of  our  Church,  on  both  sides  of  the  mountains, 
to  the  serious  consideration  of  the  Council." 

The  application  from  Morgan  town  for  admission  as  a  Par- 
ish to  be  composed  of  Morgan,  Grant  and  Union  districts  in 
the  county  of  Monongalia,  and  to  be  called  Trinity  Parish, 
was  granted. 

The  application  from  Hardy,  to  separate  from  Augusta 
Parish,  and  to  establish  a  new  Parish,  having  limits  contin- 
uous with  those  of  Hardy  county,  and  to  be  called  Emmanuel 
Parish,  was  granted. 

Judge  Sheffey,  from  the  Committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  subject  of  West  Virginia,  presented  the  following  re- 
port: 

"The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  so  much  of  the 
Bishop's  address,  as  has  reference  to  the  formation  of  a  new 
Diocese  in  West  Virginia,  and,  if  that  cannot  be  accomplish- 
ed, the  creation  of  a  Missionary  jurisdiction  of  that  portion 


256  The  Episcopal  Church 

of  the  Diocese;  the  memorial  of  the  Convocation  of  West 
Virginia,  asking  for  the  organization  of  a  new  Diocese  within 
the  limits  of  West  Virginia,  or  such  portion  thereof  as  the 
Council  may  designate;  and  the  memorial  of  the  Convoca- 
tion of  the  Valley,  embracing  the  parishes  and  congregations 
within  the  limits  of  Jefferson  and  Berkeley,  West  Virginia, 
protesting  against  any  line  of  division,  which  would  separate 
them  from  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  and  indicating  the  Alle- 
gheny mountains  as  a  proper  line  for  the  new  Diocese,  should 
one  be  organized;  have  had  the  same  under  consideration 
and  beg  leave  to  report:  That  feeling  deeply  the  need  of 
increased  Episcopal  services  in  the  portion  of  the  Diocese  re- 
ferred to;  but,  having  before  them  no  satisfactory  or  suffi- 
cient data  or  facts,  to  base  a  definite  report  upon,  and  deem- 
ing it  proper  that  opportunity  should  be  afforded  to  procure, 
and  lay  before  the  Council  due  information  on  the  subject; 
and  that  the  same  should  be  procured  under  proper  author- 
ity,    It  is  therefore, 

Eesolved,  That  the  Bishop  be  and  is  hereby,  respectfully 
requested,  to  call  a  conference  of  the  clergy  and  laity  of  the 
Parishes  and  congregations  within  the  limits  of  West  Vir- 
ginia; and  that  he  request  such  conference,  to  furnish  for 
the  information  of  the  Council  at  its  next  session,  such  facts 
as  will  enable  the  Council,  to  act  understanding^  on  the  sub- 
ject. 

Resolved  2.  That  the  matters  referred  to  this  Committee 
be  postponed,  for  consideration  at  the  next  Council. 

Respectfully,  W.  L.  Hyland,  Chairman." 

Rev.  James  Grammer  offered  the  following  amendment: 
Amend  the  1st  resolution,  by  striking  out  the  word  "all," 
and  adding  at  the  close  of  the  words  "West  Virginia"  the 
words  "exclusive  of  the  Parishes  in  the  counties  of  Jeffer- 
son and  Berkeley." 

Mr.  A.  L.  Carter  moved  to  lay  the  whole  subject  on  the 
table.    Lost. 

The  amendment  proposed  by  Mr.  Grammer  was  lost,  and 
the  report  as  offered  by  the  committee  was  approved, 


REV,   THOMAS  HUGO  LACY,    D.   D.,    1873. 


REV.    ANTHONY    A.    MCDONOUGH,    1874. 


REV.    ROBERT   ADDISON    COBBS,    1  876. 


REV.    JOHN  P.    HUBBARD,   D.    D.,    1876. 


in  West  Virginia.  257 

Reports  from  fifteen  Churches  show  997  communicants 
and  $7,570  contributions. 

The  Rev.  Jno.  W.  Lea  (Martinsburg);  reports  that  the  con- 
gregation is  looking  forward,  we  trust  at  no  distant  day,  to 
improving  and  enlarging  the  Church. 

The  Rev.  W.  H.  Meade  (Charlestown),  reports  that  the 
work  among  the  colored  people  has  such  elements  of  hopeful- 
ness as  to  suggest  the  erection  of  a  chapel  for  their  use.  A 
lot.  and  some  $200  for  building  have  been  secured. 

Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs  (Charleston)  dates  his  report  from  Octo- 
ber 23.  1875. 

Rev.  Geo.  A.  Gibbons  says,  that  of  the  twenty-eight  com- 
municants reported  at  Fairmont,  five  are  at  Morgantown,  and 
one  at  Mannington. 

Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy  (Pt.  Pleasant)  says:  ''There  are  connected 
with  this  Parish  three  regular  Mission  stations,  Hartford, 
Mason  and  West  Columbia  and  in  these  towns  reside  thirteen 
of  the  forty-six  communicants,  reported,  besides  several  oth- 
ers, who  hold  their  membership  in  the  Church  at  Pomeroy, 
who  would  be  more  than  likely  to  join  the  Church  on  this 
side  of  the  river,  if  a  Cburch  building  in  their  midst  could 
be  obtained.  This  end,  so  long  and  so  earnestly  desired, 
seems  now  more  nearly  attained  than  ever.  There 
is  a  strong  hope,  that  we  may  attain  a  building 
by  purchase,  wiiich  will  answer  every  purpose,  and  be 
obtained  much  cheaper,  than  one  could  be  built.  Could  this 
be  done  that  portion  of  the  Parish  would  doubtless  soon,  or 
at  most  before  a  long  time,  be  self-sustaining,  and  have  a 
remarkably  fine  promise  of  growth,  being  a  central  point, 
as  the  building  we  hope  to  purchase  is,  in  the  midst  of  six 
several  towns,  with  a  population  in  the  aggregate  probably, 
exceeding  4,000.  These  points  have  been  visited  regularly, 
as  opportunity  permitted.  Sometimes  on  Sunday,  and  some- 
times on  some  day  in  the  week,  and  great  encouragement 
has  been  afforded." 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  reports,  that  he  has  held  service  at  the 
White  Sulphur  five  times,  and  several  times  at  Hinton. 


258  The  Episcopal  Church 

Kev.  Samuel  D.  Tompkins  reports,  that  the  prospects  at 
Volcano  are  not  as  encouraging  as  the}-  once  were. 

Council  of  1877.    Trinity  Church,  Staunton,  Va. 

Bishop  Whittle  presiding.  Clergy  in  West  Virginia:  Rev. 
J.  G.  Armstrong,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling;  Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs, 
St.  John's,  Charleston;  Rev.  Geo.  A.  Gibbons,  Christ  Church, 
Fairmont;  Rev.  James  Grammer,  Grace  and  Middleway;  Rev. 
Jno.  P.  Hubbard,  Trinity,  Shepherdstown;  Rev.  Wm.  L.  Hy- 
land,  Trinity,  Parkersburg;  Rev.  Robt.  F.  Jackson,  Jr.,  Mis- 
sionary in  Wheeling;  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  Christ  Church,  Point 
Pleasant;  Rev.  Jno.  W.  Lea,  Trinity,  Martinsburg;  Rev.  W. 
T.  Leavell,  Mt.  Zion,  Hedgesville;  Rev.  R.  H.  Mason,  All 
Saints',  Union;  Rev.  F.  A.  Meade,  Wickliffe  Church,  Ripon; 
Rev.  W.  H.  Meade  Zion,  Charlestown;  Rev.  Samuel  I>.  Tomp- 
kins, Emmanuel,  Volcano;  Rev.  Jno.  F.  Woods,  Christ 
Church,  Clarksburg.     All  present. 

The  following  lay  delegates  were  present:  M.  Page  An- 
drews, Trinity,  Shepherdstown;  R.  C.  Berkeley,  Trinity,  Mor- 
gantown;  Col.  J.  J.  Grantham,  Christ  Church,  forborne  Par- 
ish; James  T.  Lockridge,  Madison  Parish,  Pocahontas  coun- 
ty; James  McNeer,  All  Saints',  Union;  Gen.  John  H.  Oley, 
Trinity  Parish,  Cabell  county;  Dr.  Spicer  Patrick,  St.  John's, 
Kanawha  C.  H.,  Maj.  Alexander  T.  Laidley,  Maj.  Thos.  L. 
Broun,  alternates;  E.  W.  Staples,  Emmanuel,  Volcano; 
Judge  Geo.  W.  Thompson,  St.  Matthew's,  Wheeling;  W.  E. 
Watson,  Christ  Church,  Fairmont;  Nathan  S.  White,  Zion 
Charlestown ;  J.  Thornton  Young,  Trinity,  Martinsburg. 

Bishop  Whittle,  in  his  address  reports:  ''September  3, 
(1S76),  consecrated  All  Saints',  Union,  Monroe  county, 
preached  morning  and  night,  celebrated  the  Lord's  Supper 
and  confirmed  six.  Rev.  R.  H.  Mason,  Rector,  and  Rev.  R. 
A.  Cobbs,  of  Charleston,  assisted  in  the  services.  The  com- 
pletion of  this  building,  simple  and  unpretending,  but  com- 
fortable and  handsome,  was  the  consummation  of  hopes  long 
deferred,  of  many  prayers  and  of  persevering  effort,  on  the 
part  of  a  few  zealous  Episcopalians.     May  God  ever  abun- 


in  West  Virginia.  259 

dantly  bless  the  labors  of  the  devoted  Eector  and  his  faith- 
ful co-workers. 

April  15.  Preached  morning  and  night  in  Christ  Church, 
Clarksburg  and  confirmed  six.  April  16.  Preached  and  con- 
firmed two  in  St.  Paul's,  Weston,  which  is  now  vacant,  Rev. 
A.  A.  McDonough  having  resigned  the  Parish,  and  removed 
from  the  Diocese.  The  last  Council  'Resolved  that  the 
Bishop  be  and  is  hereby  respectfully  requested  to  call  a  con- 
ference of  the  clergy  and  laity  of  the  Parishes  and  congrega- 
tions within  the  limits  of  West  Virginia;  and  that  he  request 
such  conference  to  furnish  for  the  information  of  the  Coun- 
cil at  its  next  session,  such  facts  as  will  enable  the  Council 
to  act  understanding^  on  the  subject'.  In  compliance  with 
this  resolution,  on  the  first  of  March,  I  issued  a  call  for  such 
a  conference.  April  18.  The  conference  met  in  one  of  the 
Presbyterian  Churches  in  Parkersburg,  kindly  loaned  us  for 
the  occasion,  our  own,  (Trinity),  Church  building  having  been 
condemned  as  unsafe  for  us  to  occupy.  The  conference  was 
well  attended,  two  sessions  were  held  and  the  best  feeling 
prevailed.  Without  coming  to  any  practical  conclusion  the 
brethren  adjourned  to  meet  again  in  this  place.  That  meet- 
ing, I  was  not  able  to  attend,  but  the  conference  will  no 
doubt  report  its  action  to  the  Council.  April  19.  Confirm- 
ed four  in  Emmanuel,  Volcano.  April  20,  In  Fairmont,  as 
in  Parkersburg,  our  building  being  regarded  as  unsafe,  I 
preached  in  the  Methodist  Church  and  confirmed  five.  April 
22.  A.  M.  and  P.  M.,  preached  in  St.  Matthew's.  Wheeling, 
and  confirmed  twenty-one. 

April  23.  Accompanied  by  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Armstrong  and 
R.  F.  Jackson,  Jr.,  visited  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg,  preach- 
ed and  confirmed  seven,  and  the  next  day  after  sermon  by 
Mr.  Armstrong,  in  St.  John's,  Brooke  county,  confirmed  one. 
These  two  churches,  I  regret  to  say,  have  been  for  sometime 
vacant.  April  25.  Trinity,  Moundsville,  preached  and  con- 
tinued three. 

The  Diocesan  Missionary  Committee,  reports  appropria- 
tions made  to  Rev.  Geo.  A.  Gibbons',  Fairmont;  Rev.  R.  H. 


260  The  Episcopal  Church 

Mason,  Union ;  Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins,  Volcano.  Total  appropri- 
ations, $250.  Contributions  of  West  Virginia  Churches  to 
various  funds.  Disabled  Clergy,  $97.54.  Widows  and  Or- 
phans, $ 49.14;  Diocesan  Missions,  $253.70;  Contingent  Fund, 


Parochial  Reports: 

Com.  In  S.  S.  Cont. 

Rev.  Jno.  W.  Lea,  Martinsburg 84       98  427 

Rev.  James  Grammer  (three  churches) . .     39      60  226 

Rev.  W.  Thos.  Leavell,  Hedgesville    46      58  50 

Rev.  F.  A.  Meade,  Ripon  31       18  89 

Rev.   J.   F.   Woods,   Clarksburg    47      57  19 

Moorefield 14      25        1,013 

Rev.  Jno.  P.  Hubbard,  Shepherdstown  . .     90       65  446 

Rev.  W.  H.  Meade,  Charlestown    186     146        1,750 

Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs,  Kanawha  C.  H 95     136  130 

Rev.  Geo.  A.  Gibbons,  (2  churches,)  Fair- 
mont         41       60        1,126 

Rev.  J.  F.  Woods,  Moundsville  18     ...  5 

Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  Pt.  Pleasant   49       67  111 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason,  Union  29      41  122 

Rev.  J.  G.  Armstrong,  Wheeling 218     

Rev.  Robt.  F.  Jackson,  Jr 30      82  72 

Rev.  Samuel  D.  Tompkins 16       30       

1,033     943       $5,576 

Remarks  appended  to  reports.  Rev.  Jno.  W.  Lea — "Of  the 
contributions  $265,  has  been  expended  in  improving  the 
Church  and  recarpeting  it,  the  result  of  the  energy  of  the  la- 
dies of  the  congregation." 

Rev.  Wm.  Thos.  Leavell.  "My  report  dates  from  Aug.  last 
when  at  the  request  of  the  valley  convocation,  and  by  their 
pecuniary  aid,  the  Parish  was  supplied  with  service  every 
other  Sunday  by  the  present  Rector." 

Rev.  F.  A.  Meade.  "Mission  service  has  been  held  regularly 
at  St.  John's,  Ripon,  twice  a  month.  This  Church  is  com- 
pleted, paid  for  and  ready  for  consecration." 

Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs.    ''During  the  past  year  the  ladies  of  the 


in  West  Virginia.  261 

Parish  have  purchased  a  neat,  roomy,  comfortable,  and  con- 
veniently located  Rectory.  The  cost  was  $1,980,  one-fifth 
cash,  and  the  remainder  in  three  equal  installments  at  nine, 
eighteen  and  twenty-four  months,  with  six  per  cent,  interest 
from  Oct.  20,  1S76.  The  first  payment  was  promptly  made, 
the  second  is  provided  for,  and  the  others,  will  doubtless  be 
forthcoming  when  due.'' 

Rev.  J.  F.  Woods,  (writing  of  Moundsville)  says:  "After 
the  death  of  the  former  Pastor,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Christian,  the 
parish  was  vacant,  until  I  took  charge  of  it  last  December; 
since  which  time  I  have  been  able  to  give  it  a  monthly  ser- 
vice without  fail." 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason.  "I  have  performed  missionary  duty  once 
a  month,  either  at  Lewisburg  neighborhood,  where  there  are 
nine  communicants,  or  at  the  White  Sulphur  wrhere  there  are 
five." 

General  Diocesan  Statistics: 

Baptisms  1,448;  confirmations  726;  communicants  12,306; 
contributions  $93,657. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Gibson,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Division 
of  the  Diocese,  reported  that  the  proceedings  of  the  confer- 
ence in  West  Virginia,  being  laid  before  them  they  unani- 
mously sustained  its  action,  by  recommending  to  the  council 
that  a  Diocese  be  formed  comprising  the  State  of  West  Vir- 
ginia, i.  e., 

Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  the  Committee,  should 
that  portion  of  the  Diocese  contained  in  the  State  of  West 
Virginia,  either  with  or  without  the  counties  of  Jefferson 
and  Berkeley,  present  to  the  Council  a  petition  conformed 
to  the  constitutional  requirements  for  the  division  of  ;i  Dio- 
cese, it  will  be  expedient  that  such  application  should  be 
granted. 

The  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  from  the  conference  of  the  Hergy 
and  laity  of  West  Virginia,  presented  the  following  report: 

The  commit  toe,  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolution,  re- 


262  The  Episcopal  Church 

lating  to  the  creation  of  a  new  Diocese  within  the  State  of 
West  Virginia,  by  the  boundary  lines  between  the  said 
State  and  the  State  of  Virginia,  having  had  the  same  under 
consideration,  report  the  following  as  embodying  the  re- 
sults reached  by  the  conference  of  clerical  and  lay  delegates, 
convened  by  the  Bishop  in  the  city  of  Parkersburg,  on  the 
18th  of  April,  and  concluded  in  Staunton  on  the  16th  of 
May,  and  adopting  the  same  as  the  judgment  of  your  com- 
mittee. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  conference,  beg  leave  to 
report  their  unanimous  concurrence  in  the  following  reso- 
lutions, and  recommend  their  adoption  by  this  conference 
as  its  final  action  in  the  premises: 

1.  Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  conference,  the 
interests  of  the  Church  in  our  State  clearly  demand  a  di- 
vision of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia;  and  the  dividing  line  be 
the  boundaries  between  the  States  of  Virginia  and  West 
Virginia. 

We  further  report  that  we  have  ascertained  that  at  least 
$2,200  and  a  residence,  have  been  pledged,  within  the  pro- 
posed Diocese,  for  the  support  of  the  Episcopate,  and  be- 
lieve that  this  sum  can  be  materially  increased;  therefore 

2.  Resolved,  That  this  conference  requests,  and  earnest- 
ly urges,  the  Council  now  in  session  to  set  apart  West  Vir- 
ginia as  a  separate  Diocese 

J.  G.  Armstrong, 
W.  P.  Thompson,  Secretary.  Chairman, 

Your  committee  offer  the  following  resolution  and  ask 
its  adoption  by  the  Council: 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  contained  in  the  resolutions 
tendered  by  the  conference  of  the  clergy  and  laity  of  West 
Virginia  be  granted,  and  that  the  Council  doth  hereby  give 
its  consent",  to  the  erection  of  a  new  Diocese,  to  be  formed 
out  of  so  much  of  the  territory  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia, 
as  is  contained  within  the  limits  of  West  Virginia. 

Mr.  M.  Page  Andrews  offered  the  following  amend- 
ment:    Provided  that  no  Parishes  in  the  counties  of  Jeffer- 


in  West  Virginia.  263 

son  and  Berkeley,  who  have  signified,  or  may  signify,  their 
desire  to  remain  in  the  old  Diocese,  shall  be  embraced  within 
the  limits  of  the  proposed  Diocese  of  West  Virginia. 

Kev.  John  P.  Hubbard  offered  as  an  amendment  to  the 
amendment:  That  the  new  Diocese  be  formed  of  so  much 
of  the  territory  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  as  is  contained 
within  the  State  of  West  Virginia,  as  lies  west  of  the  boun- 
dary lines  of  Grant  and  Pendleton  counties, 

Mr.  Hubbard's  amendment  was  lost. 

Mr.  Andrews  then  offered  as  an  amendment  to  his  for- 
mer amendment:  That  the  new  Diocese  consist  of  West  Vir- 
ginia, except  the  counties  of  Jefferson  and  Berkeley. 

It  was  lost. 

Mr.  Hyland's  report,  giving  consent,  &c,  was  then  adopted. 
Clerical  vote:  Ayes  91;  noes  4.    Lay  vote:  Ayes  94;  noes  10. 

Bishop  Whittle  then  gave  his  consent  to  the  erection  of 
the  new  Diocese. 

Rev.  John  W.  Lea  offered  the  following: 

Resolved,  That  the  action  of  this  Council  in  consenting 
to  the  erection  of  an  independent  Diocese  p,f  the  State  of 
West  Virginia,  which  was  passed  with  such  unanimity,  is 
not  to  be  construed  as  disregarding  the  wishes  of  any  Par- 
ishes of  West  Virginia,  to  remain  with  the  old  Diocese  of 
Virginia,  or  as  forcing  them  from  us,  but  as  the  decided  con- 
viction of  this  Council,  after  hearing  all  that  was  to  be  said 
for  and  against  it,  that  the  good  of  the  Church  demanded 
this  action.    Adopted. 


264  The  Episcopal  Church 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Digest  of  Annnal  Councils  of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  1 877- 
1901,  with  Extracts  from  the  Bishop's  Addresses. 


Proceedings  of  the  General  Convention,  Boston,  October, 
1878,  in  giving  consent  to  the  formation  of  a  new  Diocese  to 
be  known  as  West  Virginia. 

"Boston,  October  9. 

The  Kev.  Dr.  Hanckel,  of  Virginia.  As  a  member  of  the 
Committee  on  the  Admission  of  New  Dioceses,  to  which  was 
referred  the  memorial  from  the  Convention  of  the  Diocese 
of  Virginia,  I  desire  to  present  the  following  report : 

The  Committee  on  the  admission  of  New  Dioceses  to  whom 
was  referred  the  memorial  from  the  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church,  in  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  asking 
the  consent  of  the  General  Convention,  to  the  creation  of 
a  new  Diocese  within  the  limits  of  the  present  Diocese  of 
Virginia,  respectfully  report, — 

Whereas,  A  request  has  been  presented  to  the  House  of 
Deputies  from  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  that  a  new  Diocese 
be  erected  in  the  present  Diocese  of  Virginia,  "to  consist 
of  The  territory  of  the  State  of  West  Virginia,  according  to 
the  State  lines  thereof,"  and, 

Whereas,  It  appears  by  official  documents  laid  before  this 
House,  that  the  Bishop  of  Virginia  has  consented  to  the 
erection  of  the  said  Diocese,  and  that  all  the  requirements 
of  Article  V.  of  the  Constitution  and  of  the  Canons  arc  ful- 
filled and, 

Whereas,  The  protest  of  Trinity  Church,  Shepherdstown, 
fails  to  furnish  evidence  to  invalidate  these  facts,  when  duly 
considered  in  connection  with  the  official  documents  submit- 


RT.    REV.    ii.    W.    PETERKIN,    I).    I).,    L.L.  D.,    1878. 


■ 

pr..- 

— j? 



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ijlil 

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fit         "]£ 

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EPISCOPAL   HALL. 


in  West  Virginia.  265 

ted  to  your  committee,  and  the  counter  protest  of  G.   \V. 
Thompson,  also  submitted;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  the  house  of  Bishops  concurring,  That  the  House 
of  Deputies  do  hereby  consent  to  the  erection  of  the  said 
new  Diocese,  "to  consist  of  the  territory  of  the  State  of  West 
Virginia,  according  to  the  State  lines  thereof.'' 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted,  on  behalf  of  the 
Committee.  J.  S.  Hanckel 

Chairman. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Hanckel,  of  Virginia.  I  will  state  that  the 
action  of  the  Committee,  or  of  such  as  were  present, — nine 
out  of  thirteen — was  unanimous  in  regard  to  this  report. 
I  ask  for  the  action  of  the  House  on  the  report. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hill,  of  California.  I  would  like  to  ask  of 
the  chairman  of  the  committee,  from  Virginia,  whether 
they  are  satisfied  that  provision  has  been  made  for  the  new 
Bishop. 

The  President.  The  Secretary  will  again  read  the  report, 
so  that  it  may  be  heard  by  all,  and  that  will  answer  your 
inquiry. 

The  report  was  again  read. 

"  The  President.  Under  the  rule,  this  report  would  lie  upon 
the  table  for  action  under  the  calendar,  but  the  Chairman 
of  the  Committee  requests  immediate  action  upon  the  res- 
olution. It  has  been  customary  to  grant  this  request  from 
the  Chairman  unless  some  special  objection  is  made.  If  I 
hear  of  no  objection  I  shall  put  the  question  on  the  adoption 
of  the  resolution.  If  objection  be  made,  it  will  have  to  lie 
over  as  usual. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hill,  of  California.  I  do  not  object  to  the 
consideration  of  the  resolution,  but  I  would  like  to  have 
my  question  answered,  for  that  would  determine  my  vote 
upon  it. 

The  President.  The  report  of  the  Committee  states  that  all 
the  requisites  have  been  complied  with;  and  the  matter  re 
ferred  to  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hill  is  one  of  the  requisites. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hill,  of  California.     That  i<  satisfactory. 


2G6  The  Episcopal  Church 

The  resolution  was  then  unanimously  adopted." 

Preliminary  Proceedings  in  Virginia  and  West  Virginia. 

A  division  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia  was  agitated  as 
early  as  1821,  but  the  first  practical  move  made  in  the  mat- 
ter was  at  a  Convocation  of  the  Clergy  in  Western  Virginia, 
some  seven  in  all,  held  in  Charleston,  Kanawha,  in  1851. 
The  Rev.  James  D.  McCabe,  of  Wheeling,  had  prepared  a 
memorial,  looking  to  a  division  and  it  was  presented,  but 
Bishop  Meade,  who  was  present,  opposed  the  move  and  the 
paper  was  withdrawn. 

The  next  meeting  looking  in  this  direction  was  held  in 
Clarksburg,  August  24th,  1865,  but  as  there  was  no  guar- 
antee that  a  new  Diocese  could  be  supported,  the  effort 
came  to  naught. 

The  subject  was,  however,  from  this  time  continually  agi- 
tated, and  on  November  15th,  1872,  at  a  Convocation  held 
in  Charleston,  Kanawha,  Major  A.  T.  Laidley  was  appointed 
to  open  correspondence  with  the  Vestries  and  to  report  at 
a  Convocation  to  be  held  in  Volcano  April  23,  1873.  The 
response  from  the  Vestries  was  so  meagre  and  incomplete 
that  although  the  meeting  was  held  nothing  could  be  done. 

On  January  19,  1874,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Vestry  of  St. 
John's,  Charleston,  another  effort  was  made  to  get  a  full  ex- 
pression of  the  people  in  behalf  of  the  new  Diocese,  but  the 
effort  failed,  it  may  be  chiefly  on  account  of  the  opposition 
in  the  eastern  counties. 

In  the  autumn  of  1875,  Bishop  Johns  expressed  himself  in 
favor  of  the  division,  provided  the  support  of  the  Diocese 
could  be  secured,  and  on  April  19th,  1876,  at  the  twentieth 
annual  session  of  the  Convocation  of  West  Virginia,  held 
in  Wellsburg,  steps  were  taken  to  bring  the  matter  formally 
before  the  Annual  Council  of  Virginia,  meeting  in  Alex- 
andria in  May.  That  Council  recommended  the  calling  of  a 
conference  of  the  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the  Parishes  and  Con- 
gregations  within  the  limits  of  West  Virginia,  to  furnish 


in  West  Virginia;  267 

such  information  as  might  enable  the  Council  at  its  next 
session  to  act  intelligently  on  the  subject. 

This  Conference  met  in  Parker sburg  on  April  18th,  187T. 
Two  sessions  were  held;  they  were  well  attended  and  the 
best  feeling  prevailed.  The  Conference  adjourned  to  meet 
in  Staunton  on  May  16th.  The  result  was  the  request  to 
set  apart  West  Virginia  as  a  separate  Diocese.  The  request 
was  granted  by  the  following  vote:  Ayes,  clergy  91;  laity, 
94.    Noes,  clergy,  1;  laity,  10. 

Bishop  Whittle  having  given  his  consent,  the  matter  was 
brought  up  before  the  General  Convention,  meeting  in  Bos- 
ton in  October,  and  by  them  ratified.  Thus  the  Diocese  of 
Virginia  was  divided  and  the  new  Diocese  of  West  Virginia 
created. 

The  Primary  Convention  was  held  in  Charleston,  Decem- 
ber 5th,  1877,  resulting  in  the  election  as  Bishop,  of  the  Kev. 
J.  H.  Eccleston,  D.  D.  He  having  declined,  at  the  first  an- 
nual Council  held  in  Charlestown,  February  27th,  1878,  the 
Rev.  George  W.  Peterkin,  of  Memorial  Church,  Baltimore, 
Md.,  was  elected.  He  was  consecrated  in  St.  Matthew's 
Church,  Wheeling,  on  Ascension  Day,  May  30th,  1878,  by 
the  Bishop  of  Ohio,  assisted  by  the  Bishop  of  Pittsburg*,  and 
Virginia,  the  assistant  Bishop  of  Kentucky  and  the  Bishop 
of  Southern  Ohio. 

Primary  Convention  of  1877. 

The  Primary  Convention  met  in  St.  John's  Church,  Charles- 
ton, on  Wednesday,  December  5th.  Bishop  Whittle  presided; 
the  Rev.  J.  G.  Armstrong  preached  the  sermon.  There  were 
present  fourteen  Clergymen  and  fourteen  Laymen. 

The  Rev.  James  Grammer  was  elected  President,  and  the 
Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy  Secretary  of  the  Convention,  and  Mr.  R. 
J.  McCandlish  Treasurer  of  the  Diocese. 

On  motion  of  Judge  Geo.  W.  Thompson,  the  new  Diocese 
was  called  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia.  The  name  "Coun- 
cil" was  chosen  for  the  annual  meeting.  Rev.  James  Gram- 
mer was  elected  President  of  the  Council. 


208  The  Episcopal  Church 

The  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Mr.  N.  S.  White  and  Judge  Thomp- 
son were  chosen  a  Committee  on  Constitution  and  Canons; 
they  made  a  partial  report  and  were  continued. 

On  the  sixth  ballot  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Eccleston,  D.  D.,  Rector 
of  Trinity  Church,  Newark,  N.  J.,  was  elected  Bishop. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  confer  with  the  Council  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia 
on  the  relations  between  us  in  regard  to  Church  property, 
etc. 

Mr.  R.  J.  McCandlish  was  elected  Treasurer  of  the  Diocese. 

Judge  Thompson  stated  that  $2,4G9  was  pledged  for  the 
support  of  the  Bishop,  and  that  |300  additional  could  be  de- 
pended upon  from  Churches  that  had  made  no  pledges. 
Judge  Thompson  was  appointed  Trustee  of  this  fund. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  the  Diocese  was,  pending 
the  consecration  of  Bishop,  placed  under  the  Episcopal 
charge  of  the  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  J.  G.  Armstrong,  the  salary  of  the 
Bishop  was  fixed  for  the  present  at  $2,200;  and  it  was  also 
stated  that  Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg,  had  tendered  an 
Episcopal  residence  in  that  city. 

The  ballots  were  as  follows: 

CLERICAL. 

Whole  number  of  votes  cast  13.     Necessary  to  a  choice  7. 

1st.  2nd.  3rd.  4th. 

Rev.  J.  H.  Eccleston,  D.  D., 2         1  2         1 

Rev.  R.  H.  McKim,  D.  D., 5         5  5         5 

Rev.  John  H.  Elliott,  D.  D 1        —  —       — 

Rev.  W.  H.  Meade,        4         6  6         7 

Rev.  Geo.  W.  Peterkin 1         I 

LAY    VOTE. 

Whole  number  of  votes  cast  15.     Necessary  to  a  choice  8. 
To  concur,  .         ,         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         5 

To  non-concur, 10- 

The  vote  was  taken  again,  as  follows : 


in  West  Virginia.  269 

clerical. 

Whole  number  of  votes  cast  13.     Necessary  to  a  choice  7. 

1st.  2nd. 

Rev.  J.  H.  Eccleston,  D.  D 6         7 

Rev.  R.  H.  McKim,  D.  D., 5         5 

Rev.  Geo.  W.  Peterkin, 1 

Rev.  J.  H.  Elliott,  D.  D., 11 

LAY. 

Whole  number  of  votes  cast  15;  necessary  to  a  choice,  8. 
To  concur,          .  .......         13 

To  non-concur,         ........  2 

Members  of  the  Council: 

Kev.  J.  G.  Armstrong,  Wheeling;  Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs,  Charles- 
ton; Rev.  Geo.  A.  Gibbons,  Fairmont;  Rev.  James  Grammer, 
Middleway;  Rev.  J.  P.  Hubbard,  Shepherdstown;  Rev.  Emile 
J.  Hall,  Pocahontas  county;  Rev.  W.  L.  Hyland,  Parkersburg; 
Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  Point  Pleasant;  Rev.  Jno.  W.  Lea,  Martins- 
burg;  Rev.  Wm.  T.  Leavell,  Hedgesville;  Rev.  Richard  H. 
Mason,  Union;  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Meade,  Charlestown;  Rev.  Sam- 
uel D.  Tompkins,  Volcano;  Rev.  John  F.  Woods,  Clarksburg. 

Mr.  J.  L.  W.  Baker,  Martinsburg;  Dr.  C.  P.  Bryan,  Poca- 
hontas county;  Dr.  John  T.  Cotton,  Charleston;  Col.  Jno. 
S.  Cunningham,  Coalsmouth;  Mr.  Geo.  T.  Kreglow,  Hedges- 
ville; Mr.  E.  I.  Lee,  Shepherdstown;  Dr.  James  Logie,  Lee- 
town;  Mr.  Jas.  MacNeer,  Union;  Mr.  R.  J.  McCandlish,  Par- 
kersburg; Gen'l.  Jno.  H.  Oley,  Huntiuglon;  Hon.  Edmund 
Sehon,  Point  Pleasant;  Judge  Jos.  Smith,  Ravenswood;  Hon. 
Geo.  W.  Thompson,  Wheeling;  Mr.  N.  S.  White,  Charlestown; 
Mr.  W.  E.  Watson,  Fairmont. 

Council  of    1878.     Charles  Town. 

The  First  Annual  Council  met  in  Zion  Church,  Charlestown, 
on  Wednesday,  February  27.  Bishop  Whittle  presided;  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs  preached  the  sermon.  There  were  present 
fourteen  Clergymen  and  seventeen   Laymen. 

Bishop  Whittle  having  reported,  thai   the  Kev.  Dr.  Eccles- 


270  The  Episcopal  Church 

ton  had  declined  the  Episcopate,  to  which  he  was  elected  at 
the  Primary  Convention  of  1877,  on  the  eleventh  ballot  the 
Eev.  Geo.  W.  Peterkin,  Rector  of  the  Memorial  Church,  Bal- 
timore, was  elected  Bishop. 
The  ballots  were  as  follows: 

CLERICAL  VOTE. 

1st.  2nd.  3rd.  4th.  5th.  6th    7th.  8th.  9th. lOth.llth 

Rev.  W.  H.  Meade,         .         77744665553 

Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  D.  D.,   2     2     2     2     3     2     2     2 

Rev.  Jno.  H.  Elliott,  D.  D.,  33333423333 
Rev.  Geo.  W.  Peterkin,  2224423466  8 
Rev.  J.  S.  Hanekel.  D.  D., 1 — 

Whole  number  of  votes  cast,  14;  necessary  to  a  choice,  8. 

The  Council  took  a  recess  until  the  next  day,  Friday, 
March  1st,  then  was  taken  the  Lay  vote. 

To  concur, 15 

To  non-concur, 2 

Whole  number  of  votes  cast,  17;  necessary  to  a  choice,  9. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  an  assessment  at  the  rate 
of  twenty-five  cents  per  communicant  was  made  on  the  par- 
ishes for  the  contingent  fund. 

Special  Council  of  1878.     Martinsburg. 

A  Special  Council  met  in  Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg,  on 
Wednesday,  July  10th,  to  consider  the  report  of  the  commit- 
tee appointed  to  confer  with  the  Diocese  of  Virginia  in  ref- 
erence to  Church  property,  etc.  Bishop  Peterkin  presided. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland  preached  the  sermon.  Present  8  Cler- 
gymen and  7  Laymen. 

The  Committee  reported  that,  in  regard  to  the  Widows' 
and  Orphans'  Fund,  the  Disabled  Clergy  Fund,  the  Bruce 
Fund,  the  Episcopal  residence  and  the  Episcopal  Fund,  it 
was  considered  that  West  Virginia  had  forfeited  and  relin- 
quished all  right  to  any  part  of  this  property.  Nevertheless, 
the  Diocese  of  Virginia  agrees  to  pay  to  the  Diocese  of  West 
Virginia,  the  sum  of  $5. 000,  and  the  acceptance  thereof  shall, 
ipso  facto,  operate  of  all  property  claims  of  the  one  Diocese 
against  the  other.    This  was  accepted. 


in  West  Virginia.  271 

The  rights  of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia  in  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary  and  High  School,  near  Alexandria,  were 
fully  recognized  and  two  Trustees  given  to  it  on  the  Board, 
as  also  on  the  Board  of  the  Education  Society. 

The  Virginia  Brotherhood  held  that  the  division  of  the 
Diocese  operated  to  forfeit  the  membership  of  all  the  West 
Virginia  Clergy. 

Council  of  1879.     Clarksburg. 

The  Second  Annual  Council  met  in  Christ  Church,  Clarks- 
burg, on  Wednesday,  June  4th.  The  Bishop  presided.  The 
JRev.  W.  H.  Meade  preached  the  sermon.  There  were  present 
13  clergymen  and  12  laymen. 

Progress  was  made  on  the  Canons.  The  Diocesan  Missions 
Committee  reported  $805.36  disbursed  during  the  year,  also 
$800  received  from  the  American  Church  Missionary  Society, 
and  $500  from  the  Board  of  Missions,  all  in  aid  of  ten  clergy- 
men. The  Bishop  recommended  the  formation  of  a  Brother- 
hood like  that  in  Virginia. 

From  the  Bishop's  address:  The  new  Diocese. 

"It  cannot  but  be  with  a  feeling  of  deep  responsibility  that 
we  enter  upon  our  work  in  this  new  Diocese.  Whatever  dif- 
ficulties may  have  been  in  the  way  of  its  formation,  yet  tlie 
very  general  feeling  was,  that  it  could  not  longer  be  delayed 
without  injury  to  the  Church;  and  I  have  been  happy  to  find 
in  my  visits  during  the  past  year  everywhere  a  spirit  of  hope- 
ful interest.  We  must  remember  that  the  immediate  result 
of  our  new  and  independent  organization  will  be  not  to  les- 
sen, but  to  increase  the  demands  of  work,  and  we  must  be 
content  to  lay  the  foundation  for  future  success,  by  patient 
labor  now,  and  to  cast  our  bread  upon  the  waters,  though  in 
some  cases  we  do  not  find  it  until  after  many  days.  The 
sparseness  of  our  population,  and  the  fewness  and  smallness 
of  our  existing  church  organizations,  with  but  few  excep- 
tions, wain  us  not  rashly  to  expect  impossibilities,  and  then 
to  be  discouraged  because  they  are  not  realized.  Le1  ua  be 
content   rather  with  a  gradual  and  more  healthy  growth,  as 


272  The  Episcopal  Church 

a  rule  the  strengthening  of  present  Parishes,  rather  than  the 
forming  a  multitude  of  new  and  feeble  ones;  the  develop- 
ment from  existing  centres,  rather  than  the  multiplication 
of  Missions  sometimes  worked  to  little  profit  and  supported 
with  \evj  great  difficulty. 

The  Brotherhood. 

In  December  last  I  sent  out  a  circular  to  the  churches  ask- 
ing for  a  contribution  toward  the  formation  of  a  fund  for 
the  relief  of  disabled  Clergy,  and  while  the  responses  to  that 
circular  were  not  such  as  could  have  been  desired,  yet  a  be- 
ginning has  been  made. 

Every  one  must  feel  the  importance  of  having  such  a  fund. 
At  the  present  time  we  have  no  Clergy  who  can  properly  be 
called  disabled;  but  we  cannot  tell  how  long  in  the  providence 
of  God  we  may  be  in  that  happy  condition.  It  is  not  only 
the  part  of  wisdom,  but  also  a  high  and  sacred  duty,  while 
we  have  opportunity,  to  make  provision  for  a  necessity  which 
may  soon  arise.  No  sight  can  be  more  sad,  or  more  dishon- 
oring to  the  Church  that  suffers  it,  than  to  see  faithful  men 
who  have  spent  their  strength,  and  often  their  scanty  means, 
in  the  sacred  ministry  of  the  Word,  on  the  approach  of  age 
turned  adrift  upon  the  cold  charity  of  the  world;  may  our 
Church  in  West  Virginia  be  spared  any  such  humiliating 
spectacle. 

It  is  proper  also,  in  this  connection,  to  call  your  attention 
to  the  benefits  which  may  accrue  to  our  Church  in  West 
Virginia,  from  the  formation  of  a  Brotherhood  like  that 
which  for  some  years  past  has  been  in  successful  operation 
in  the  Diocese  of  Virginia. 

The  objects  of  that  Brotherhood  are  too  well  known  to 
require  mention  here.  I  may  remind  you,  however,  of  its 
successful  working,  organized  at  the  Council  in  Wheeling, 
in  May,  1870.  It  has  during  the  nine  years  of  its  existence 
been  called  upon  to  make  eighteen  payments  to  the  families 
of  deceased  Clergymen.  The  average  amount  paid  to  each 
family  has  been  over  $1,200,  and  to  accomplish  this  the  an- 


REV.    JOHN    F.    WOODS. 


GRACE  CIirUCH,   CRESAPS. 


ST.    JOHN'S,   WILLOW   ISLAND. 


CHURCH  AT    ST.   MARY'S. 


ix  West  Virginia.  273 

nual  tax  upon  each  member  of  the  Brotherhood  has  been  a 
trifle  over  $•!.  It  would  be  hard  to  devise  another  plan, 
which,  with  so  little  effort,  would  confer  so  great  benefits 
as  the  Brotherhood  has  done.  It  is  earnestly  recommended 
to  the  Laity  of  our  Church  to  see  whether  they  cannot  inau- 
gurate a  Brotherhood  among  us  here  in  West  Virginia,  hav- 
ing, it  may  be,  the  essential  features  of  that  in  the  parent 
Diocese,  but  modified  where  necessary  to  meet  our  altered 
circumstances. 

It  is  possible  that  the  same  organization  might  have  in 
trust  any  funds  that  might  accumulate  for  the  relief  of  the 
widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  Clergymen.  What  organ- 
ization could  better  claim  the  name  of  a  Brotherhood  than 
one  which  sought  to  discharge  such  high  trusts,  the  members 
of  which,  in  the  hour  of  supreme  distress,  should  gladly 
come  forward  with  their  cheerful  offerings  to  help  lighten 
the  load  of  sorrowing  hearts,  and  contribute  to  the  support 
of  a  jiamily  whose  head  has  spent  his  life  for  the  welfare  of 
the  Church  of  Christ  in  this  Diocese. 

I  am  informed  that  before  the  organization  of  our  Dio- 
cese there  were  one  hundred  and  thirty  members  of  the 
Brotherhood  in  West  Virginia.  Might  we  not  expect,  now 
we  are  in  an  independent  and  more  responsible  position,  a 
very  large  increase  of  membership? 

We,  who  in  God's  providence  are  permitted  to  labor  in  the 
earlier  years  of  this  new  Diocese,  oavc  it  to  ourselves  and  to 
the  Church,  which  will  remain  when  we  have  passed  away, 
to  inaugurate  such  measures  as  will  proA*e  a  help  and  a  bless- 
ing for  all  time. 

Legacies. 

In  regard  to  these  objects  of  which  we  have  been  speak- 
ing, and  others  which,  like  them,  seem  to  require,  beyond 
stated  contributions,  some  permanent  fund  which  should  be 
administered  in  their  interest,  the  question  may  well  be 
asked.  Why  are  they  not  more  frequently   remembered  in 


274  The  Episcopal  Church 

that  final  disposition  of  the  estate  which  we  commonly  make 
in  prospect  of  another  world? 

The  fact  that  superstition  has  sometimes  thought  to  atone 
for  the  selfish  use  of  means  during  life  by  the  gift  of  those 
means  to  the  Church  when  they  could  not  any  longer  be  en- 
joyed, this  should  not  make  us  act  as  if  we  supposed  our- 
selves, any  the  less  responsible  stewards  in  the  final  dispo- 
sition of  our  estates  at  death  than  we  are  in  their  regular  ad- 
ministration during  life.  Would  it  not  sanctify  every  be- 
quest and  cause  it  to  carry  with  it  a  blessing  beyond  its  in- 
trinsic value  if,  in  the  solemn  hour  when  we  make  our  last 
will  and  testament,  in  devout  recognition  of  Him  who  giveth 
us  power  to  get  wealth,  we  thought  of  His  kingdom  in  the 
world  and  recognized  its  claims? 

Where  large  bequests  cannot  be  made,  we  know  it  is  often 
the  custom,  even  for  those  of  very  limited  means,  to  leave 
certain  small  sums  to  'dependents  and  to  friends  out  of  the 
family,  as  a  last  testimonial  of  esteem  and  affection.  There 
seems  to  be  no  good  reason  why  at  least  so  much  thoughtful- 
ness  should  not  be  shown  in  regard  to  church  institutions, 
for  which  we  earnestly  labor  in  life,  and  in  regard,  also,  to 
church  funds  whose  maintenance  and  increase,  as  must  ap- 
pear to  us  all,  are  so  important  for  the  progress  and  welfare 
of  the  Diocese.  And  perhaps  it  may  be  in  the  power  of  some. 
by  a  wise  and  large  liberality,  to  make  such  provision  for 
the  temporal  needs  of  their  own  churches,  or  of  the  Diocese 
at  large  that  many  who  come  after  them  shall  rise  up  and  call 
them  blessed. 

Legacies  have  often  been  lost  to  the  Church  because  of  le- 
gal difficulties.  To  obviate  these  it  may  be  expedient  to  con- 
sider the  advisability  of  applying  for  the  incorporation  of 
a  society  or  self-perpetuating  committee  to  hold  funds  in 
trust  for  church  purposes.  In  the  meantime  it  is  believed 
that  where  bequests  are  judiciously  made,  so  that  there  be 
no  feeling  of  wrong  on  the  part  of  the  family  or  other  lawful 
heirs,  in  most  cases  the  full  amount  would  be  promptly  paid. 

At  all  events,  it  seems  clear  that  legacies  would  have  a 


ix  West  Virginia.  275 

more  prominent  place  in  our  holy  treasuries  if  we  more  fre- 
quently, in  accordance  with  the  Rubric  in  the  visitation  for 
the  sick,  earnestly  'moved  men  to  be  liberal  to  the  poor,' 
or,  in  other  words,  since,  as  some  one  well  says,  by  such 
words  as  'the  poor,'  in  the  wide  sense  of  Holy  Scripture, 
we  include  every  agency  of  charity  to  body  and  soul,  legacies 
would  more  frequently  come  to  aid  us  in  our  Church  work, 
through  the  last  bequests  of  our  people.  If  we  Ministers — 
as  faithful  men,  mindful  not  only  of  the  duty  which  a  man 
owes  to  his  reputation  and  his  executors  and  his  family  in 
the  just  settlement  of  his  estate,  but  mindful  also  of  his 
duty  to  that  kingdom  of  God  to  build  up  which  in  the  world 
must  always  be,  even  to  life's  latest  hour,  next  to  his  own 
salvation,  his  chief  care  and  joy — would  in  our  dealings  with 
our  parishioners,  especially  in  prospect  of  the  account  of 
their  stewardship  to  be  given  to  God,  move  them  to  a  rea- 
sonable and  holy  disposition  of  what  God  has  enabled  them 
to  lay  up  in  store. 

The  Council  of  1880.     Parkersburg. 

The  Third  Annual  Council  met  in  Trinity  Church,  Parkers- 
burg, on  Wednesday,  June  2d.  The  Bishop  presided.  The 
Rev.  J.  P.  Hubbard  preached  the  sermon.  There  were  pres- 
ent sixteen  Clergymen  and  twenty-three  Laymen. 

The  Rev  R.  A.  Cobbs  was  elected  Secretary,  vice  Rev.  T. 
H.  Lacy,  resigned. 

The  Brotherhood  was  organized. 

Deputies  to  the  General  Convention,  Clerical,  Rev.  W.  H. 
Meade,  Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs,  Rev.  R.  A.  Gibson,  Rev.  J.  P.  Hub- 
bard. Lay,  Mr.  X.  S.  White,  Hon.  Geo.  W.  Thompson,  Maj. 
Tims.  L.  Broun,  Gen'l.  Wm.  P.  Craighill. 

The  Council  of  188  I.     Shepherdstown. 

The  Fourth  Annual  Council  met  in  Trinity  Church,  Shep- 
herdstown, on  Wednesday.  June  1st.  The  Bishop  presided. 
The  Rev.  Jno.  W.  Lea  preached  the  sermon.  There  were 
present   sixteen  Clergymen  and  eleven  Laymen. 

St.  Luke's  Parish,  Wheeling,  was  admitted  into  union  with 
the  Council.     Metes  and  bounds.  Wheeling  Island. 


27(3  The  Episcopal  Church 

The  Diocese  consented  to  unite  as  a  party  in,  and  to,  the 
Constitution  of  the  Church  Institutions  at  Gambier  in  the 
Diocese  of  Ohio. 

Eev.  R.  A.  Gibson  and  Dr.  E.  A.  Hildreth  were  elected 
Trustees  for  a  period  of  three  years. 

The  Council  of  1882.     Point  Pleasant. 

The  Fifth  Annual  Council  met  in  Christ  Church,  Point 
Pleasant,  on  Wednesday,  June  7th.  The  Bishop  presided. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Lacy  preached  the  sermon.  The  Church  was 
consecrated.  There  were  present  eighteen  Clergymen  and 
fourteen  La.ymen. 

It  was  determined  to  build  in  Parkersburg  an  Episcopal 
residence. 

Mr.  Cruger  W.  Smith  was  appointed  Registrar,  and  Judge 
J.  P.  Rogers,  Chancellor  of  the  Diocese. 

From  the  Bishop's  address:  "The  work  of  building  both 
Churches  and  Parsonages  goes  steadily  forward.  I  have  laid 
the  Corner-stones  of  two  Churches,  and  consecrated  three 
others,  during  the  year,  and  four  other  Churches  will  be 
ready  for  consecration  in  the  next  two  or  three  months.  One 
Parsonage  has  been  finished,  and  two  fairly  begun. 

The  Clergy,  also,  more  than  ever,  are  trying  to  occupy  our 
whole  territory,  and  to  make  the  smallest  flocks,  in  the  most 
distant  parts  of  the  Diocese,  realize  that  they  are  not  for- 
gotten. In  this  connection,  I  would  call  attention  to  one 
difficulty  connected  with  our  peculiar  and  enforced  methods 
of  work,  which  we  must  try,  as  far  as  we  can,  to  remedy. 
When  Service  is  held  in  a  Church,  or  at  a  Station  regularly, 
Sunday  after  Sunday,  it  is  a  comparatively  easy  thing  to 
keep  up  a  Sunday  School;  but  when  there  is  no  such  regular 
Service,  but  only  one  less  frequent,  it  may  be  twice  a  month, 
or  even  only  once;  then  the  Sunday  School  is  apt  to  suffer, 
or  be  abandoned  altogether,  and  there  is  a  consequent  loss 
to  the  Church.  As  far  as  our  own  children  are  concerned, 
they  can  be  taught,  and  ought  to  be  taught,  at  home,  though 
I  am  afraid  it  is  not  always  so;  but  we  suffer  positive  loss 


in  West  Virginia.  277 

in  our  failure  to  reach  and  impress  those  other  children,  who 
are  attracted  to  our  Church,  and  those  who  find  no  Christian 
teaching  or  example  in  their  own  homes.  We  see  that  every 
now  and  then  some  earnest  Christian  woman  solves  this 
problem,  as  it  presents  itself  to  her.  When  she  cannot  have 
a  school,  she  has  a  class.  She  gathers  all  who  come  to  her  in 
the  quiet  of  her  own  room,  and  although  they  may  miss  the 
accessories  of  a  more  public  worship,  yet  the  children  are 
really  taught,  and  often  better  than  they  would  be  in  many 
Sunday  schools,  the  things  that  concern  the  Kingdom  of 
God  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Why  should  not  we  have 
these  little  Bible-classes  all  over  the  country?  Why  should 
not  all  the  children,  however  scattered  they  may  be,  be  thus 
taught,  Sunday  by  Sunday,  the  Catechism  which  the  Church 
has  put  forth  for  their  instruction,  the  Creed,  the  Lord's 
Prayer,  and  the  Ten  Commandments,  and  all  other  things 
which  a  Christian  ought  to  know  and  believe  to  his  Soul's 
health?  And  why  should  not  every  Christian  home  be  a  cen- 
ter of  influence,  and  a  power  for  good?  It  cannot  be  doubted 
that  just  so  far  as  Christian  people  fail  thus  to  do  this  good 
that  it  is  in  the  power  of  their  hand  to  do,  that  they  come 
short  of  their  duty,  and  their  privilege. 

Temperance. 

The  question  of  Temperance  still  claims  our  anxious  con- 
sideration. The  evils  resulting  from  the  drinking  usages  of 
society  are  so  great  and  so  far  reaching  in  their  consequences, 
as  to  call  for  the  most  earnest  effort  for  reform  on  the  part 
of  all  good  citizens  and  good  Christians. 

It  is  useless  to  disguise  the  fact  that  this  question  is  com- 
passed with  very  great  practical  difficulties.  We  believe  that 
the  Church  of  England  has  inaugurated  a  true  Temperance 
movement,  which  gives  the  largest  promise  of  blessing  to 
their  whole  land.  It  becomes  us  seriously  to  consider  how 
far  we  can  adopt  the  plan  that  works  so  successfully  in  Eng- 
land, and  what  modifications  of  that  plan  are  required  by  our 
peculiar  surroundings  and  situation  in  this  country. 


278  The  Episcopal  Church 

The  organization  effected  at  the  last  Council  has,  I  believe, 
not  accomplished  much,  save  the  distribution  of  a  few  docu- 
ments. I  have  requested  Mr.  Graham,  the  representative  of 
the  American  Church  Temperance  Society,  to  be  present 
during  our  session,  and  to  give  us  such  counsel  as  may  make 
our  Organization  more  efficient.  Our  territory  is  so  exten- 
sive, and  our  Churches  and  Missions  so  scattered  that  in  this 
work  we  shall  have  to  depend  upon  local  societies  more  than 
upon  a  General  Organization. 

The  Council  of  1883.    Wheeling. 

The  Sixth  Annual  Council  met  in  St.  Matthew's  Church, 
Wheeling,  on  Wednesday,  June  6th.  The  Bishop  presided. 
The  Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell  preached  the  sermon.  The  Rev.  Fran- 
cis K.  Leavell  was  ordered  Priest.  There  were  present  twen- 
ty Clergymen  and  twenty-three  Laymen.  St.  Luke's  Church, 
Wheeling  Island,  was  consecrated  on  Sunday,  the  10th. 

Greenbrier  Parish  was  admitted  into  union  with  the  Coun- 
cil. Metes  and  bounds,  the  county  of  Greenbrier  (exclusive 
of  the  White  Sulphur  Springs  Mission),  and  also  the  town  of 
Alderson,  in  Monroe  county. 

Deputies  to  the  General  Convention:  Rev.  R.  A.  Gibson, 
Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs,  Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell,  Rev.  L.  R.  Mason; 
Messrs.  N.  S.  White,  Maj.  T.  L.  Broun,  R.  J.  McCandlish,  J. 
P.  Rogers. 

Alternates:  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  Rev.  Jno.  W.  Lea,  Rev.  C.  C. 
Pearson,  Rev.  Joshua  Cowpland;  Col.  W.  P.  Craighill,  Mr. 
B.  M.  Ambler,  Mr.  E.  I.  Lee,  Col.  W.  H.  Hogeman. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

Care  of  those  Confirmed. 
Among  the  many  difficulties  connected  with  our  scattered 
work  not  the  least  is  the  proper  care  of  those  who  are 
brought  to  confirmation.  Infrequent  services,  little  pas- 
toral intercourse,  imperfect  acquaintance  with  the  Church 
and  her  services  and  the  want  of  suitable  books  to  put  into 
the  hands  of  the  people,  these  are  some  of  the  things  we  can- 
not but  see  and  lament  in  our  widelv  extended  field  of  labor. 


in  West  Virginia.  279 

This  is  a  most  serious  matter  and  calls  for  anxious  thought 
and  earnest  effort.  Our  work  is  but  begun  when  we  gather 
into  congregations,  here  and  there,  little  bands  of  faithful 
people.  We  must  have  a  care  lest  they  afterward  be  scat- 
tered abroad  as  sheep  having  no  Shepherd. 

Shall  not  the  Clergy  give  their  earnest  thought  to  this 
most  important  part  of  their  work;  and  shall  not  the  lay- 
people,  godly  men  and  women  everywhere  lend  a  helping 
hand?  Shall  not  Parents  and  Guardians  be  more  careful  to 
teach  the  children  the  Creed,  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  the  Ten 
Commandments  and  all  other  things  which  a  Christian  ought 
to  know  and  believe  to  his  soul's  health,  so  that  every  home 
may  be  as  the  Home  of  God  and  as  the  gate  of  Heaven?  And 
shall  there  not  on  every  side  be  a  mutual  care  one  for  an- 
other that  those  who  have  little  strength  and  knowledge  may 
be  guided  and  encouraged  and  led  on  in  the  way  they  ought 
to  j;o?  The  Commission  of  the  Risen  Saviour  to  His  Disci- 
pies  was  not  only  to  go  and  baptize  all  nations  but  also  to 
teach  them  all  commanded  things.  Must  we  not  have  regard 
for  this?  And  may  it  not  be  possible  that  sometimes  in  our 
zeal  for  the  extension  of  Christ's  Kingdom,  we  may  lose  sight 
of  the  less  inspiring  and  exciting,  but  no  less  important  work 
of  caring  for  the  Christian  people  already  in  the  Church, 
and  leading  them  on  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord? 

I  desire  to  take  this  opportunity  to  call  your  attention  to 
two  great  evils,  which  seriously  threaten  the  well-being  of 
society;  against  which,  therefore,  Christian  people  should 
be  ready  ever  to  lift  up  a  warning  voice,  and  combat  by  every 
means  properly  in  their  power.  I  refer  to  Intemperance  and 
a  disregard  of  the  Lord's  Day. 

Intemperance  and  the  Lord's  Day. 

In  regard  to  Intemperance,  the  public  mind  has  been  great- 
ly awakened  of  late  years,  both  in  Church  and  State.  Leg- 
islation is  often  sough!  and  seemed,  to  check  this  monster 
evil,  and  with  varying  success.  There  is  much  diversity  of 
opinion  as  to  what  form,  precisely,  legislation  on  this  sub- 


280  The  Episcopal  Church 

ject  should  take,  but  without  describing  that  here,  I  am 
fully  convinced  that  one  of  our  very  first  duties  as  Christian 
men  and  loyal  citizens,  is  to  try  more  earnestly  to  have  the 
existing  excellent  laws  on  the  subject  enforced.  If  our  var- 
ious Temperance  Societies  in  Church  and  State  would  put 
forth  more  efforts  in  this  direction,  as  our  Church  Temper- 
ance Society  in  New  York  is  now  doing,  much  could  be  ac- 
complished. 

There  is  often  the  widest  possible  difference  in  the  condi- 
tion of  towns  in  which  the  same  law  is  nominally  in  force. 
It  has  come  under  my  personal  observation,  that  the  existing 
law  does  prove  efficient  in  some  places  to  suppress  as  far  as 
we  can  see  the  evil  of  Intemperance,  while  in  other  places  the 
very  same  law  appears  to  be  of  no  avail.  We  have  need  to 
remember  that  laws  do  not  execute  themselves,  and  there 
seems  to  be  no  good  reason  why  the  judicious  laws  we  have 
upon  our  Statute  books,  as  to  the  regulation  of  the  sale  of 
intoxicating  drinks,  should  be  suffered  to  be  disregarded  any 
more  than  other  laws  which  have  the  order  and  well  being  of 
society  in  view. 

I  do  not  say  that  nothing  more  in  the  way  of  legislation 
ought  to  be  attempted,  but  I  do  say  that  the  existing  laws 
faithfully  executed  would  greatly  diminish,  and  in  many 
cases  break  up  the  vice  whose  prevalence  we  all  so  much  la- 
ment. 

The  second  great  evil  of  which  I  desire  to  speak  is  Disre- 
gard of  the  Lord's  Day.  I  need  not  enter  into  any  argument 
here  to  uphold  the  perpetual  obligation  of  this  Holy  Day.  It 
was  made  for  man,  to  meet  the  moral  and  religious  and  phys- 
ical needs  of  his  nature;  and  it  is  recognized  among  us  not 
only  as  a  religious,  but  also  as  a  civil  Institution, 

There  is  room  for  honest  difference  of  opinion  as  to  many 
practical  details  in  regard  to  the  observance  of  this  Day,  but 
I  think  all  must  acknowledge  a  growing  tendency  on  the  part 
of  society,  altogether  to  disregard  its  sacred  obligations,  and 
sacrifice  any  sanctity  it  may  possess  to  the  desire  for  pleas- 
ure or  money.    We  hear  much  of  what  some  are  pleased  to 


REV.    C.    N.    SPALDING. 


ST.    LTJKB'S,    PARISH    HOUSE. 


REV.    HENRY   HOBART    MORRELL,    D.    D. 


REV.    J.    GIBSON    GANNT. 


in  West  Virginia.  ^81 

call  the  necessities  of  our  modern  life,  but  can  you  bring- 
under  such  head  Sunday  theaters,  Sunday  excursion  and 
freight  trains,  Sunday  mails  and  Sunday  papers,  and  the 
many  forms  of  amusement,  dissipation  and  traffic,  with  which, 
in  some  parts  of  the  country,  the  people  are  only  too  fa- 
miliar? 

In  the  mad  haste  to  be  rich  on  the  part  of  individuals  and 
of  corporations,  demoralizing  labor  is  often,  on  this  Day,  im- 
posed on  multitudes  of  practically  helpless  employees,  popu- 
lar respect  for  the  Day  is  undermined,  and  in  many  cases  it 
is  believed,  the  Law  of  the  Land  is  broken.  Not  only  the  in- 
terest of  our  holy  religion,  which  rest  upon  this  day,  as  on 
a  great  bulwark,  but  our  duty  as  loyal  citizens,  having  the 
highest  good  of  the  community  at  heart,  must  prompt  us 
to  promote,  as  far  as  we  can,  among  all  men  a  true  under- 
standing of  the  value  of  this  sacred  day  to  themselves,  their 
families  and  to  the  state,  and  to  lead  them  to  resist  whatever 
tends  to  deprive  them  of  it,  and  do  away  with  the  just  laws 
which  now  protect  their  Sunday  privileges  and  rights.  It 
has  been  well  said  that  the  cause  of  Sunday  is  at  once  the 
cause  of  the  individual,  the  family,  the  parish,  the  people,  the 
Kingdom  of  God;  and  that  while  we  would  not  dictate  as  to 
how  men  should  keep  this  Day,  yet  that  the  freedom  of  the 
individual  must  find  its  limits  in  the  welfare  of  the  commu- 
nity. I  desire  earnestly  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Council 
to  this  important  subject. 

The  Council  of    1884.     Martinsburg. 

The  Seventh  Annual  Council  met  in  Trinity  Church,  Mar- 
tinsburg, on  Wednesday,  June  Ith.  The  Bishop  presided. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Swope  preached  the  sermon.  Mr.  R.  G.  No- 
land  was  ordered  Deacon.  In  the  absence  of  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs, 
the  Rev.  F.  K.  Leavell  was  elected  Secretary  pro  tern.  There 
were  present   eighteen  Clergymen  and  sixteen  Laymen. 

The  Bishop  reported  $3,819.06  received  from  various 
sources  in  aid  of  churches  injured  by  the  great  Hood  of  Feb- 
ruary. 


282  The  Episcopal  Church 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  participate  in  the  Centen- 
nial of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  May,  1885. 

There  was  an  appropriation  made  of  $8,000  from  the  Per- 
manent Fund  to  the  Episcopal  residence.  The  Bishop's  sal- 
ary was  increased  to  $2,500. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

Rev.  John  W.  Lea. 

On  the  15th  of  May,  the  Rev.  John  W.  Lea,  of  St.  Albans, 
was  called  to  his  rest.  Apparently  in  robust  health  at  the 
Convocation  which  met  on  the  23rd  of  April,  there  were  com- 
plications resulting  from  a  virulent  carbuncle  on  the  back 
of  his  neck,  and  in  a  little  more  than  two  weeks  he  was 
dead.  At  our  meeting  here  in  Martinsburg  six  years  ago,  the 
Missions  Committee  determined  to  otter  iheir  first  original 
enterprise,  the  Kanawha  Valley  Mission,  to  Mr.  Lea.  The 
charge  was  accepted,  and  since  October  1878,  he  has  been  la- 
boring faithfully  in  that  part  of  the  Diocese,  with  residence 
at  Coalburgh  and  afterwards  at  St.  Albans.  His  labors  were 
much  blest  and  he  was  permitted  to  see  and  enjoy  the  fruits 
of  them. 

Of  an  ardent  temperament,  Mr.  Lea  undertook  his  work 
with  enthusiasm  and  carried  it  on  with  vigor.  He  had  a 
hearty,  genuine  sympathy  for  his  fellow  man,  whether  he  met 
him  in  the  drawing  room  or  in  the  mine,  and  this  was,  no 
doubt,  one  great  secret  of  his  success  as  a  minister.  His 
heart  was  full  of  love  of  the  Saviour,  and  he  was  ready  al- 
ways to  speak  words  of  warning  and  counsel  to  others. 

He  showed  in  his  ministiy  the  effect  of  his  military  train- 
ing; the  gallant  soldier  became  the  earnest  and  brave  Mis- 
sionary, outspoken  and  impetuous,  but  thoroughly  loyal  and 
as  ready  to  follow  those  in  authority  as  to  lead  others.  Cut 
off  in  the  midst  of  years  and  usefulness  he  leaves  a.  large  and 
dependent  family.  Even  so,  Father,  for  so  it  seemed  good 
in  thy  sight. 

The  Flood  of  February,  1884. 

In  February,  of  this  year  the  Ohio  Valley  was  visited  by 
a  disastrous  Hood.     Much  of  our  Church  property  was  dam- 


in  West  Virginia.  283 

aged  and  many  of  our  Church  people  lost  very  heavily.  In 
the  '"Church  News"  of  February  28th,  1884,  a  statement  was 
made  in  regard  to  the  matter,  and  it  is  all  so  fresh  in  our 
minds  that  there  is  no  need  that  I  should  speak  particularly 
of  it  again.  But  it  is  eminently  proper  that  I  should  put 
on  record  here  an  expression  of  our  profound  gratitude  to 
the  friends  who  have  so  generously  come  forward  to  our  re- 
lief in  a  time  of  so  much  distress;  many  of  them  are  not 
known  to  us  in  the  flesh,  but  we  shall  gratefully  remember 
their  kindness  and  pray  for  God's  blessing  upon  them. 

The  total  amount  received  from  the  various  funds 
Churches,  and  individuals  has  been  13819.00;  of  this  sum, 
1526.00  has  been  placed  at  my  discretion,  as  might  seem 
best  in  the  general  work  of  the  Church.  This  has  been  for 
safe  keeping  covered  into  the  Treasury  of  the  Diocesan  Mis- 
sionary Committee,  to  be  disbursed  as  occasion  may  require, 
and  with  their  advice,  the  balance  of  $3293.06,  designed  es- 
pecially for  the  repairs  of  Churches  and  Parsonages,  and  the 
relief  of  the  destitute  has  been  disbursed,  chiefly  through 
the  Ministers,  resident,  or  in  charge,  as  follows:  Wellsburg, 
$525 ;  Wheeling,  $1,100,  (of  which  the  Island  received  $825) ; 
Moundsville,  $95;  New  Martinsville,  $245;  Ravenswood,  $50; 
Willow  Island.  $50;  Parkersburg,  $220;  Huntington,  $50; 
Hartford  City,  Mason,  West  Columbia,  and  Pt.  Pleasant, 
$748.34,  a  total  of  $3083.34,  leaving  a  balance  unexpended  of 
$209.72,  which  will  no  doubt  soon  find  its  proper  destination. 

The  Council  of  1885.     Lewisburg. 

The  Eighth  Annual  Council  met  in  St.  James'  Church.  Lew- 
isburg, on  Wednesday,  June  3d.  The  Bishop  presided.  The 
Rev.  K.  D.  Roller  preached  the  sermon.  Mr.  J.  B.  Fitzpat- 
rick  was  ordered  Deacon,  and  Rev.  R,  G.  Noland  Priest.  There 
were  present  nineteen  Clergymen  and  twelve  Laymen. 

A  committee  of  nine  was  appointed  to  consider  proposed 
changes  in  the  Prayer  Book. 

Places  for  the  annual  meetings  of  the  Council  were  fixed 
in  order. 


284  The  Episcopal  Church 

The  Rev.  R.  A.  Gibson,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed to  represent  this  Diocese  at  the  Centennial  Celebra- 
tion of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  then  read  the  annexed  re- 
port: 

"  Your  Committee,  appointed  to  attend  The  Centennial  Cel- 
ebration of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  beg  leave  respectfully  to 
report  that  on  Friday,  May  22d,  1885,  they  presented  them- 
selves in  the  Council  of  Virginia.  They  were  headed  by  the 
Bishop,  and  consisted  of  Revs.  R.  A.  Gibson,  T.  H.  Lacy,  D.  D., 
F.  K.  Leavell,  R.  D.  Roller,  Col.  W.  P.  Craighill,  Hon.  Geo.  W. 
Thompson,  Messrs.  Edmund  I.  Lee  and  Benjamin  Hurx- 
thall.  Bishop  Whittle  welcomed  the  visitors  and  invited 
them  to  seats.  Bishop  Peterkin  said  in  reply,  that  not  to 
occupy  too  much  of  the  time  of  the  Council  he  had  requested 
Rev.  R.  A.  Gibson  to  prepare  a  pape^  which  he  would  read. 

Mr.  Gibson  then  addressed  the  Council  as  follows: 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Annual  Council  of  the  Diocese  of  West 
Virginia,  held  in  May,  1884,  on  the  recommendation  of  a 
committee  appointed  to  consider  a  suggestion  made  by  the 
Bishop,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

'  That  the  Bishop  appoint  a  committee,  of  such  composi- 
tion as  to  number  and  Order  as  he  shall  think  best,  to  at- 
tend the  celebration  of  the  Centennial  of  the  Diocese  of  Vir- 
ginia and  represent  this  Diocese.' 

In  pursuance,  then,  of  the  resolution  aforesaid,  and  by  the 
appointment  of  our  Bishop,  we,  a  delegation  of  Clergy  and 
Laymen,  appear  among  you  on  this  auspicious  occasion  to 
represent  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia. 

For  254  years  (1607-1861)  under  the  same  political  rule;  for 
271  years  (1607-1878)  in  identical  relations,  whether  hinder- 
ing or  helpful,  with  the  Church  at  large;  for  87  years  re- 
joicing in  the  personal  supervision  and  ministration  of  the 
same  Bishop,  we  cannot,  in  a  day  or  week,  forget  that  long 
and  eventful  connection,  and  we  promise  ourselves  that 
while  remembered  by  us  or  by  our  children  it  shall  not  be 
ignored.     Today   the   mother   keeps   her   birthday,   and   the 


in  West  Virginia.  285 

daughter,  an  only  child,  fearless  of  presuming  on  her  privi- 
leges, comes  back  to  the  homestead  to  pay  her  filial  respects. 

In  our  opinion  the  history  of  the  Church  in  Virginia,  and 
especially  of  its  revival  between  the  years  1814  and  1S45 — a 
period  which  includes  the  consecration  of  Bishops  Moore, 
Meade  and  Johns — should  be  known  to  the  Church  people 
of  West  Virginia  as  well  as  to  those  who  march  under  the 
standard  of  the  old  Diocese.    To  us  it  reads  like  a  romance. 

Contemplating  the  depressed  condition  of  the  Church  in 
the  infant  Commonwealth  at  the  close  of  the  Revolution, 
and  the  failure  for  thirty  years  after  of  every  effort  to  re- 
vive her,  we  are  drawn  into  a  realizing  sympathy  with  the 
hopelessness,  if  not  the  apathy,  which  seemed  during  those 
dark  days  to  have  fettered  her  hands.  Served  only  by  minis- 
ters holding  their  commission  from  a  Church  identified  with 
an  alien  Government;  stripped  of  her  property  by  the  acts 
of  her  own  legislators,  many  of  whom  had  followed  her  sons 
in  their  struggle  for  liberty;  regarded  as  legitimate  prey  by 
hostile  Sectaries  of  every  name;  reduced  in  number  of  Par- 
ishes to  less  than  one-half,  and  in  Clergy  to  the  pitiful  count 
of  twenty-eight;  suffering  in  several  instances  from  the  im- 
moral conduct  of  her  ordained  representatives;  without 
Episcopal  supervision,  without  clerical  organization,  with- 
out power  to  increase  her  ministry,  we  cease  to  won- 
der that  the  religion  of  her  people  rook  narrower 
forms  than  those  encouraged  by  her  teaching,  and 
that  scepticism  and  worldliness  ran  riot  in  our  Zion.  The 
necessity  of  an  outward  organization  of  the  Church  for  the 
•  preservation  of  the  faith,  once  delivered  to  the  saints,'  was 
never  perhaps  in  history  more  thoroughly  exemplified. 

But  to  our  minds  the  other  side  of  this  picture  is  not  less 
striking  nor  less  full  of  instructive  lessons.  The  first  Con- 
vention of  1785,  and  the  consecration  of  Bishop  Madison  in 
ITiMI.  were  efforts  after  organization,  which,  to  a  great  ex- 
tent  failed  of  their  object.  The  additions  to  the  strength 
of  the  Diocese,  made  in  the  ordination  of  the  Rev.  William 


286  The  Episcopal  Church 

Meade  and  the  consecration  of  Bishop  Moore,  however  val- 
uable in  themselves,  seemed  utterly  inadequate  to  the  task 
of  resuscitating  the  dying.  And  the  burning  of  the  Richmond 
Theater,  in  1811,  was  an  event  as  foreign  as  possible  to  our 
conception  of  the  conditions  of  Church  growth.  Yet  these 
incidents  combined — conspired,  let  us  rather  say — to  raise 
the  Church  in  the  State  of  Virginia  from  the  throes  of  im- 
minent dissolution  to  a  position  of  commanding  influence 
in  the  State  and  Nation.  It  is  very  wonderful,  and  yet  not 
more  so  than  the  record  of  the  awakening  itself.  For  not  like 
an  invalid  recovering  from  wasting  illness,  but  like  a  giant  re- 
freshed with  sleep,  the  Church  spirit  of  the  Old  Dominion, 
throughout  its  borders,  and  by  a  single  impulse,  bestirred  it- 
self. The  Valley  of  the  Shenandoah,  then  a  new  land  and  full 
of  lusty  life,  called  to  the  regions  adjacent  to  the  sea,  and 
the  fertile  many-fountained  slopes,  lying  along  the  mount- 
ain's feet,  repeated  the  summons  and  echoed  the  ready  rply. 

To  a  mind  in  sympathy  with  the  people  among  whom  this 
movement  took  place,  and  especially'  with  the  cause  it  fur- 
thered and  whose  success  it  assured,  few  epochs  in  our  his- 
tory are  more  affecting.  Jerusalem  awoke  and  put  on  her 
strength,  careless,  men  say,  of  the  beautiful  garments  in 
which  that  strength  should  be  arrayed,  but  majestic  in  the 
earnestnes  of  her  purpose. 

In  1815  Bishop  Moore  made  an  encouraging  report  to  the 
Convention;  in  1830,  there  were  one  hundred  organized  Par- 
ishes in  the  Diocese;  in  1845  two  hundred  Parishes,  one  hun- 
dred Clergy,  and  fifty  persons  studying  for  the  Ministry,  gave 
full  occupation  to  two  Bishops.  A  period,  we  remark,  of 
thirty  years,  which  it  is  impossible  not  to  contrast  with  the 
thirty  years  preceding,  during  which  the  Clergy  list,  small 
to  begin  with,  had  steadily  decreased  until  only  seven  could 
be  gotten  together  for  the  important  work  of  electing  a 
Bishop. 

The  story  is  told  in  brief  on  the  monument  of  Bishop 
Moore,   which,  almost  hidden  among  the  trees  of  Shockoe 


ix  West  Virginia.  287 

Hill  cemetery,  is  yet  a  shrine  towards  which  the  feet  of 
every  Virginia  Churchman  should  at  some  time  be  turned. 
Part  of  the  inscription  runs  thus:  •  In  the  Convention  that 
called  him  to  the  Episcopate  there  were  only  seven  mem- 
bers; at  the  time  of  his  death  there  were  ninety-five  Clergy 
men  in  the  Diocese  of  Virginia.'  Truly,  God's  ways  are  not 
our  ways,  and  the  indications  of  His  providential  care  over 
His  Church,  afforded  in  the  events  to  which  this  slight  ref- 
erence is  made,  we  of  West  Virginia  would  not  fail  to  re- 
call, if  for  no  other  reason  than  this,  that  from  there  we 
may  gain  renewed  assurance  of  the  divine  favor  on  a  similar 
task,  which  in  His  name  we  have  set  for  ourselves. 

Nor  would  we  forget  the  men  whose  names  are  identified 
with  this  noble  movement.  Bishop  Moore — 'with  many  distin- 
guished qualifications  for  the  work  of  revival' — gracious,  elo- 
quent, and  loving.  Bishop  Meade,  wise,  untiring,  indomitable, 
and,  in  the  discharge  of  duty,  at  home  and  abroad,  absolutely 
fearless.  A  born  leader  of  men,  his  figure  would  be  conspicu- 
ous in  any  group  where  he  may  be  found.  Wilmer  and  Norris, 
who  brought  to  us  from  Maryland  their  varied  gifts  and  ac- 
quirements in  answer  to  our  appeal,  'Come  over  and  help  us.' 
Balmain,  generous  and  disinterested,  occupying  an  advance 
post  in  the  good  old  town  of  Winchester.  Syme,  who,  by 
virtue  of  a  blameless  life  and  a  commanding  position  on 
Court  House  Hill,  held  the  fort  in  Petersburg.  Buch- 
anan, the  approved  preacher,  the  unequalled  reader, 
the  genial  com  pan  ion,  tLe  bounteous  friend,  of  whom  a  con- 
temporary wrote  immediately  after  his  death:  "The  Saviour 
said,  'Thou  shall  love  Hie  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart, 
with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  first 
and  great  commandment,  and  the  second  is  like  unto  it. 
Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.'  These  two  laws 
were  written  on  the  tablets  of  this  excellent  man's  heart." 
Xo  Christian  ever  had  a  higher  eulogy. 

And  side  by  side  with  these  as  from  the  section  of  the  old 
State   from   which   our   Diocese   is   framed,   we   particularly 


288  The  Episcopal  Church 

mention  Benjamin  Allen,  of  whom  it  is  recorded  that  in  his 
ministry  he  left  few  neighborhoods  in  Jefferson  and  Berke- 
ley unfrequented,  and  by  reason  of  the  fact  that  he  read, 
meditated,  and  composed,  and  perhaps,  like  Caesar,  wrote 
on  horseback,  was  ready  to  preach  wherever  he  came.  John 
Thompson  Brooke,  whose  first  charge  was  Martinsburg  and 
Hedgesville,  and  whose  finished  sermons  were  written  only 
on  the  pages  of  his  wonderful  memory. 

Joseph  Doddridge,  M.  D.,  who,  besides  ministering  to  a 
congregation  on  the  hills  of  Brooke  County,  and  preaching 
in  Wheeling,  confers  upon  Virginia  the  honor  of  sending  the 
first  Episcopal  missionary  into  Ohio,  where  he  organized 
five  Parishes.  John  Armstrong,  first  Rector  in  Wheeling, 
whose  ministry,  whether  we  know  anything  else  of  it  or  not, 
has  one  infallible  seal,  his  worthy  son  William  succeeded 
in  time  to  the  father's  work.  In  these  men,  their  virtues,  and 
the  memory  of  their  labors,  we  here  claim  a  heritage,  which 
for  West  Virginia  and  her  children  we  desire  to  make  per- 
petual. 

But  West  Virginia  is  a  Diocese,  complete  in  equipment, 
developing  in  strength,  already,  comparative  statistics  being 
the  witness,  holding  no  mean  place  among  the  Churches. 
Adopting  the  language  of  the  preface  to  the  Prayer  Book, 
we  think  proper  to  make  here  the  grateful  acknowledgment 
that  the  Church  we  represent  '  is  indebted  under  God  for  its 
first  foundation  and  a  long  continuance  of  nursing  care  and 
protection'  to  the  Church  in  Virginia. 

It  is  a  source  of  gratification  to  us  that  many  of  your 
Clergy — among  them  Bishop  Whittle — ministered  in  our 
Parishes;  that  the  first  missionaries  from  Virginia,  to  Vir- 
ginia west  of  tlie  Alleghenies — the  Rev.  Charles  Page  and  the 
Rev.  William  Lee — were  sent  by  the  Association  of  the  Val- 
ley, an  organization  which,  under  the  name  of  the  Valley 
Convocation,  by  its  generous  disregard  of  State  lines,  still 
binds  the  two  Dioceses  together;  that  for  years  the  occu- 
pants of  most  of  our  pulpits  were  assigned  to  their  posts  by 


REV.    GEO.    W.    EASTER. 


RECTORY,    UNION. 


ST.    THOMAS,    WHITE    SULPHUR. 


ALL    SAINTS,    UNION. 


in  West  Virginia.  289 

the  Bishop  of  Virginia;  that  our  Clergy  were  from  the  Vir- 
ginia Seminary,  and  our  Laity  took  lessons  in  Church  Legis- 
lation in  your  Councils.  If,  in  this  last  connection,  it  should 
ever  be  agreed  that  improvements  have  been  made  on  the 
copy,  surely  the  teacher  will  rejoice  in  the  pupil's  aptness. 

It  is  not,  however,  characteristic  of  our  Western  people 
to  dwell  long,  certainly  not  exclusively,  on  the  past.  Look- 
ing to  a  future,  to  be  marked  by  achievements  greater  than 
any  we  have  yet  seen,  we  value  chiefly  the  present  as  the 
period  in  which  our  part,  if  done  at  all,  is  to  be  performed. 
And  today  West  Virginia  counts  its  relation  to  the  old  Dio- 
cese both  interesting  and  important. 

The  endowment  of  f 5,000,  received  when  we  were  starting 
our  organization,  has,  with  other  funds,  enabled  us  to  pro- 
vide a  substantial  and  commodious  house  for  our  Bishop, 
situated  on  a  hill  overlooking  one  of  the  most  beautiful  val- 
leys in  this  country,  and  not  less  desirably  located  ecclesi- 
astically. 

The  position  accorded  us  on  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
Seminary  of  Virginia  is  a  gratifying  one.  Whether  we  had 
any  voice  in  the  management  of  the  institution  or  not,  we 
believe  it  would  still  be  "our  Seminary,'  but  under  the  pres- 
ent organization  the  bond  is  even  closer  and  more  secure. 

Our  contributions  for  religious  and  theological  education 
are  handed  over  in  bulk  to  the  Virginia  Education  Society, 
and  the  act  is  regarded  by  us,  not  as  a  return  for  the  aid 
afforded  us  by  that  Society,  but  as  a  recognition  of  its  gen- 
erosity. 

For  the  benefits,  therefore,  which  at  this  very  time  the  Dio- 
cese of  West  Virginia  is  receiving  from  Virginia,  we  take  this 
occasion  of  general  gathering  and  mutual  congratulations  to 
express  our  obligations.  In  Smith's  History  of  Virginia  it 
is  related  that  'the  first  religious  services  in  the  Colony  were 
held  by  the  Church  of  England — Chaplain,  Good  Parson 
Hunt — under  an  awning  and  common  tent.'  So  small  was 
the  beginning  of  the  Church  to  which  we  give  our  allegiance. 


290  The  Episcopal  Church 

How  that  tent  has  stretched!  The  dimensions  ascribed  in 
an  Eastern  story  to  a  shelter  of  that  kind  are  not  worthy 
to  be  its  measure — that  the  creation  of  an  Oriental  imagina- 
tion, when  folded,  could  be  carried  in  the  hand,  but,  when 
pitched,  accommodated  an  army.  The  awning  under  which 
the  Church  in  Virginia  iirst  gathered  has  spread  its  folds 
over  a  State! — two  States!! — may  we  not  say  half  a  conti- 
nent? And  still  the  command  comes  to  lengthen  our  cords 
and  to  strengthen  our  stakes.  Truth  is  stranger  than  fiction. 
In  our  case,  as  well  as  in  that  of  the  world  at  large,  the 
prophecy  has  been  fulfilled:  'The  little  one  shall  become  a 
thousand,  and  the  small  one  a  strong  nation.' 

Brethren  of  Virginia,  the  West  Virginia  delegation  is  here 
today  to  mingle  with  your  thanksgivings  for  favors  received 
in  the  past.  We  are  here  also  to  supplicate  with  you  the 
Throne  of  Grace,  that  in  love  and  in  zeal  we  may  walk  wor- 
thy of  the  vocation  wherewith  as  Christians  and  as  Church- 
men we  are  called. 

Such  an  answer  to  our  prayers,  as  we  may  reasonably  ex- 
pect, will  furnish  ground  for  renewed  thanksgiving  a  hundred 
years  hence." 

On  the  next  day  Judge  Sheffey,  from  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed to  prepare  a  reply  to  the  congratulations  extended 
by  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  reported  the  following  res- 
olution : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Council  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  de- 
sires to  express  its  cordial  and  grateful  appreciation  of  the 
Centennial  greeting,  so  eloquently  and  s  >  affectionately  ten- 
dered to  the  Diocese  on  yesterday  by  the  Bishop  and  other 
Deputies  from  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia.  In  this,  the 
hundredth  anniversary  of  the  orderly  reorganization  of  the 
Church  in  her  borders  in  1785,  the  Mother  Diocese  with  warm 
heart  and  just  maternal  pride  returns  the  greeting  of  her 
daughter,  and  rejoices  to  point  to  her  as  one  of  her  jewels; 
and  she  humbly  prays  that  the  mother  and  the  daughter  may 
continue  to  walk  together  in  love  and  in  the  unity  of  common 


in  West  Virginia.  291 

spirit  to  set  forward  and  maintain  the  precious  'faith  once 
delivered  to  the  saints.'  " 

Respectfully  submitted, 

Robert  A.  Gibson,  Chairman. 

The  Council  of  1886.     Charles  Town. 

The  Ninth  Annual  Council  met  in  Zion  Church,  Charles- 
town,  on  Wednesday,  June  2d.  The  Bishop  presided.  The 
Rev.  C.  C.  Pearson  preached  the  sermon.  The  Revs.  J.  B. 
Fitzpatrick  and  H.  T.  Wirgman  were  ordered  Priests.  There 
were  present  nineteen  Clergymen  and  sixteen  Laymen. 

The  Bishop  announced  the  movement  for  a  Hospital,  Or- 
phanage and  Home  in  the  Kanawha  Valley,  begun  in  Jan- 
uary.    Receipts  to  date,  $2,768.41. 

Deputies  to  the  General  Convention:  Rev.  R.  K.  Swope, 
Rev.  R,  A.  Gibson,  Rev.  L.  R,  Mason,  Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs,  Gen'l. 
Wm.  P.  Craighill,  Mr.  N.  S.  White,  Mr.  R.  J.  McCandlish, 
Maj.  Thos.  L.  Broun. 

Alternates:  Rev.  R.  D.  Roller,  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  D.  D.. 
Rev.  Dallas  Tucker,  Rev.  C.  C.  Pearson,  Prof.  R.  C.  Berke- 
ley, Mr.  Cruger  Smith,  Mr.  E.  I.  Lee,  Mr.  BeD  Hurxthal. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

Church  Music. 

I  want  to  say  a  word  to  the  Council  on  the  subject  of 
the  music  or'  the  Church,  it  is  a  very  important  subject, 
since  so  large  a  part  of  our  service  may  be  musical,  and 
since  the  hymns  and  chants  not  only  form  a  pleasing  feature 
and  afford  a  grateful  variety  in  our  worship,  bin  contain  also, 
in  familiar  and  beautiful  form,  the  most  precious  truths  of 
the  Gospel  of  our  Saviour.  Christ. 

These  hymns  and  chants  arc  for  all.  and  when  a  large  part 
of  the  congregation  is  practically  barred  from  using  them,  or 
systematically  discouraged  in  trying  to  do  so.  there  is  ureat 
impropriety  committed  and  great  injustice  done.  Not  to 
speak  of  music  that  is  light  and  unseemly,  it  is  far  too  often 


292  The  Episcopal  Church 

the  case  that  its  newness  or  its  difficulty,  practically,  ex- 
cludes the  greater  part  of  the  people  from  joining  in  it. 

If  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  is  to  be  looked  upon,  not 
only  in  the  nature  of  a  guide  to  public  worship,  but  also  in 
the  light  of  a  compact  between  all  who  mutually  accept  it, 
we  may  well  demand,  in  behalf  of  a  large  part  of  those  who 
worship  in  our  churches,  that  they  be  not  thus  debarred 
from  taking  part  in  the  service.  By  what  right  do  a  few 
persons  monopolize  the  magnificent  verses  of  the  Te  Deum, 
or  those  sweet  Psalms  of  David?  Surely  it  cannot  tend  to 
edification  to  have  the  great  mass  of  the  congregation  pain- 
fully and  impatiently  waiting,  while  the  choir  is  making  such 
intricate  progress  through  the  words  of  the  chants,  that  al- 
most every  feeling  of  devotion  is  lost  in  a  natural  anxiety 
as  to  whether  they  will  safely  reach  the  conclusion. 

Although  this  is,  confessedly,  a  most  difficult  matter  to 
deal  with,  yet  the  Minister  must  face  the  responsibility,  and 
not  allow  so  important  a  part  of  the  public  worship  of  God, 
to  be  so  often  shorn,  as  I  fear  it  is,  of  all  its  power.  I  do 
not  desire  Council  to  take  any  action  on  this  part  of  my  ad- 
dress, but  I  do  desire,  in  all  seriousness,  to  bring  this  matter 
to  the  attention  of  the  Clergy,  and  to  beg  them  that  they 
will  try  to  promote  the  spirit  and  edification  of  our  services 
by  greater  care  over  the  music,  which  the  Church  puts  under 
their  charge. 

The  Bishop's  Visitations. 

It  is  impossible,  in  a  widely  extended  Diocese  like  that  of 
West  Virginia,  always  to  time  the  Bishop's  visitations  to 
each  Parish,  so  that  it  will  be  most  convenient  to  the  Rec- 
tor and  most  helpful  to  his  work.  On  the  one  hand,  it  is 
an  advantage  to  have  such  a  time  as  that  of  the  Bishop's  vis- 
itation to  look  forward  to,  as  it  may  help  some  persons  the 
better  to  realize  the  necessity  of  decision  in  spiritual  things, 
and  lead  them  to  look  upon  such  visitation  as  an  opportunity 
that  ought  not  to  be  neglected.     But  on  the  other  hand, 


in  West  Virginia.  293 

harm  may  be  done  if  direct  effort  to  bring  the  wanderers 
into  the  fold  is  relaxed  at  other  times,  and  the  idea  gains 
credence  that  no  one  can  formally  identify  himself  with  the 
Church,  and  thus  confess  Christ,  except  on  the  occasion  of  an 
Episcopal  visitation.  There  is  express  provision  for  admit- 
ting to  the  Communion  those  who  are  ready  and  desirous  to 
be  confirmed,  and  I  would  that  our  Clergy  more  frequently 
availed  themselves  of  this  liberty. 

Everybody  ought  to  know  that  our  church  doors  are  al- 
ways open,  and  that  while  we  do  not  undervalue  special  in- 
strumentalities, or  the  help  that  we  find  in  stated  seasons  of 
special  service,  yet,  that  we  look  mainly  to  the  regular  min- 
istrations of  the  Sanctuary,  and  to  the  preaching  of  the  word 
from  house  to  house,  in  the  regular  pastoral  work  of  the 
Clergy,  for  the  awakening  and  ingathering  of  souls.  So  the 
Parish  work  can  everywhere  be  carried  on  without  hindrance, 
and  the  people  may  grow  into  the  idea  that  the  Minister 
is  always  ready  to  receive  them  into  the  Church;  admit 
them  to  the  privileges  of  Communion,  and  enroll  them  among 
those  to  be  confirmed  by  the  Bishop  whenever  he  may  make 
his  visitation. 

The  Council  of  1887.     Weston. 

The  Tenth  Annual  Council  met  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Wes- 
ton, on  Wednesday,  June  1st.  The  Bishop  presided.  The 
Rev.  R.  A.  Gibson  preached  the  sermon.  There  were  pres- 
ent fourteen  Clergymen  and   nineteen   Laymen. 

The  Rev.  R.  D.  Roller  was  elected  Secretary,  vice  Rev. 
R.  A.  Cobbs,  resigned. 

The  Bishop  referred  to  the  proposal  to  change  the  name 
of  the  Church  as  follows: 

There  is  one  point,  however,  which  seems  to  demand  some 
further  mention;  I  mean  the  effort  made  to  change  the  name 
of  our  Church,  or  at  least  to  omit  the  word  "Protestant'' 
from  the  Title  Page  of  the  Prayer  Hook.  I  am  glad  to  know 
that  both  propositions  were  steadily  opposed  by  the  Depu- 


294  The  P>iscopat,  Church 

ties  from  this  Diocese.  It  does  not  become  us  to  denounce 
those  who  favor  such  a  change  as  disloyal  to  our  Church, 
or  to  interpret  too  freely  their  motives,  except  so  far  as  they 
are  avowed.  No  doubt  some  are  actuated  by  the  sentiment 
of  the  thing,  some  by  what  appears  to  them  to  be  a  severe 
logical  necessity,  some  are  fascinated  by  the  vision  of  an 
all-embracing  Church  which  scorns  any  name  of  limitations, 
and  others  thoroughly  dislike  the  word  "Protestant,"  and 
everything  it  implies.  But  we  must  remember  that  if  we  re- 
sent, as  insulting,  the  dogmatism  which  would  relegate  all 
opposing  such  change  to  the  position  of  ignorant  and  nar- 
row minded  Sectaries,  we  must  be  careful  lest  we  also  are 
offenders,  by  accusing  or  suspecting  those  who  differ  from 
us  about  such  matters,  of  unfaithfulness  to  their  ordination 
vows,  and  as  cherishing  secret  designs  to  carry  us  toward 
Rome,  if  not  actually  to  Rome. 

It  is  well  for  us,  however,  to  note  in  regard  to  this  partic- 
ular measure  that  it  comes  mainly  from  those  who  differ 
most  widely  from  us  in  their  view  of  the  nature  and  func- 
tions of  the  Church,  in  the  whole  operation  of  the  Divine  sys- 
tem of  grace  upon  the  heart  of  man. 

I  am  trying  simply  to  state  the  facts  of  the  case  without 
argument.  We  cannot  avoid  being  influenced  in  the  first 
place  by  such  considerations  as  those  I  have  mentioned,  but 
I  trust  we  would  have  the  honesty  and  manliness  to  avoid 
blind  prejudice  against  any  measure  simply  because  we  dis- 
agree with  many  who  promote  it.  We  find,  however,  on 
fuller  examination  that  we  cannot  accept  the  arguments 
which  are  advanced  as  in  favor  of  such  changes,  come  from 
what  quarter  they  may,  The  most  formal  confession  of 
faith  that  this  Church  has  made — after  the  Catholic  Creeds 
— is  to  be  found  in  the  Thirty-nine  Articles  of  Religion,  and 
they  are  thoroughly  Protestant.  It  would,  I  think,  tend 
very  much  to  promote  good  feelings  and  a  clear  understand- 
ing among  those  who,  in  the  providence  of  God,  find  them- 
selves often  opposed  to  each  other  in  such  matters,  if  there 


in  West  Virginia.  295 

were  a  more  distinct  avowal  of  our  general  position.  If  there 
be  those  who  would  like  to  get  rid  of  the  Thirty-nine  Arti- 
cles, or  modify  them,  so  that  they  should  contain  a  more  ex- 
clusive definition  of  what  constitutes  the  visible  Church  of 
God;  should  affirm  a  more  close  and  vital  connection  between 
the  outward  and  visible  sign,  and  the  inward  and  spiritual 
grace  in  the  Sacraments,  and  should  relax  somewhat  the 
statement  that  those  five  rites,  commonly  called  Sacraments, 
are  not  to  be  counted  as  such,  for  this,  among  other  reasons, 
that  they  have  grown  of  the  corrupt  following  of  the  Apos- 
tles, and  should  allow  tradition  to  share  somewhat  more  wiTh 
the  Church  the  authority  now  claimed  for  the  Scriptures.  I 
say  if  there  be  such  persons  we  will  not  denounce  them — let 
them  speak  their  sentiments;  but  when  we  come  to  know 
their  views  on  such  like  points  as  those  I  have  just  spoken 
of,  it  must  necessarily  be  that  we  shall  be  made  very  cautious 
in  following  their  lead  in  other  matters.  In  the  meantime 
we  claim  for  ourselves  the  liberty  we  desire  always  to  allow 
others.  We  will  not  try  to  narrow  this  comprehensive 
Church  of  ours  in  one  direction  more  than  in  another.  We 
affirm  our  adhesion  to  the  Articles  as  they  stand,  and  without 
the  glosses  which  have  to  be  put  upon  them  to  make  them — 
as  we  think — teach  anything  else  but  what  has  been  accept- 
ed as  always  according  with  the  name  Protestant.  We  are 
satisfied  with  the  wording  of  the  Sixth  Article,  as  it  sets 
forth  the  Rules  of  Faith.  We  are  satisfied  with  the  wording 
of  the  Nineteenth  Article,  when  it  defines  the  Visible 
Church.  We  are  satisfied  with  the  wording  of  the  Twenty- 
fifth  Article,  when  it  tells  us  of  the  two  Sacraments — with 
the  Twenty-seventh  Article,  when  it  tells  us  that  in  Baptism 
Faith  is  confirmed  and  Grace  increased  by  the  virtue  of 
prayer  unto  God,  and  with  the  Twenty-eighth  Article,  in 
which  we  are  taught  that  the  Body  of  Christ  is  given,  taken 
and  eaten  in  the  supper,  only  after  an  heavenly  and  spiritual 
manner.  In  oilier  words,  we  do  not  think  that  this  grand  old 
Church  of  ours  has  been  going  along  in  a  poor,  halting  man- 


296  The  Episcopal  Church 

ner,  during  all  these  years,  and  now  is  to  have  its  doctrinal 
standards  revised,  and  its  Ritual  changed  by  the  introduction 
of  things  which  were  intelligently  discarded  three  hundred 
years  ago. 

We  are  opposed  to  such  things  and  shall  resist  the  changes, 
and  because  this  word  Protestant  has,  in  the  course  of  events, 
come  to  stand  for  that  system  of  faith  and  practice,  which 
was  in  the  exercise  of  her  undoubted  right,  set  forth  as  of 
authority  by  our  Reformed  Church  three  hundred  years  ago: 
therefore  we  mean  to  keep  it,  not  only  as  an  old  landmark, 
but  because  the  very  sound  of  it  is  grateful  and  pleasant  to 
our  ears.  There  are  other  aspects  of  the  question  which  could, 
be  very  much  enlarged  upon  were  it  necessary  to  do  so.  I 
will  only  add  this,  that  since  the  adjournment  of  the  General 
Convention,  I  have  seen  statements  from  prominent  advo- 
cates of  the  measure,  in  which  they  acknowledge  that  the 
present  time  at  least  is  not  a  favorable  one  for  the  change, 
we  may  therefore  hope  that  it  will  not  be  pressed  so  strongly 
in  1889.  We  must,  however,  be  on  the  alert,  and  not  forget 
the  avowed  purpose  of  many  who  are  encouraged  by  the 
past  history  of  the  proposed  measure.  In  my  judgment  it 
would  be  inexpedient  in  the  last  degree  to  make  any  such 
change,  compelling  us  to  be  on  the  defensive  and  making  our 
Church  an  object  of  suspicion,  where  now  she  has  the  most 
favorable  regard.  We  want  no  narrow,  unreasoning  conserv- 
atism, but  we  do  want  an  intelligent  understanding  of  the 
real  questions  at  issue,  and  of  what  they  involve.  We  do 
want,  and  I  trust  we  shall  always  have  in  this  Diocese,  a 
staunch  adherence  to  the  Doctrine,  Discipline  and  Worship, 
which  this  Church  has  received,  and  which  she  commits  to 
us  to  hand  down  unimpaired  to  those  that  shall  come  after  us. 

A  committee  was  appointed  on  this  portion  of  the  Bishop's 
Address,  and  reported  resolutions,  which  were  unanimously 
adopted  as  follows: 

Whereas,  a  persistent  effort,  extending  through  a  series 
of  years  and  assuming  several  different   shapes,   has  been 


t 


ST.    BARNABA8,    DAVIS. 


*>> 


GRACE  CHURCH,   ELKINS. 


KEY.    JAMES    LOGAN    PISH. 


in  West  Virginia.  297 

made  in  the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  to  change  the  name  of  the 
Church,  and — 

Whereas,  the  advocates  of  such  change  claim  that  they  are 
gaining  ground  year  by  year,  and  that  in  one  form  or  an- 
other their  object  will  after  awhile  be  accomplished;  there- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Council  any  change 
whatever  in  the  name  of  the  Church  is  altogether  inexpedi- 
ent and  unwise. 

Under  the  name  which  it  has  borne  for  a  hundred  years. 
The  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  has  flourished  and  grown 
beyond  the  possible  expectations  of  those  who  organized  it. 

Associations,  strong  and  tender,  have  twined  themselves 
around  the  words  which  indicate  our  distinctive  place  among 
the  Christians  of  America. 

We  are  not  ashamed  of  Protestantism,  nor  do  we  intend  to 
adopt  the  views  of  a  few  foreigners  among  us,  who  attach 
to  the  word  the  idea  of  irreligion.  As  American  and  especial- 
ly Protestant  institutions  improve  these  people  in  other  re- 
spects, so  we  trust  by  Cod's  grace  to  improve  their  views  of 
Christianity  and  its  historical  nomenclature. 

In  the  Church,  as  at  present  constituted,  we  recognize  par- 
ties and  schools  of  thought  widely  different  and  ready  on 
any  grave  provocation  to  become  antagonistic. 

The  name  of  the  Church  Ave  regard  as  one  clause  of  the 
compact  by  which  they  agree  to  exist  together  in  the  same 
organization.  To  change  the  name  would  be,  in  our  judg- 
ment, to  incur  the  condemnation  of  "truce-breakers.'' 

We  therefore  approve  the  action  of  our  Deputies  to  the 
General  Convention  in  Chicago  opposing  every  movement 
in  the  direction  of  change  of  name  of  the  Church,  and  call 
upon  good  Churchmen  throughout  the  land,  to  use  their  best 


298  The  Episcopal  Church 

endeavors  to  convince  the  advocates  of  change  that  their 

effort  is  futile,  dangerous  and  revolutionary. 

Robert  A.  Gibson,  chairman.      T.  H.  Lacy,  D,  D. 
R.  H.  Mason,  R.  R.  Swope, 

N.  S.  White,  R.  J.  McCandlish, 

Dr.  H.  McS.  Gamble,  G.  W.  Hall. 

The  Bishop  reported  as  received  for  the  Sheltering  Arms 

during  the  year  $1,410.15,  making  a  total  of  |4,178.56. 

From  tlie  Bishop's  address: 

Clerical  Support. 

I  speak  now  especially  to  the  Laymen  as  their  friend  and 
adviser  and  chief  pastor  in  the  Lord.  It  does  not  require 
very  extended  observation  to  teach  any  one  that  the  heat 
and  burden  of  the  day  falls  upon  the  Clergy  working  in  our 
Parishes  and  Missions.  I  am  not  going  to  urge  any  plea  for 
them  on  personal  grounds,  however  strongly  such  plea  might 
be  made,  but  I  would  have  you  esteem  them  very  highly  in 
love  for  their  work's  sake,  and  1  would  have  you  more  dis- 
tinctly understand,  and  more  constantly  remember,  that 
there  is,  perhaps,  no  one  direction  in  which  you  can  so  effect- 
ually labor  for  Christ  and  His  Church,  as  by  the  hearty  and 
liberal  support  of  those  who  are  set  over  you  in  the  Lord, 
and  by  a  cordial  co-operation  with  them.  The  Clergy  are  not 
to  be  regarded  as  objects  of  charity.  Putting  it  on  the  very 
lowest  ground,  the  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire.  And  this, 
not  only  because  of  support  pledged  and  service  rendered, 
but  especially  because  of  divine  appointment.  For  even  so 
hath  the  Lord  ordained  that  they  who  preach  the  Gospel 
should  live  of  the  Gospel. 

The  Council  of  1888.     Huntington. 

The  Eleventh  Annual  Council  met  in  Trinity  Church,  Hunt- 
ington, on  Wednesday,  June  6th.  There  were  present  fifteen 
Clergymen,  and  fifteen  Laymen.  The  Bishop  presided.  The 
Rev.   Mr.   Gibbons   preached   the   sermon. 

Special  mention  was  made  of  the  death  of  Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs, 


in  West  Virginia.  299 

Hon.  Geo.  W.  Thompson,  Major  J.  C.  Covell  and  General  Jno. 
H.  Oley. 

In  givng  summary  of  progress  since  the  formation  of  the 
Diocese,  the  Bishop  reported  as  built,  thirty-two  churches, 
three  school  houses,  a  hospital,  an  Episcopal  residence  and 
eleven  rectories.  In  four  other  places  lots  have  been  se- 
cured and  money  collected  for  rectories,  and  in  five  other 
places  lots  have  been  secured  and  money  collected  for 
church  buildings.  In  all  this  work  about  $180,000  has  been 
expended. 

Mr.  R.  M.  Browne,  of  Wheeling,  was  elected  Trustee  of  the 
Episcopal  and  Permanent  Funds,  in  place  of  the  late  Judge 
Thompson. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  proposed  changes 
in  the  Prayer  Book. 

A  committee  was  also  appointed  to  codify  the  Oanons  for 
publication. 

Resolutions  were  passed,  urging  the  Bishop  to  suspend  for 
a  time  his  visitations,  and  appropriating  $500  for  his  ex- 
penses on  such  trip  as  he  may  find  it  convenient  to  take. 

Received  for  Sheltering  Arms,  $1,471.82.  Total  receipts, 
$5,850.38. 

From  the  Bishop's  Address: 

Review  of  Progress. 

During  the  ten  years  which  have  elapsed  since  I  look  up 
the  work  in  West  Virginia,  I  have  visited  every  county  in 
the  State,  even  those  where  we  have  no  organizations  and 
no  membership  of  our  Church.  Out  of  the  fifty-four  coun- 
ties there  are  still  twenty-two  where  we  have  no  organiza- 
tion of  any  kind,  and  eleven  in  which,  so  far  as  I  know  we 
have  not  even  a  single  communicant.  Many  of  these  counties 
are,  however,  reached  by  occasional  services,  and  so  the  way 
is  being  prepared  for  us  to  be  established.  Our  plan  lias 
been  simply  to  try  and  care  for  our  scattered  people  as  we 
had  the  opportunity.    Wherever  there  have  been  even  a  few 


300  The  Episcopal  Church 

who  desired  the  ministrations  of  their  Church,  we  have  done 
all  we  could  to  help  them.  In  this  way  we  are  now  repre- 
sented by  organizations  of  some  kind,  in  sixteen  counties, 
where,  ten  years  ago,  we  had  no  such  foothold,  and  no  doubt 
the  next  few  years  will  still  farther  spread  the  influence  of 
our  Church.  We  have  come  into  these  various  Christian 
communities  not  as  selfish  intruders,  but  because  our  pres- 
ence has  been  needed  and  desired;  and  it  is  pleasant  and 
helpful  to  think  that  now,  after  these  ten  years  of  aggres- 
sive work,  that  there  is  a  more  kindly  feeling  towards  our 
Church  among  the  people  of  West  Virginia  than  ever  be- 
fore. 1  trust  that  in  all  our  future  activities  we  shall  still 
keep  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace. 

The  general  history  of  our  churches  has  been  one  of  health- 
ful progress,  with  the  exception  of  three  or  four,  which, 
owing  to  a  variety  of  circumstances,  some  of  them  beyond 
their  control,  have  either  stood  still  or  gone  back,  they  have 
moved  steadily  forward,  and  now,  at  the  end  of  these  ten 
years  of  independent  Diocesan  life,  having  raised  and  spent 
perhaps  as  much  as  |180,000  in  the  way  of  self-equipment — 
building  thirty-two  churches,  ten  rectories,  three  schools,  a 
hospital  and  an  Episcopal  residence — we  ought  to  be  in  con- 
dition to  do  a  great  deal  more  than  ever  we  have  done  here 
in  this  vineyard  of  the  Lord. 

System  in  Temporalities. 

A  point  I  have  insisted  upon  time  and  again,  but  one  which 
demands  renewed  consideration  and  still  more  decided  em- 
phasis, is  the  necessity  for  more  systematic  effort  in  doing 
this  work.  I  speak  frankly  for  myself  and  for  my  brethren 
of  the  Clergy,  when  I  say,  that  I  do  not  think  we  want  to 
shirk  any  work  that  rightly  belongs  to  us,  but  that  we  feel 
that  we  ought  to  be  relieved  more  and  more  from  the  grind- 
ing care  of  serving  tables. 

Even  the  inspired  Apostles  found  these  business  details 
too  much  for  them,  and  appointed  chosen  persons  to  look 


in  West  Virginia.  301 

after  such  matters  that  they  might  give  themselves  contin- 
ually to  the  ministry  of  the  Word  and  to  prayer.  This  is  what 
I  plead  for  today,  for  the  Clergy.  Let  us  be  relieved  from 
business  matters  that  do  not  properly  come  under  our  care, 
that  we  may  the  more  give  ourselves  to  the  ministry  of  the 
Word  and  to  prayer,  and  I  feel  sure  that  our  efficiency  will 
in  every  way  be  increased. 

I  have  time  and  again  had  Vestries  to  tell  me  that  the 
great  need  of  their  Parish  was  a  Minister  who  was,  as  they 
called  it,  a  great  worker  in  all  the  temporal  business  of  the 
Parish,  in  raising  money  for  their  support,  improving 
Church  property,  and  such  like  matters;  or,  to  put  it  in  other 
words,  they  really  wanted  a  man  who  could  and  would  do 
what  is  the  express  duty  of  the  Vestry  to  do.  No  one  can 
tell,  unless  he  has  tried  it,  how  such  details  of  business,  en- 
tering into  and  filling  up  a  man's  life  with  their  daily  re- 
currence, absorb  his  time,  divert  his  energies  and  so  crip- 
ple his  work. 

I  am  pleading  not  for  the  personal  comfort  and  feelings 
of  the  Ministry,  although  that  is  not  beneath  your  notice, 
but  J  am  pleading  for  your  own  churches  that  you  may  ex- 
perience the  reviving  power  of  a  Clergy,  that  can  give  them- 
selves more  continually  to  the  ministry  of  the  Word  and 
to  prayer. 

There  are  many  noble  examples  of  devotion  in  these  mat- 
ters; we  have  Vestries  that  are  models  of  faithfulness,  who 
are  ready  always  to  act  promptly  and  wisely,  who  put  no 
extra  care  upon  their  over-taxed  Minister,  but  are  ready  to 
do  their  part,  and  have  the  good  sense  and  the  grace  to  man- 
age all  the  temporal  affairs  of  the  Parish  with  system  and 
effect.  It  is  one  of  the  most  important  purposes  served 
by  our  Annual  Councils  that  the  influence  and  example  of 
such  men  may  be  brought  to  bear  upon  others  that  they, 
too,  may  be  stimulated  and  guided  in  their  own  work. 

The  business  affairs  of  most  of  our  Churches  are,  in  them- 
selves, too  insignificant  to  be  really  burdensome  or  difficult 


302  The  Episcopal  Church 

to  any  one  who  will  undertake  to  transact  them  with  a  ready 
mind.  I  appeal  to  the  Diocese  to  remove  from  our  midst 
all  cause  of  reproach  on  this  account. 

Losses. 

When  our  Tenth  Annual  Council  met  in  Weston,  one  year 
ago,  we  were  all  pained  to  miss  from  its  sessions  our  efficient 
Secretary,  the  Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs.  Few  of  us  perhaps  thought 
that  he  would  so  soon  be  called  away  to  his  rest  and  reward. 
On  Tuesday,  June  28th,  in  the  Rectory  at  Charleston,  he  was 
gathered  unto  his  fathers,  "having  the  i.t-stimony  of  a  good 
conscience,  in  the  communion  of  the  Catholic  Church,  in  the 
confidence  of  a  certain  faith,  and  in  the  comfort  of  a  reason- 
able, religious  and  holy  hope."  I  took  occasion  in  the  ser- 
mon I  preached  at  the  time  of  his  funeral,  to  express  more 
fully  my  sense  of  the  great  loss  the  Diocese  has  sustained 
in  his  death. 

Since  our  last  session  we  have  also  lost  the  faithful  custo- 
dian of  our  Episcopal  Fund,  Judge  George  W.  Thompson.  He 
took  great  interest  in  the  formation  of  the  Diocese,  and  was 
present  as  a  Deputy  from  Virginia  at  the  General  Conven- 
tion of  1877,  which  effected  it,  helping  by  his  testimony  and 
influence  to  bring  about  the  result.  Since  that  time  Judge 
Thompson  has  served  repeatedly  in  our  Diocesan  Councils, 
and  in  the  General  Conventions,  as  his  failing  health  permit- 
ted. Although  for  some  years  past  his  eye  was  growing 
dim  and  his  natural  force  abated,  he  always  had  a  keen  inter- 
est in  everything  connected  with  the  progress  of  our  Church 
in  West  Virginia.  Of  a  profoundly  philosophical  mind,  he  re- 
tained to  the  last  a  simple  faith  in  the  Gospel  of  Christ  as 
the  power  and  wisdom  of  God. 

We  have  had  also  to  lament  the  loss  of  Major  J.  C.  Covell, 
of  Romney.  It  is  chiefly  to  his  energy  and  zeal  that  we  are 
indebted  for  the  erection  of  St.  Stephen's  Church.  But  im- 
portant as  he  was  to  us  in  our  work,  he  filled  his  chief  meas- 
ure of  usefulness  as  the  Principal  of  the  State  school  for  the 


in  West  Virginia.  303 

Deaf,  Dumb  and  Blind.  He  united  in  a  remarkable  degree 
the  qualifications  necessary  for  such  a  difficult  post  of  duty. 
He  had  rare  administrative  ability  and  great  personal  in- 
fluence with  the  pupils.  He  took  the  liveliest  interest  in  the 
religious  welfare  of  the  scholars,  and  used  his  great  gifts  for 
their  benefit  with  a  faithful  assiduity.  Himself  the  son  of  a 
clergyman,  he  had  been  intended  for  the  church,  but  I  doubt 
not  found  his  true  call  to  duty  in  the  work  which  he  car- 
ried on  for  so  many  years  with  such  brilliant  success. 

Nor  can  I  fail,  standing  in  this  presence  today,  to  mention 
one  other  name  from  the  list  of  those  who  have,  during  the 
year,  passed  from  our  midst.  Very  suddenly,  in  the  month 
of  March,  General  John  H.  Oley  received  the  summons  and 
laid  his  earthly  armour  down.  Long  before  I  came  to  West 
Virginia,  General  Oley  was  in  the  front  of  every  movement 
looking  toward  the  establishment  of  our  Church  in  Hunting- 
ton, and  he  retained  the  post  of  labor  and  of  honor  to  the 
last.  His  loyalty  never  wavered  and  his  interest  did  not  flag. 
He  could  always  be  depended  upon  to  do  with  his  might 
what  his  hands  found  to  do;  and  as  his  many  personal  let- 
ters to  me  show,  he  took  most  intelligent  and  judicious 
views  of  our  Church  work,  and  was  ready  to  co-operate  with 
every  effort  for  the  advancement  of     the     Kingdom. 

The  example  of  these  last  two  gentlemen  named,  is  espec- 
ially worthy  of  note  and  of  imitation  by  our  laymen  through- 
out the  Diocese.  I  trust  it  will  not  be  lost  by  them.  I 
mention  them  in  this  address  because  they  furnish  a  standing 
refutation  to  the  objection  so  frequently  urged,  that  the  or- 
dinary pressure  of  business  is  sufficient  excuse  for  failure  in 
work  for  Christ  and  the  Church.  During  the  nine  or  ten 
years  I  have  known  General  Oley  and  Major  Covell,  it  would 
have  been  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  find  any  two  men 
more  constantly  and  laboriously  engaged  than  they  have 
always  been.  As  all  who  knew  them  well,  perfectly  under- 
stand, their  duties  were  of  the  most  continuous  and  exacting 
character;  and  since  these  duties  involved  the  interest  and 


304  The  Episcopal  Church 

welfare  of  others  their  requirements  were  all  the  more  im- 
perious. I  say  it  again,  and  with  deliberation,  that  I  do 
not  believe,  that  any  two  men  in  the  State,  have  been  under 
a  greater  pressure  of  business  cares  and  responsibilities  than 
these  two  men  during  the  ten  years  past;  and  yet  they  were 
not  only  active,  but  foremost  in  work  for  the  Church,  They 
gave  of  their  means  and  time  and  influence  to  the  advance- 
ment of  Christ's  kingdom,  and  by  their  example  may  well 
incite  even  the  busiest  of  our  laymen  to  renewed  activity 
in  the  work  their  hands  find  to  do.  This  is  just  what  the 
Church  needs  today  in  all  our  congregations,  earnest,  devoted 
men  who  take  such  interest  in  the  progress  and  have  such 
confidence  in  the  stability  of  the  Kingdom  of  God  in  the 
world  that  they  can  be  depended  upon  themselves  to  do  and 
to  make  others  labor  steadily  and  hopefully  where  God 
has  placed  them. 

We  speak  of  the  loss  we  have  sustained  by  the  death  of 
true  and  good  men,  but  the  work  must  not  suffer  harm,  it 
must  go  on  and  with  increasing  ardor.  If  in  this  world,  men 
are  found  brave  enough  to  step  to  the  front  and  fill  up  the 
gap  in  the  wavering  column  as  it  charges  right  on  upon 
the  deadly  guns,  shall  not  men  be  found  in  the  Kingdom  of 
God  brave  enough  and  true  enough,  to  take  up  the  work  their 
brethren  have  laid  down  and  carry  it  on,  even  in  the  face 
of  opposition  and  indifference.  Let  us  see  on  every  side  the 
steady  purpose  and  the  hopeful  courage  that  become  the 
Christian  soldier,  who  believes  and  trusts  in  the  exalted 
Saviour,  his  ever  living  Lord. 

The  Council  of  1889.     Shepherdstown. 

The  Twelfth  Annual  Council  met  in  Trinity  Church,  Shep- 
herdstown, Wednesday,  June  5th.  Present  twelve  Clergy 
and  ten  Laymen. 

Prom  the  Bishop's  address: 

The  Sheltering  Arms. 
1  regret  that  I  cannot  make  a  more  satisfactory  report  in 


CHURCH  OF  THE  HOLY   SPIRIT,    SUMMIT  POINT. 


st.  Bartholomew's,  leetown. 


CHRIST   CHURCH,  BLUE   RIDGE. 


ST.    JOHN'S,   RIPON. 


in  West  Virginia.  305 

regard  to  this  important  and  interesting  work.  In  our  anx- 
iety to  turn  to  good  account  that  which  had  been  done,  we 
tried  during  the  last  fall,  without  having  any  assured  sup- 
port, to  open  our  doors,  and  we  found  that  it  was  not  prac- 
ticable. Since  that  time  measures  have  been  adopted — with 
good  promise  of  success — for  raising  $1,800  or  $2,000  per 
annum,  which  we  estimate  will  be  necessary  for  running 
expenses.  The  Clergy  of  the  Diocese  have  fallen  in  very 
cordially  with  these  plans,  and,  we  believe,  that  with  a  lit- 
tle more  patience  and  energy  we  shall  soon  see  our  wishes 
realized. 

The  total  amount  of  money  raised  to  date  has  been  $6,- 
755.05.  What,  with  the  buildings  erected,  and  those  already 
on  the  place,  repaired,  the  renewing  of  fences,  and  the  put- 
ting the  land  in  order,  we  consider  the  property  worth  fully 
$G,000  today.  We  trust  the  time  will  come,  when  for  the 
work  of  blessing  it  does  among  a  large  and  needy  popula- 
tion, it  will  be  counted  ten  times  as  valuable. 
Diocesan  Finances. 

The  financial  condition  of  the  Diocese  will  be  fairly  pre- 
sented to  the  Council  in  the  reports  of  the  Treasurer,  who 
continues  to  deserve  our  cordial  thanks  for  the  ability  and 
faithfulness  with  which  he  discharges  his  troublesome  du- 
ties. 

It  is  the  custom  in  many  Dioceses  to  have  regular  days 
fixed  for  all  Canonical  Offerings.  There  are  certainly  ad- 
vantages about  such  an  arrangement,  as  it  seems  to  insure 
some  system  where  often  there  is  none,  and  yet  I  know  that 
in  a  Diocese  like  ours,  there  are  some  practical  difficulties  in 
the  way  of  its  adoption.  Many  of  our  Churches  are  open  only 
once,  or  at  the  most,  twice  during  the  month,  and  so  it  would 
appear  to  be  impossible  to  select  any  Sunday,  or  Sundays, 
when  all  our  congregations  could  unite  in  any  plan.  And  so 
thci''  would  be  failure  in  the  system  just  where  it  was  most 
important  to  have  it  enforced.  In  the  meantime,  whatever 
we  do,  we  must  trust  more  and  more  to  the  growing  inter- 


306  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

est  of  our  people,  and  above  all  to  the  faithfulness  of  the 
Clergy  in  keeping  their  charges  up  to  their  Canonical  ob- 
ligations. The  envelopes,  with  a  brief  explanatory  circular 
enclosed,  have  already  served  a  good  purpose,  and  may  be 
made  still  more  helpful.  Custom  seems  to  have  set  apart 
Christmas  Day  for  our  offering  for  the  Widows'  and  Or- 
phans' and  Disabled  Clergy  Fund.  In  regard  to  other  ob- 
jects, I  suggest  that  it  would  be  the  part  of  wisdom  to  dis- 
tribute the  offerings  judiciously,  through  the  year,  and  not 
suffer  them  all  to  accumulate  during  the  closing  months, 
when  preparations  are  being  made  for  the  Council,  and 
when  there  is  in  consequence  often  more  or  less  hurry  and 
confusion.  These  are  certainly  very  obvious  and  common 
place  observations,  but  yet  called  for  by  the  general  conduct 
of  our  Parochial  Administration,  as  shown  in  the  Annual 
Reports. 

I  know  that  the  circumstances  of  our  congregations  are 
so  different,  that  hardly  any  one  rule  will  avail  for  all,  and 
I  know  too,  that  the  condition  of  many  is  such  that  they  seem 
compelled  in  a  great  many  ways  to  live  from  hand  to  mouth, 
and  to  maintain  themselves  as  best  they  can.  Still  I  believe 
it  will  be  found  in  all  cases  a  most  important  means  of  dis- 
cipline and  training,  if  our  Clergy  everywhere  will  systemat- 
ically and  persistently  try  to  put  the  responsibility  of  all 
business  affairs  upon  the  Vestries  or  committees,  on  whom 
the  duty  properly  falls.  While  I  suppose  that  it  is  hardly 
possible  to  avoid  in  some  cases  the  use  of  the  offertory  to 
meet  current  expenses,  yet  it  does  not  seem  to  be  an  ideal 
arrangement;  and  I  do  object  to  using  it  as  a  make-shift  for 
every  emergency.  I  think  that  the  officers  of  the  congre- 
gation ought  to  be  able  to  provide  for  the  ordinary  expenses 
of  the  Church,  in  the  use  of  the  usual  business  methods, 
and  leave  the  offertory  free  for  meeting  the  regular  Canon- 
ical requirements,  and  for  special  offerings  for  the  relief  of 
the  destitute  and  the  spread  of  the  Gospel.  Then  might  we 
hope,  that  when  we  worship  in  the  sanctuary,  our  alms  as 


in  West  Virginia.  307 

well  as  our  prayers,  may  go  up  as  a  memorial  before  God. 

As  I  meet  you  thus  my  Dear  Brethren,  year  after  year 
in  our  Annual  Councils,  and  as  we  go  over  together  the  rec- 
ords of  our  common  work,  and  note  its  progress  and  pros- 
pects, I  am  well  aware  that  there  are  peculiar  difficulties 
and  discouragements,  and  particularly  in  connection  with 
the  more  feeble  Churches  and  the  outlying  Missions,  which 
sometimes  press  heavily  upon  the  heart  of  the  worker.  In 
addition  to  the  natural  inertia  of  our  human  nature  toward 
spiritual  things,  and  the  common  indifference  and  opposition 
of  the  heart  to  the  doctrines  of  grace,  and  to  the  life  of  re- 
ligion; in  addition  to  these  which  must  be  expected  by  every 
one  who  would  anywhere,  do  anything  in  this  world  for 
Christ  and  His  Church;  in  addition  to  these  are  special  diffi- 
culties and  discouragements  to  be  expected  in  a  work  like 
ours.  In  many  places  there  is  not  only  no  strong  traditional 
feeling  in  favor  of  our  Church,  but  there  seems  none  in 
favor  of  religion  and  no  high  tone  to  elevate  and  anchor 
society.  People  do  what  is  right  in  their  own  eyes,  and  have 
little  regard  for  any  authority  that  would  guide  and  con- 
trol them.  Public  opinion  works  subtlely,  but  yet  really 
against  (Ijc  claims  of  religion  and  of  the  Church;  and  even 
when  individuals  so  far  emancipate  themselves  from  its  con- 
trol as  to  come  and  take  their  stand  on  the  Lord's  side,  it  is 
often  very  hard  to  beget  in  them  any  sense  of  personal  re- 
vsponsibility  for  the  work  of  Christ  in  the  world. 

There  is  a  very  low  sense  of  the  obligation  of  the  Lord's 
Day,  and  of  public  worship,  and  even  many  Christian  house- 
holds have  no  family  altar,  around  which  to  gather  the  chil- 
dren and  consecrate  them,  day  by  day  to  the  holy  service  of 
God.  The  Church  organizations  are  often  weak,  and  for  lack 
of  spirit  and  interest  with  difficulty  drag  their  slow  length 
along.  The  condition  and  prospects  of  the  Church  of  Christ 
in  the  world,  are  matters  that  do  not  seem  to  be  upon  the 
hearts  and  consciences  of  the  people,  and  as  a  consequence, 
not  only  are  general  obligations  neglected,  but  too  oftpn  the 


308  The  Episcopal  Church 

ministrations  of  the  Clergy  are  received  as  a  matter  of 
course,  and  apparently  with  no  thought  that  they  deserve, 
and  that  they  need  compensation  for  their  time  and  labor, 
and  this  in  forgetfulness  of  the  Gospel  precept,  that  even 
so  hnth  the  Lord  ordained  that  they  who  preach  the  Gospel 
should  live  of  the  Gospel.  These  things  taken  in  connection 
with  the  isolation  of  the  Clergy,  their  wide  fields  of  labor, 
involving  in  many  cases  wearisome  journeyings,  and  long  ab- 
sences from  home,  give  a  peculiar  aspect  to  our  work  in  this 
new  and  truly  Missionary  Diocese. 

The  thought  of  all  these  things  that  seem  to  be  against 
us,  should  cause  us  the  more  carefully  to  study  the  true 
sources  of  our  strength  in  the  work  which  God  has  given 
us  to  do.  It  is  His  work  we  are  doing  in  this  sinful  world, 
and  doing  it  not  in  any  way  of  man's  devising,  but  along 
the  lines  marked  out  for  us  in  the  Church  which  Christ 
founded,  and  which  He  still  guides  and  will  guide  by  His 
Spirit  until  time  shall  be  no  more.  If  we  feel  the  weight 
of  our  responsibility,  we  ought  also  to  feel  the  sustaining- 
inspiration  of  a  Divine  Commission,  and  be  strong  in  the  re- 
alization of  a  Divine  Promise.  Whether  these  people  among 
whom  we  dwell,  will  hear  or  forbear,  we  are  to  preach  to 
them  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified,  still  steadfastly  be- 
lieving that,  in  spite  of  all  opposition  and  hindrance,  come 
from  what  quarter  they  may,  this  Gospel  is  the  power 
and  the  wisdom  of  God.  Let  us  take  a  larger  view  of  the 
broadening  conflict,  learn  to  look  beyond  the  narrow  bounds 
of  our  own  small  fields,  watch  and  rejoice  in  the  tokens  of 
Gospel  triumph  in  every  land  and  among  Christians  of  every 
name,  and  so  we,  standing  it  may  be  on  some  lonely  picket 
post,  or  holding  with  difficulty,  some  part  of  the  line  where 
the  tide  seems  to  set  all  against  us,  will  yet  maintain  a 
good  heart,  for  we  know  that  in  doing  our  part  where  He 
hath  placed  us,  we  are  as  truly  serving  the  Lord  Christ,  as 
if  in  the  most  conspicuous  sphere,  and  we  have  an  abiding 


in  West  Virginia.  309 

faith  that  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  shall  yet  become  the 
kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  His  Christ. 

Deputies  to  the  General  Convention:  Rev.  L.  R.  Mason, 
Rev.  Dallas  Tucker,  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  D.  Roller, 
Mr.  E.  I.  Lee,  Mr.  R,  J.  McCandlish,  Mr.  B.  C.  Washington, 
Mr.  W.  S.  Laidley. 

Alternates:  Rev.  C.  C.  Pearson,  Rev.  J.  Brittingham, 
Rev.  S.  S.  Moore,  Rev.  J.  S.  Gibson,  Mr.  J.  D.  Logan,  Mr.  J. 
P.  Rogers,  Mr.  Ben  Hurxthal,  Dr.  W.  F.  Lippitt. 

The  Council  adopted  the  following  memorial: 

In  Memoriam.     Nathan  Smith  White. 

Born  in  Montgomery  county,  Maryland,  November  6th, 
1807. 

Died  in  Charlestown,  W.  Va.,  November  5th,  1888. 

He  was  a  graduate  of  Princeton  College  and  studied  law 
at  Yale. 

From  the  time  of  his  settlement  in  Charlestowm,  in  1840, 
Mr.  White  was  closely  and  actively  associated  with  the 
Church,  and  all  Christian  work. 

He  was  Vestryman  in  Zion  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
for  more  than  forty  five  years  and  Warden  for  over  twenty 
years;  he  was  also  attached  to  the  Sunday  School  for  forty 
five  years,  and  Superintendent  for  twenty  five  years. 

Before  the  Diocese  of  Virginia  was  divided,  he  was  dele- 
gate from  Zion  Church  to  the  Virginia  Council;  and  since 
the  erection  of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  he  was  always 
sent  to  represent  Zion  Church. 

From  the  organization  of  the  Diocese  he  was  a  member 
and  Secretary  of  the  Standing  Committee,  a  Trustee  of  the 
Virginia  Seminary,  and  Deputy  to  the  General  Conventions 
of  issi).   L883,  and  1886. 

Firm  in  faith,  active  in  good  works,  he  had  the  witness  of 
<!<m1*s  Spirit,  and  died  honored  of  men  and  accepted  of  God. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 


310  The  Episcopal  Church 

Losses. 

During  this  same  period  of  which  I  have  been  speaking, 
we  have  had  to  mourn  the  loss  of  many  faithful  laymen,  who 
did  their  part  nobly  and  left  behind  them  the  fragrance  of 
honored  names  in  the  Church  of  Christ. 

And  in  speaking  of  these,  I  am  sure  that  I  voice  but  the 
common  feeling  of  the  Council,  when  I  say  that  we  specially 
mourn  the  absence  from  our  midst  today,  of  the  late  Mr. 
Nathan  S.  White,  of  Charlestown.  He  was  so  identified  with 
his  parish  and  with  the  Diocese,  that  we  can  hardly  think  of 
either  and  not  have  him  in  mind.  Witnessing  a  good  confes- 
sion before  the  world,  his  life  was  an  epistle  known  and  read 
of  all  men,  and  by  it  he  being  dead  yet  speaks  to  us.  The 
Diocese  has  lost  a  trusty  counsellor  to  whom  it  was  always 
wont  to  turn.  One,  who,  whether  in  the  Standing  Commit- 
tee, or  the  Annual  Council,  or  the  General  Convention,  al- 
ways justified  our  confidence  and  won  our  esteem.  His  faith 
in  the  Kingdom  of  Christ  was  steadfast  and  his  interest 
was  unflagging.  Taking  hold  of  every  good  work  as  he  had 
opportunity,  he  did  with  his  might  what  his  hands  found  to 
do.  It  was  he  to  whom  the  Bishop  of  Virginia  especially 
referred  me,  when  eleven  years  ago,  I  was  seeking  for  in- 
formation and  counsel,  in  regard  to  the  work  to  which  I  had 
been  called.  There  has  been  no  time  since  that,  that  I  have 
not  felt  the  value  of  his  counsel  and  the  charm  of  his  friend- 
ship. Surely  in  thinking  of  such  an  one  we  may  bless  God 
for  his  good  example,  and  though  not  for  ourselves,  yet  for 
him  rejoice  that  he  now  rests  from  his  labors. 

We  ought  to  feel  that  we  are  but  entering  upon  the  work 
that  was  so  dear  to  all  these  good  people,  who  have  gone  be- 
fore us,  and  resolve,  by  God's  help,  to  devote  ourselves  with 
renewed  ardor  to  its  hopeful  prosecution.  We  do  not  live 
in  the  past,  but  it  is  helpful  sometimes  to  refer  to  it,  to  re- 
call more  distinctly  our  spiritual  descent,  and  the  lines  along 
which  we  are  working,  and  realizing  that  we  are  compassed 


in  West  Virginia.  31 1 

about  with  so  great  a  cloud  of  witnesses,  we  ought  to  run 
with  greater  patience  the  race  set  before  us. 

"Thursday,  January  17th.  In  accordance  with  the 
wishes  of  my  brethren  so  kindly  expressed  in  my 
Council  at  Huntington,  that  I  should,  for  a  time, 
give  up  all  official  duties,  and  in  the  use  of  the  means 
which  they  so  liberally  provided,  I  sailed  this  day  from  New 
York  for  Bermuda,  where  I  remained  until  nearly  the  mid- 
dle of  February.  I  very  thoroughly  enjoyed  the  change  of 
air  and  scene,  and  the  temporary  cessation  from  my  work, 
was,  no  doubt,  in  every  way  beneficial;  and  I  trust  I  have 
been  all  the  stronger  for  it  in  taking  up  my  duties  again. 
Certainly,  dear  brethren,  I  can  never  forget  this  trip,  as  as- 
sociated in  my  mind  with  your  thoughtfulness  and  care  for 
me,  and  your  very  generous  appreciation  of  what  service 
I  have  been  able  to  render  the  Diocese.  It  may  not  be  im- 
proper for  me  to  put  on  record  here,  as  in  my  judgment  it 
ought  to  be  recorded  somewhere,  that  I  thought  it  no  mis- 
appropriation of  your  bounty  to  apply  that  which  was  over 
and  above  all  expenses  of  my  trip,  to  the  purchase  of  a  new 
set  of  Official  Robes,  which  I  have  worn  for  the  first  time 
during  the  sessions  of  this  Council.  My  first  set,  which 
were  the  gift  of  Memorial  Congregation,  Baltimore,  being 
well  worn  in  eleven  years'  service. 

During  my  stay  in  Bermuda,  I  officiated  in  Pembroke, 
Trinity,  Paget,  and  St.  Mary's  Churches.  It  was  a  real  pleas- 
ure to  take  part  in  such  hearty  services.  In  the  matter  of 
attendance  on  Divine  service,  hearty  responses,  and  plain 
congregational  singing,  these  brethren  set  us  a  good  exam- 
ple. What  a  different  thing  our  service  is  when  the  people 
generally  take  part  in  it.  How  helpful,  how  inspiring,  how 
edifying!  When  will  we  learn  to  avail  ourselves  of  our  great 
advantages,  and  in  our  constant  practice,  show  the  people 
among  whom  we  live,  what  we  can  so  easily  show  them,  if  we 
would,  the  beauty  and  the  power  of  the  service  of  our  Prayer 
Book?     The  order  of  the  services  was  everywhere  like  our 


312  The  Episcopal  Church 

own  here  in  West  Virginia,  no  craving  for  novelties,  no 
straining  after  effect,  but  manifestly  the  cordial  acceptance 
and  use  of  that  which  the  Church  has  by  authority  pre- 
scribed. 

The  Council  of  1890.     Charleston. 
The  Thirteenth  Annual  Council  met  in  St.  John's  Church, 
Charleston,  Wednesday,  June  4th.  Present  eighteen  of  the 
Clergy  and  thirteen  of  the  Laity. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

Mr.  R.  J.  McCandlish. 

Tuesday,  February  25th.  I  took  part  in  the  services  at 
the  funeral  of  the  late  Mr.  K.  J.  McCandlish.  In  his  death 
our  Church,  in  common  with  the  whole  community,  sustained 
r-o  usual  loss. 

Few  men  have  ever,  in  the  midst  of  life,  given  more 
thought  and  love  and  care  to  the  progress  of  the  Kingdom 
of  God  in  the  world,  or  shown  themselves  more  ready  to  do 
with  their  might  what  their  hands  found  to  do  for  Christ 
and  His  Church.  Singularly  gentle  in  his  disposition,  and 
modest  aDd  unassuming  in  his  whole  nature  and  bearing, 
yet  it  was  always  manifest  that  he  was  unfalteringly  true 
to  his  Master,  that  his  duty  to  Him  was  the  supreme  pur- 
pose of  his  life.  The  very  laborious  work  which  for  years 
he  has  done  for  this  Diocese,  in  the  management  of  it's  var- 
ious funds,  was  cheerfully  undertaken  and  faithfully  done. 
No  detail  was  neglected  and  it  was  evident  to  all  who  were 
associated  with  him  in  such  matters,  that  these  duties  were 
not,  with  him,  mere  matters  of  routine,  but  that  his  heart 
was  thoroughly  in  the  work.  His  simple  Christian  charac- 
ter made  him  a  tower  of  strength  in  the  community  where 
he  lived,  an  ornament  to  the  Church  he  loved,  and  a  living 
unanswerable  evidence  of  the  reality  and  power  of  our  Holy 
Religion.  Three  score  and  ten  years  filled  up  the  measure 
of  his  honorable,  useful,  unselfish,  Christian  life.  The  Par- 
ish loses  its  beacon  light,  the  Diocese  misses  its  ever  faith- 


KOUKKT    J.    MCCANDLISH,    FIRST   TREASURER   OF    DIOCESE. 


LAWRENCE    E.    SANDS,   TREASURER  OP   DIOCESE. 


in  West  Virginia.  313 

ful  servant,  and  the  Bishop  mourns  his  trusted  friend  and 
wise  counsellor.  But  all  these  are  only  human  voices  which 
are  more  or  less  selfish  in  their  expressions.  Standing 
here  in  the  house  of  God  today,  where  we  learn  to  know  the 
end  of  man,  we  may  hear  the  voice  from  Heaven  that  says. 
"From  henceforth,  blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord; 
even  so  saith  the  spirit;  for  they  rest  from  their  labors;  and 
their  works  do  follow  them." 

Mr.  Jno.  M.  Panetti. 

The  Diocese  has  met  with  a  serious  loss  in  the  death  of 
Mr.  Jno.  M.  Panetti,  a  member  of  the  present  senior  class 
at  the  Seminary.  At  my  instance  Mr.  Panetti  was  stationed 
during  the  last  summer  at  llavenswood  as  Lay  Reader,  and 
rendered  most  efficient  and  valuable  service.  We  looked 
forward  to  his  ordination  this  summer,  and  had  every  reason 
to  believe  that  he  would  prove  a  great  addition  to  our  work- 
ing Clerical  force.  To  the  great  grief  of  his  friends  he  was 
taken  suddenly  away  from  us  on  Christmas  morning  last.  The 
Faculty  of  the  Seminary  and  his  fellow  students  have  all  unit- 
ed in  hearty  tributes  to  his  memory.  We  had  hoped  to  have 
him  long  among  us,  as  a  co-laborer  in  this  part  of  the  Lord's 
vineyard,  but  the  Master  has  removed  him  to  the  higher  ac- 
tivities of  Heaven.  May  we  all,  like  him,  have  our  loins 
girded  and  our  lights  burning,  and  be  as  faithful  servants 
who  watch  for  the  coming  of  their  Lord. 

The  Prayer  Book. 

The  labors  of  the  General  Convention  have  resulted  in 
further  changes  in  the  Prayer  Book  which  are  now  obligatory 
upon  our  congregations.  It  is  confidently  expected  that  at 
the  next  General  Convention  this  work  of  revision  will  be 
brought  to  a  definite  conclusion.  I  think  that  what  has  been 
done,  has  been  wisely  done.  The  effort  has  been  made,  and 
with  success,  to  make  our  services  more  flexible  and  better 
adapted  to  the  varied  conditions  of  our  work  in  our  widely 
scattered  territory,  and  as  far  as  possible  to  the  exigencies 


314  The  Episcopal  Church 

of  time  and  occasion.  Now,  that  in  response  to  what  seem- 
ed a  popular  and  reasonable  demand,  such  changes  have  been 
made,  and  the  powers  that  be  have  fairly  kept  "the  happy 
mean  between  too  much  stiffness  in  refusing  and  too  much 
easiness  in  admitting  variations  in  things  once  advisedly 
established,-'  it  would  seem  that  our  rubrical  law  as  thus 
revised  ought  to  have  additional  authority  and  obligation. 

It  is  well  known  that  during  the  last  few  years  various 
customs,  some  of  them  inoffensive  and  it  may  be  beautiful  in 
themselves,  have  grown  up  under  the  sanction  of  rectors 
and  congregations.  Some  of  these  new  customs  have  been 
adopted,  or  at  least  allowed,  and  some  have  failed  to  secure 
the  recognition  sought  for,  by  their  advocates.  Under  these 
circumstances  it  may  fairly  be  claimed  that  the  Church  has 
pronounced  judgment  upon  these  matters,  deliberately 
grafting  some  of  them  into  her  ritual  and  as  deliberately 
rejecting  or  disallowing  others.  I  think  then,  that  more 
than  ever,  we  have  the  limits  of  ritual  prescribed  in  the 
Prayer  Book,  and  that  we  are  all  bound  by  it,  not  only  as 
by  a  law  for  ourselves,  but  as  by  a  compact  between  the 
clergy  and  the  people  that  the  public  services  of  the  church 
shall  be  conducted  in  the  manner  prescribed  and  in  no  other 
way. 

I  confess  that  I  feel  disposed  to  be  more  than  ever  jealous 
for  this  our  common  law,  and  I  think  we  make  a  great  mis- 
take and  trespass  on  the  liberty  of  our  people  when  we  take 
advantage  of  our  official  position  to  bring  any  kind  of  pres- 
sure to  bear  upon  our  people,  to  do  or  submit  to  that  in 
our  public  worship,  for  which  express  authority  is  not  found 
in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer.  I  know  of  no  congregation- 
al liberty  to  have  any  use  or  custom  of  ther  own,  which  has 
not  its  proper  warrants  in  the  common  law  and  written  ru- 
brics of  the  church. 

I  freely  recognize  that  there  may  be  special  meetings, 
councils,  convocations,  missionary  and  evangelistic  meetings, 
Sunday  School  gatherings  and  others  of  like  character,  but 


in  West  Virginia.  315 

the  proper  liberty  allowed  on  such  occasions  does  not  affect 
the  principle  that  I  insist  upon,  that  for  the  usual  and  reg- 
ular public  worship  of  our  congregations,  the  Book  of  Coin 
mon  Prayer,  in  its  services  and  ritual  directions  is  that  which 
ought  to  guide  us  in  what  we  do,  and  that  to  the  exclusion  of 
other  things  however  beautiful  or  appropriate  or  edifying 
they  may  be.  The  church  has  undertaken  to  judge  for  us 
what  is  beautiful  and  appropriate  and  edifying  for  public 
worship,  and  she  expects  us  cordially  to  accept  her  decision 
and  submit  our  judgment  to  her's. 

We  all  have  need  to  think  more  seriously  of  the  nature 
and  great  purpose  of  the  public  worship  of  Almighty  God. 
Good  old  George  Herbert  says,  "The  end  of  preaching  is 
praying."  To  this,  some  one  has  added  that  "  the  end  of  pub- 
lic worship  is  not  only  spiritual  devotion  at  the  time,  but 
holy,  living  and  practical  application  afterwards."  We  are 
to  be  doers  of  the  word  and  not  hearers  only.  The  worship 
is  not  to  end  in  itself  as  if  external  homage  were  all  that 
were  required  of  us.  It  must  have  issue  in  quickened  spirit- 
ual power  and  practical  duty.  No  barren  or  unproductive 
worship  is  acceptable.  The  end  of  worship  is  to  stimulate 
to  obedience.  "To  hear,"  in  the  language  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment signifies  to  obey,  i.  e.,  to  hear  with  the  inner  ear. 
Thought  is  awakened  that  it  may  lead  to  action.  The  sense 
of  the  Divine  presence  summons  to  duty.  Obedience  is  the 
proper  vesture  of  the  thoughts  and  feelings  roused  in  the 
sanctuary. 

And  yet  it  must  be  confessed  that  many  are  disposed  to 
"measure  the  benefit  gained  by  the  enjoyment  they  feel," 
and  the  entertainment  experienced.  They  expect  always  in 
preaching  to  hear  "something  new  and  striking,"  having  no 
special  care  for  the  manifestation  of  the  truth  to  the  heart 
and  conscience;  and  they  desire  a  service,  as  they  say,  "ren- 
dered with  aesthetic  taste"— which  may  be  all  very  well  in 
itself,  but  which,  nevertheless,  often  sadly  diverts  and  dis- 
tracts  the  mind.     Certainly  our  worship  must  be  reverent. 


316  The  Episcopal  Church 

Bishop  Ryle  well  says  that,  ''Nature,  reason  and  common 
sense,  should  teach  us  that  there  is  a  manner  and  demeanor 
suitable  to  mortal  man  when  he  draws  nigh  to  his  Almighty 
maker.  It  is  not  for  nothing  that  it  is  written,  God  is 
greatly  to  be  feared  in  the  assembly  of  the  saints  and  to  be 
had  in  reverence  of  all  them  that  are  about  Him.'  Evan- 
gelical religion  does  not  object  to  handsome  churches,  good 
ecclesiastical  architecture,  a  well  ordered  ceremonial,  and  a 
well  conducted  service.''  Still,  for  all  these  things  we  must 
remember  that  we  are  not  dependent  on  our  own  taste  or 
judgment,  but  have  the  way  marked  out  for  us  by  competent 
authority.  I  am  led  to  make  these  remarks  because  I  believe, 
that  by  reason  of  the  weakness  of  our  mortal  nature,  we 
are  all  in  danger  of  losing  sight  of  the  true  end  of  our  as- 
sembling ourselves  together,  and  expecting  to  be  pleased 
and  entertained  rather  than  "brought  nearer  God  and  made 
holier,  humbler,  better  Christians." 

Poor  human  nature  easily  goes  astray.  There  is  an  out- 
ward sendee  and  worship  that  seems  devout,  and  yet  has  no 
heart  in  it.  So  it  was  said  of  those  who  came  to  hear  Eze- 
kiel  preach.  "They  come  unto  thee  as  the  people  cometh  and 
they  sit  before  thee  as  my  people,  and  they  hear  thy  words 
but  they  will  not  do  them;  for  with  their  mouth  they  show 
much  love,  but  their  heart  goeth  after  their  covetousness." 
It  is  this  tendency  in  human  nature  to  substitute  what  some 
one  calls  "  Religiousness"  for  "  Righteousness",  that  ought 
to  put  us  on  our  guard  for  our  own  selves,  and  make  us 
careful,  as  far  as  we  have  the  power,  to  lead  others  on  to 
worship  the  great  God  who  is  a  Spirit,  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

I  am  convinced  that  some  fall  into  a  snare  from  a  desire 
to  make  the  services  of  the  sanctuary  attractive.  It  is  pos- 
sible for  a  popular  lecturer,  who  touches  upon  all  the  top- 
ics of  the  day,  to  draw  crowds  of  people  on  the  day  of  rest 
when  there  is  nothing  else  to  draw  them,  and  to  cause  them 
to  have  a  certain  familiarity  with,  and  interest  in,  religious 
truth.     But  the  triumphs  of  the  Gospel  are  not  achieved  by 


in  West  Virginia.  317 

popular  lecturers.  We  must  expect  to  fiud  a  coustant  op- 
position in  the  natural  heart  to  the  doctrines  of  grace  and 
to  the  life  of  religion,  but  we  must  still  preach  the  word,  be 
instant  in  season  and  out  of  season,  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort 
with  all  authority. 

The  word  of  God's  grace  to  man  in  Jesus  Christ  is  the 
great  power  to  move  the  heart  of  man  and  to  change  the 
face  of  the  world.  Any  apparent  success  achieved,  except 
along  these  lines  of  endeavor  is  delusive,  nay  worse,  for  it 
may  lead  minister  and  people  to  rest  in  the  form  of  godli- 
ness while  the  true  power  is  wanting.  Humbling  as  it  may 
be  to  confess  it,  we  cannot  deny  but  that  "There  is  a  semi- 
sensuous  delight  in  religious  worship  imposingly  conducted 
which  may  be  felt  by  the  least  conscientious  as  well  as  by 
those  that  are  sincerely  devout.  The  soul  that  is  devoid  of 
true  reverence  towards  God  may  be  rapt  into  a  spurious 
elation,  while  in  rich  and  solemn  tones  the  loud  voiced  org  m 
peals  forth  His  praise.  The  heart  that  never  felt  one  throb 
of  love  to  Christ,  may  thrill  with  an  ecstacy  of  sentimental 
tenderness  while  soft  voices,  now  blending,  now  dividing,  in 
combined  or  responsive  strains,  celebrate  the  glories  of  re- 
deeming love." 

I  feel  sure  that  we  all  might  do  more  than  we  now  do  to 
further  the  great  ends  of  public  worship,  by  giving  more 
thought  and  time  to  the  suitable  and  orderly  rendering  of 
our  services  along  the  well  defined  lines  of  our  authorized 
ritual,  bringing  out  more  fully  the  richness  and  variety  of 
the  provision  the  Church  has  made  for  her  children,  both  in 
the  Prayer  Book  and  Hymnal;  and  may  1  not  say  especially 
by  exercising  a  wise  discretion  in  such  control  of  the  music 
as  shall  tend  to  the  edification  of  the  people. 

The  Council  adopted  the  following  memorial: 

In  Memoriam.     Robert  J.  McCandlish. 

Born  in  Norfolk,  Virginia,  January  27th,  1820. 

Died  in  Parkersburg,  West  Virginia,  February  22nd,  1890. 


318  The  Episcopal  Church 

His  early  life  was  passed  in  Norfolk,  Va.,  where  he  united 
with  the  Church  and  became  interested  in  its  work. 

Removing,  towards  middle  life,  to  the  western  section  of 
the  State,  he  passed  the  remainder  of  his  days  in  Weston 
and  Parkersburg. 

In  both  places  his  active  interest  in  the  church  caused 
his  speedy  election  as  Vestryman,  in  which  office  he  served 
almost  continuously.  He  represented  both  parishes  in  the 
Council  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  prior  to  its  division.  At 
the  time  of  his  death  he  was,  and  had  been  for  many  years. 
Senior  Warden,  of  Trinity  Parish,  Parkersburg. 

He  was  actively  instrumental  in  promoting  the  erection 
and  organization  of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  and  has 
been  generally  sent  to  its  Councils  as  Delegate  from  Trinity 
Parish,  Parkersburg.  He  has  also,  generally  represented  the 
Diocese  in  the  General  Conventions  of  the  Church. 

In  addition  to  these  labors  and  honors,  he  discharged 
faithfully  and  judiciously  the  responsible  duties  of  Treasurer 
of  the  various  Funds  of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  from 
its  organization  to  his  death.  His  wisdom  in  counsel,  his  in- 
tegrity of  character,  his  earnestness  of  purpose,  qualified 
him  in  an  eminent  degree  for  the  trusts  reposed  in  him. 

Modest  and  unassuming  in  bearing,  gentle  and  loving  in 
disposition,  he  was  honored  by  all  who  had  dealings  with 
him,  and  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him.  "Full  of  days  and 
of  honour,"  he  now  "rests  from  his  labors,  and  his  works  do 
i'oliow  him."' 

The  Council  of  189  I.     Parkersburg. 

The  Fourteenth  Annual  Council,  met  in  Trinity  Church, 
Parkersburg,  Wednesday,  June  3rd.  Present  eighteen  of 
the  Clergy  and  fifteen  of  the  Laity. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

The  Rev.  John  Ambler. 

Wednesday,  March  4th.  I  attended  the  funeral  services  of 
Rev.  John  Ambler  and  made  a  brief  address.  We  have  sadly 
felt  the  loss  of  this  faithful,  earnest  man  of  God.     Although 


in  West  Virginia.  319 

older  than  any  of  his  brethren  in  the  Diocese,  save  oue,  he 
was  abundant  in  labors.  In  addition  to  serving  several  places 
regularly,  he  was  indefatigable  in  ministering  to  vacant 
churches  and  in  hunting  up  the  scattered  sheep.  In  this 
work  he  was  a  kind  of  general  missionary,  and  was  far  more 
useful  and  efficient  than  his  modest  opinion  of  himself  al- 
lowed him  to  think. 

Mr.  Ambler  preserved  the  freshness  and  vigor  of  youth 
in  a  remarkable  degree.  He  manifested  to  the  last  an  un- 
flagging interest  in  our  work,  and  an  earnest  purpose  to  do 
cheerfully  whatever  was  laid  upon  him.  In  the  providence 
of  God  it  was  granted  to  him,  no  doubt,  according  to  his 
desire,  to  die  with  his  harness  on.  He  had  no  period  of  in- 
activity, but  was  called  immediately  from  his  work  to  the 
great  reward.  May  we  be  ever  ready,  as  he  was,  to  obey  the 
summons  when  it  comes,  and  while  we  wait  for  it,  follow 
him  as  we  believe  he  followed  Christ. 

The  Council  adopted  the  following  memorial: 
In  Memoriam.     Rev.  John  Ambler. 

Born  in  Fauquier  county,  Virginia,  April  3,  1821. 

Died  in  Moundsville,  West  Virginia,  March  3,  1891. 

Prior  to  the  war,  he  was  United  States  Marshal  under 
Judge  Brockenborough,  Federal  Judge  of  the  Western  Dis- 
trict of  the  State  of  Virginia.  Throughout  the  war  he  was 
engaged  in  active  service  in  the  Confederate  Army.  He  en- 
tered the  Ministry  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  when 
over  51  years  of  age,  late  in  life  it  is  true,  but  was  privileged 
to  serve  his  Master  in  this  calling  for  eighteen  years.  About 
fourteen  years  of  this  time  were  spent  in  the  Diocese  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  the  remainder  in  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia, 
where  he  laid  down  his  life  in  the  service.  He  was  ordained 
in  1873. 

"Mr.  Ambler  was  a  conspicuous  example  of  old-fashioned 
integrity  and  simplicity  of  character.  With  a  genuine  love 
of  all  that  was  pure  and  high  and  noble,  he  had  a  genuine 
scorn  of  all  that  was  low,  mean  and  small  in  any  way;  and 


320  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

so  he  moved  in  and  out  among  us  like  a  grand  old  man,  as 
he  was — his  life  an  epistle,  known  and  read  of  all  men.  In 
his  ministry  he  was  singularly  faithful  and  laborious.  Per- 
sonally he  was  modest  and  retiring,  always  ready  to  do  cheer- 
fully whatever  was  assigned  to  him,  and  to  lend  a  helping 
hand  wherever  it  was  needed.  We  thank  God  for  his  good 
example,  and  we  gratefully  cherish  the  fragrant  remem- 
brance of  all  our  associations  with  him.  He  has  obeyed  the 
summons,  'Come  up  higher;'  he  has  heard  the  welcome,  'Well 
done,  good  and  faithful  servant!"  May  his  words  of  counsel, 
now  that  he  is  absent  from  the  body,  come  back  to  all  his 
hearers  with  fourfold  power  and  produce  in  them  yet,  an 
abundant  harvest  to  God's  glory  and  their  salvation.  He 
died  a  good  soldier  of  the  cross,  in  full  possession  of  his  fac- 
ulties, and  with  perfect  resignation  to  his  Master's  will." 
"The  Lord  alone  did  lead  him."    Deut.  32.12. 

The  Council  of  1892.     Martinsburg. 

The  Fifteenth  Annual  Council  was  held  in  Trinity  Church, 
Martinsburg,  Wednesday,  June  1st.  Present  twenty-two  of 
the  Clergy  and  twenty-nine  of  the  Laity. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

Scattered  Members. 

Sunday,  October  4th.  A.  M.,  held  service  in  the  open  air 
at  Dingess,  Logan  county,  and  P.  M.,  in  the  Court  House 
at  the  County  seat.  This  county  is  developing  rapidly,  being 
made  accessible  by  the  extension  of  the  Norfolk  and 
Western  Railroad.  Monday,  5th.  Boone  Court  House. 
This  trip  of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  through 
the  country,  gave  me  opportunity  of  having  the  serv- 
ices of  our  Church  among  many  people  not  at  all 
accustomed  to,  and  yet  kindly  welcoming  them.  It  has 
been  my  growing  conviction,  that,  if  we  mean  to  take  a 
larger  hold  upon  the  people  of  the  State,  the  clergy  must 
do  a  good  deal  of  this  pioneer  work. 

Sunday  11th.     A.  M.,  Presbyterian  Church,  Winfield.     P. 


MAJ.    J.    ('.    COVELL. 


RECTORYj    ROMNEY. 


EPIPHANY,    OKOXOKO. 


in  West  Virginia.  321 

M.,  Methodist  Church,  Frazier's  Bottom.  P.  P.  M.,  Metho- 
dist Church,  Buffalo.  These  places  I  thus  visited,  after 
quite  a  long  interval.  I  found  seven  communicants  in  the 
three  places,  all  of  them  anxious  for  renewed  services.  Such 
fields  have  large  promise  for  the  faithful,  patient  workman. 
The  results  are  often  far  greater  in  proportion  than  in  the 
more  settled  parishes.  I  give  it  as  my  deliberate  judgment, 
after  some  years  of  observation  and  experience,  that  while 
the  settled  churches  ought  not  to  be  neglected,  yet  that 
the  general  interest  of  our  church  throughout  the  State  would 
be  much  promoted  if  more  of  their  many  services  were  be- 
stowed upon  their  scattered  brethren.  In  this  matter  of 
preaching  the  Gospel  in  the  regions  beyond  our  own  Church 
organizations,  and  to  the  people  outside  of  them,  there 
seems  to  be  need  of  a  new  departure,  to  use  substantially 
the  words  of  another.  "Every  Church  or  parish  is  to  be  con- 
sidered as  a  fort  which  must  be  garrisoned  and  held."  It 
is  important  to  secure  and  maintain  for  it  a  commanding 
influence  in  the  community  where  it  is  located,  but  this  not 
for  its  own  welfare  and  aggrandizement,  but  also  that  it 
may  be  a  source  of  spiritual  supplies  for  others,  a  base  of 
operations  from  which  to  move  upon  the  regions  and  the 
people  beyond.  We  must  not  allow  ourselves  to  be  taken 
up  simply  with  perfecting  and  enlarging  our  present  church 
organizations.  It  is  not  enough  simply  to  hold  the  fort.  It 
is  not  enough  that  pulpit  and  choir  give  forth  their  accus- 
tomed tones,  Sunday  by  Sunday,  and  that  hearers  occupy 
the  pews  in  sufficient  numbers  to  maintain  the  stated  services 
of  the  church.  This  is  all  very  well  as  far  as  it  goes,  but 
it  does  not  go  far  enough.  The  Church  must  march  out  of 
the  fortified  camp  into  the  open  field,  and  it  must  do  this 
in  order  to  find  and  meet  the  people,  to  whom  it  has  a  mes- 
sage to  deliver.  To  adhere  more  strictly  to  the  figure,  the 
Church  must  leave  the  fort,  and  march  out  into  the  open 
field  in  order  to  find  and  meet  the  enemy.  No  matter  how 
excellent  the  ammunition  and  deadly  the  rifle,  the  foe  will 


322  The  Episcopal  Church 

not  suffer  unless  they  are  in  range.  But  in  too  many  eases 
those  who  need  to  be  won  for  Christ  keep  wholly  out  of 
reach  of  that  elegant  piece  of  black  walnut  furniture,  with 
its  plush  upholstery,  and  ponderous  gilt-edged  copy  of  God's 
word,  which  we  call  uthe  pulpit." 

Shall  we  then  be  satisfied  with  performing  the  time  hon- 
ored evolutions,  of  a  religious  campaign?  God  forbid  that 
we  should  be  so. 

We  must  indeed  maintain  with  utmost  faithfulness  the 
preaching  of  a  bold  strong  gospel  in  every  established  pul- 
pit; but  we  must  do  more  than  thus  try  to  hold  our  present 
possessions;  we  must  go  forth  to  those  that  do  not  come  to 
us.  We  must,  as  it  were,  go  out  into  the  highways  and 
hedges  and  compel  them  to  come  in.  We  shall  find  the  field 
for  such  laborers  in  the  crowded,  but  neglected  parte  of  our 
larger  towns.  We  shall  find  it  in  the  smaller  towns,  where 
there  are  yet  many  unattached  to  any  Christian  Church — 
apparently,  outside  of  any  active  Gospel  influence — we  shall 
find  it  too  in  the  rural  districts,  where  oftentimes  a  month- 
ly, or  less  frequent,  service,  and  an  annual  protracted  meet- 
ing, is  the  only  religious  influence  that  reaches  the  people 
from  one  year's  end  to  another.  There  is  large  room,  be- 
lieve me,  in  such  fields,  for  Christian  energy,  and  zeal,  and 
for  consecrated  service;  the  minister  who  engages  in  such 
evangelistic  work  is  stronger  for  his  own  home  duty,  and  the 
congregation  that  gladly  spares  him,  and  bids  him  Godspeed 
in  his  efforts,  and  helps  him  with  with  such  personal  aid  as 
he  requires,  will  find  it  true  in  its  own  experience,  that 
"  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.''  I  repeat  it,  the 
Church  must  not  be  satisfied  simply  to  care  for  itself.  If 
we  have  the  heart  for  it,  we  shall  find  a  vast  deal  of  distinct- 
ively Christian  work  to  do  all  around  us,  which  shall  be  at 
once  the  best  exercise  for  our  own  Christian  life,  and  the 
most  powerful  evidence  to  the  world  that  the  Church  is  of 
God.  So  when  John  the  Baptist  sent  Disciples  to  our  Sav- 
iour to  ask  "who  art  thou?"     He  said,  "go  and  shew  John 


in  West  Virginia.  328 

the  things  you  see  and  hear.  The  blind  receive  their  sight, 
the  deaf  hear,  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  the  lame  walk,  the 
dead  are  raised,  and  the  poor  have  the  Gospel  preached  to 
them."  Tt  has  been  well  said  that  ''the  Church  is  the  preach- 
er's force,  not  his  field."  The  question  is,  what  force  have 
our  Church  organizations  in  the  communities  where  they 
belong?  Do  they  stand  for  God  and  righteousness?  Do 
they  help  to  inspire  the  people  with  faith,  hope  and  love? 
Are  they  so  organized  around  Christ  as  a  living  Saviour  that 
they  are  continually  showing  forth  His  life  and  light  to  all 
the  world? 

Education. 

The  question  of  what  we  would  do  in  West  Virginia  for  the 
education  of  our  youth,  under  Church  influences  is  one  that 
has  been  constantly  present  to  my  mind,  and  has  occasioned 
much  anxious  thought.  Several  essays  have  bee'fi  made  look- 
ing to  such  education  for  our  tjiHs,  but  so  far  Without  per- 
manent success.  My  more  particular  attention  has  recently 
been  directed  to  a  similar  effort  in  behalf  of  our  boys  and 
young  men,  and  there  seems  to  be  no  insurmountable  obsta- 
cle in  the  way  of  its  accomplishment. 

We  have  an  interest  in  the  High  School  near  Alexandria, 
and  some  of  our  West  Virginia  boys  have  availed  themselves, 
and  no  doubt  will  continue  to  avail  themselves  of  the  many 
advantages  furnished  by  that  most  excellent  Institution. 
Bui  under  any  circumstances  this  number  will  always  be 
small  as  compared  with  the  many  who  need  such  training; 
the  distance  and  the  expense  both  will  tend  to  confine  the 
benefit  of  this  school  to  a  comparatively  few. 

Under  these  circumstances  I  have  entered  upon  the  enter- 
prise of  founding  at  Morgantown,  the  site  of  our  State  Uni- 
versity, such  an  Institution  as  would  accomplish  the  relig- 
ious ends  we  have  in  view,  while  at  the  same  time  utilizing 
without  cost  to  ourselves  the  common  provision  the  State 
makes  for  the  intellectual  training  of  her  youth.  The  idea 
is  to  have  in  Morgantown  a  Hall,  which  shall  be  a  Home 


324  The  Episcopal  Church 

for  students,  in  which  they  shall  live  under  greater  safe- 
guards than  are  now  altogether  possible,  and  also  come  un- 
der such  religious  influences  as  their  parents  would  prefer, 
while  at  the  isame  time  freely  enjoying  the  superior  educa- 
tional advantages  the  State  affords.  In  this  way  the  young 
men  of  our  congregations,  who  attend  the  State  University, 
would  have  a  religious  home  of  their  own  choice,  and  come 
under  the  constant  influence  of  their  own  Church;  and  they 
would  also  at  the  same  time  be  coming  into  contact  with  the 
larger  life  of  the  Commonwealth  in  which  they  live,  and  be 
meeting  from  day  to  day  from  all  parts  of  the  State,  young 
men  of  every  religious  name,  with  many  of  whom  they  will 
be  associated  in  after  life. 

This  whole  question  is  one  about  which  there  is  not  suffi- 
cient consideration.  I  want  to  say  a  word  or  two  on  the  sub- 
ject today,  and  in  doing  so,  shall  freely  avail  myself  of  the 
contemporary  discussion  of  the  subject  in  our  church  papers. 

Some  may  say  by  way  of  objection  to  doing  anything  in 
the  direction  indicated,  that  it  is  not  the  business  of  the  col- 
lege to  teach  religion,  or  to  be  an  ecclesiastical  propaganda, 
that  we  send  our  sons  to  college  for  an  education.  But  we 
must  not  fall  into  the  error  of  supposing  that  an  education 
is  mental  only.  The  ideal  college  cannot  be  considered  merely 
as  a  place  of  instruction,  a  place  for  filling  the  mind  by 
means  of  books  and  lectures.  Mere  learning  is  only  intel- 
lectual lumber,  unless  it  be  shaped  and  inspired  by  social 
and  spiritual  ideals;  or  at  best,  without  these  it  becomes 
the  mere  instrument  of  a  money  getting,  sordid  and  selfish 
life. 

The  theory  that  religion  is  related  to  the  family  and  tbe 
Church,  and  must  be  impressed  upon  each  generation  through 
these  divinely  appointed  agencies,  while  for  the  school  and 
the  State,  there  is  an  entirely  different  range  of  duty  and 
responsibility,  is  plausible  and.  with  some  qualification,  true. 
But  the  school  is  not  a  Divine  institution,  as  are  the  family, 
the  Church  and  the  State.    The  school  is  simply  an  expedient, 


in  West  Virginia.  325 

to  do  what  naturally  belongs  to  the  family  to  do.  It  is,  or 
should  be,  really  an  extension  of  the  family,  a  sort  of  co-op- 
erative family  arrangement  for  securing  better  advantages 
of  intellectual  culture  and  discipline  for  the  young,  than  can 
be  provided  in  the  separate  homes. 

Where  students  live  at  home,  there  is  very  little  that  the 
school  or  college  needs  to  do,  but  to  furnish  the  means  for 
intellectual  culture,  and  the  matters  for  self  improvement. 

Just  here  is  where  the  mistake  is  made,  and  where  theory 
fails.  Students  do  not,  as  a  rule,  live  at  home,  after  the 
completion  of  a  very  elementary  course. 

Those  who  are  preparing  for  college  often  go  away  to 
Boarding  School,  at  an  early  age,  and  thence  to  College. 
They  leave  the  family,  and  the  school  must  take  the  place 
of  the  family,  or  the  divine  order  of  education  is  degraded 
to  a  human  invention  for  mere  instruction.  Absent  from 
the  family,  the  student  is  absent  from  the  Church,  or,  at 
least,  has  little  to  lead  and  hold  him  in  his  religious  life,  un- 
less the  school  itself  supplies  the  lack,  becomes  in  loco  paren- 
tis, and  provides  for  his  social  and  religious  welfare  as  well 
as  for  his  intellectual  training. 

We  are  not  now  discussing  the  relation  of  the  Church  to 
the  day  or  to  the  public  school,  but  its  relation  to  the 
schools,  which  are  also,  for  the  time,  the  homes  of  the  boys 
and  girls,  of  the  young  men  and  young  women,  who  are  sep- 
arated from  father,  from  mother  and  pastor.  It  is  evident 
that  such  schools  should  be,  as  nearly  as  possible,  all  that 
the  home  should  be.  They  take  the  place  of  home,  and  they 
must  undertake  to  do  all  that  devolves  upon  parents  to 
do  for  their  children.  Youth  who  are  far  from  the  shelter 
of  the  parental  roof  can  no  more  imbibe  their  religious  prin- 
ciplea  from  the  family  circle,  than  they  can  from  that  source 
derive  social  culture.  They  have  a  right  to  look  to  the  school 
for  the  entire  round  of  human  development,  for  manners 
;in<l  morals  and  religion,  as  well  as  for  physical  and  mental 
training. 


326  The  Episcopal  Church 

These  words  which  I  have  freely  quoted  set  this  subject 
before  us  with  sufficient  clearness;  the  course  I  have  in- 
dicated seems  to  be  the  most  feasible  and  promising  for 
us  to  pursue  in  West  Virginia,  if  these  really  great  inter- 
ests are  to  be  cared  for.  I  trust  we  may  be  able  to  push 
it  to  a  speedy  completion. 

Church  Hall. 

I  place  here  upon  record  the  communication  I  have  ad- 
dressed to  the  Kegents  of  our  University,  bearing  upon  this 
matter: 

"Parkersburg,  W.  Va.,  Jan.  28th,  1892. 
To  the  Regents  of  the  University  of  West  Virginia: 

I  desire  to  establish  at  Morgantown,  in  connection  with 
the  Episcopal  Church,  (of  which  I  have  the  supervision 
throughout  the  State),  but  under  the  sanction  and  with  the 
co-operation  of  the  Regents  and  faculty,  a  Hall  or  Boarding 
House,  which  shall  furnish  a  home  for  those  who  may  de- 
sire, in  connection  therewith,  to  avail  themselves  of  the  ed- 
ucational advantages  of  the  University. 

The  question  has  come  to  me,  time  and  again,  as  to  my 
duty  in  the  matter  of  helping  in  the  education  of  the  young 
men  and  boys  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  who  are  growing  up, 
in  some  sense  at  least  under  my  care.  During  the  past  ten 
or  fifteen  jrears  there  have  been  quite  a  number  of  these 
who  have  patronized  some  of  our  church  schools  and  col- 
leges in  other  States,  e.  g.\  Gambier,  Ohio,  Washington, 
Pennsylvania,  Alexandria,  Virginia,  Louisville,  Kentucky,  &c. 
This  has  been  because  the  institutions  at  these  places  fur- 
nished to  parents  and  guardians,  more  of  a  Church  home  for 
their  wards  than  seemed  possible  for  them  to  have,  under  the 
present  arrangements  at  Morgantown. 

Of  course,  I  know  that  it  is  perfectly  competent  for  any 
Church  to  found  its  own  high  school  and  college,  and  some 
of  them  think  it  expedient  to  do  so,  but  after  having  given 
some  consideration  to  the  subject,  I  have  concluded  to 
throw  my  own  influence,  and  to  try  to  direct  that  of  my  peo- 


in  West  Virginia.  327 

pie,  on  the  side  of  the  State  University,  which  is  the  fitting 
crown  and  climax  of  our  public  school  system. 

It  is  competent,  also  I  know,  for  any  one  to  put  up  a 
Boarding  House  at  Morgantown,  and  secure  what  patronage 
they  can,  but  I  prefer  to  undertake  the  special  work  I  have 
in  hand  under  the  sanction,  and  with  the  co-operation  of 
the  Regents  and  Faculty,  in  order  that  we  may  secure  more 
readily  the  recognition  and  patronage  of  the  public,  and 
may  for  the  internal  administration  of  the  house  enjoy  the 
prestige  and  authority  of  the  University  rules  and  regula- 
tions. 

The  Hall  or  Boarding  House  proposed  would  furnish  all 
needed  accommodations  to  the  students,  under  greater  safe- 
guards than  perhaps  now  are  possible  in  many  cases,  and 
also  under  such  religious  influences  as  their  parents  would 
prefer,  and  yet  leave  them  entirely  amenable  to  all  general 
University  rules,  and  also  perfectly  free  to  avail  themselves 
of  all  the  educational  advantages  which  the  State  affords. 

The  internal  administration  of  the  Hall,  and  the  general 
care  of  the  students  in  their  daily  lives,  hours  of  study,  &c, 
would  be  in  the  hands  of  a  warden,  appointed  by  myself 
or  by  some  other  authority  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  but 
acting  in  accordance  with  such  general  rules  and  regula- 
tions as  would  meet  with  the  approval  of  the  faculty,  and 
would  then  be  considered  by  the  student,  as  of  University 
authoritv- 

The  effort  would  be  to  provide  the  best  accommodation 
in  all  departments  and  to  make  a  safe  and  attractive  home 
for  all  who  would  choose  it  as  a  residence. 

The  gain  of  such  co-operation,  as  I  thus  seek  from  the 
University  authorities,  would  be  to  me.  a  more  general  recog- 
nition on  the  part  of  the  public,  and  a  more  efficient  in- 
ternal administration  of  the  Hall;  and  to  the  University 
the  more  cordial  interest  and  united  patronage  of  no  incon- 
siderable portion  of  our  people  throughout  the  State. 

While  the  Episcopal  Church  would  undoubtedly  be  ben- 


328  The  Episcopal  Church 

efltted  by  having  a  religious  home,  thus  provided  for  its 
young  men  and  boys,  yet,  since  the  recognition  and  co-oper- 
ation desired,  on  the  part  of  the  University  could  be  granted 
by  some  general  enactment  in  regard  to  all  authorized 
Boarding  Houses,  there  would  be  no  room  for  suspicion  of 
favoritism.  Nothing  is  asked  for  this  enterprise,  that  might 
not,  with  great  gain  to  the  University,  be  given  with  a  free 
hand  to  all  alike.  It  would  not  indeed  be  unreasonable  to 
cherish  the  hope  that  the  example  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
in  this  matter,  might  stimulate  other  Churches  to  take  sim- 
ilar steps,  and  result  in  a  wide-spread  revival  of  interest  in 
the  State  University. 

While  I  have  not  the  financial  ability  at  this  time  to  at- 
tempt to  found  a  separate  Episcopal  College,  I  am  free  to 
say  that  neither  have  I  the  inclination  to  do  so.  I  would 
rather  gather  the  young  men  of  rny  Church,  at  the  State 
University,  where,  having,  as  is  proposed,  a  religious  home 
of  their  own  choice,  and  coming  under  the  continued  influ- 
ence of  their  own  Church,  they  may  yet  come  into  coritact 
with  the  larger  life  of  the  commonwealth  in  which  they  live, 
and  meet  from  day  to  day,  from  all  parts  of  the  State,  the 
young  men,  of  every  religious  name,  with  many  of,  whom 
they  will  be  associated  in  after  life;  this  better  comes  up  to 
my  idea  of  real  University  education. 

I  make  known  this  plan  to  the  Kegents  as  a  first  step,  as 
I  would  like  to  have  the  encouragement  of  their  approval 
before  I  undertake  to  raise  the  money  needed  for  the  enter- 
prise. I  commend  the  scheme  to  their  favorable  considera- 
tion, and  if  any  objections  are  made,  I  would  be  glad  to  an- 
swer them  as  far  as  I  can,  or  to  give  any  additional  infor- 
mation that  may  be  needed. 

Respectfully  Yours, 

Geo.  W.  Peterktn." 
Parish  Boundaries. 

The  Committee  on  Metes  and  Bounds  of  Parishes  appoint- 
ed at  the  last  Council  submitted  the  following  report.     The 


CHRIST    (MEMORIAL)   CHURCH   WIELIAMSTOWN. 


GOOD    SHEPHERD,    PARKE K8BURG. 


REV.    KENSEY   JOHNS  HAMMOND. 


REV.    JACOB   A.   HIATT. 


in  West  Virginia.  329 

report   was  received  and     the     recommendations   adopted. 
The  Committee  was  continued. 

To  the  Fifteenth  Annual  Council  of  the  Diocese  of  West  Vir- 
ginia, assembled  at  Martinsburg,  istjune,  i8q2: 
The  undersigned  appointed  by  the  Fourteenth  Council  of 
this  Diocese  at  Parkersburg  in  June,  1891,  a  committee  to 
consider  the  question  of  Metes  and  Bounds  of  Parishes,  with 
the  view  of  organizing  the  Diocese  on  definite  Parochial 
lines,  respectfully  report  as  follows: 

Your  Committee  entered  upon  the  work  assigned  them, 
endeavoring  to  get  such  information  as  would  enable  them 
to  make  a  satisfactory  report;  but  soon  found  they  would 
nor  be  able  to  do  so  for  the  present  Council. 

They  were  surprised,  after  examining  the  Digest  of  the 
Journal  of  the  Councils  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  and  the 
Journals  of  this  Diocese,  to  find  how  little  accurate  infor- 
mation of  the  formation  of  parishes  and  their  boundaries 
seems  to  have  been  preserved.  In  their  investigations  they 
have  come  across  some  interesting  facts  about  the  early  his- 
tory of  the  Church  and  Parishes  in  that  portion  of  the  State 
of  Virginia  now  comprising  this  Diocese,  which  it  seems  well 
to  them  to  give  to  the  Council,  not  as  of  any  practical  inform- 
ation or  use  for  the  matter  now  under  consideration;  but  as  a 
good  starting  point  for  some  future  committee  to  work  from, 
until  the  matter  can  be  brought  down  as  a  continuous  whole 
to  the  present,  with  the  possibility  that  a  continuous  and 
complete  record  may  in  the  end  be  obtained. 

On  the  10th  March,  1655,  the  General  Assembly  of  Virginia 
directed  that  all  counties  not  yet  laid  out  into  Parishes, 
should  be  divided  into  Parishes  the  next  County  Court  after 
publication  of  the  Act.     1  Henings  Statutes,  399  and  478. 

In  1060-61,  it  was  enacted  that  Counties  and  Parishes 
should  be  limited  within  certain  natural  bounds  and  pre- 
cincts, in  two  years  thereafter,  by  consent  of  the  inhabitants 
or  judgment  of  the  greater  Courts.  When  natural  bounda- 
ries were  wanting  they  were  to  be  limited  by  marked  trees, 


330  The  Episcopal  Church 

to  be  renewed  every  two  years  in  Easter  week.    2  Hen.  18. 

Parishes  could  thus  be  laid  off  by  the  consent  of  the  inhab- 
itants, but  there  seems  to  have  been  no  provision  for  pre- 
serving the  records  of  the  boundaries. 

Up  to  this  time,  and  for  some  seventy  odd  years  longer, 
there  seems  to  have  been  no  Parish  in  any  portion  of  what 
now  constitutes  this  Diocese.  For  St.  George's  Parish, 
which  was  co-extensive  with  Spottsylvania  County,  termi- 
nated at  the  river  beyond  the  high  mountains  on  the  North- 
west side  thereof,  and  down  same  until  against  the  head  of 
Rappahannock.  St.  Mark's,  which  was  taken  from  St. 
George's,  terminated  at  the  western  boundary  of  St. 
George's. 

Although  Orange  County  was  formed  in  1734,  from  Spott- 
sylvania,  and  was  bounded  on  the  North  by  the  Grant  of 
Lord  Fairfax,  and  westerly  to  the  utmost  limits  of  Virginia, 
yet  the  limit  of  the  Church's  jurisdiction  was  the  river  be- 
yond the  high  mountains,  the  Shenandoah,  and  not  till  1738 
do  we  find  any  Church  organization  in  any  portion  of  the 
present  Diocese  of  West  Virginia.  In  November,  1738,  the 
two  Counties  and  Parishes  of  Frederick  and  Augusta  were 
formed. 

Frederick  County  and  Parish,  was  composed  of  all  the  land 
beyond  the  top  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  and  to  the  North  East 
of  a  line  from  head  Spring  of  Hedgman  river  to  the  head 
spring  of  the  "Potowmack"  River.  5  Hen.  78. 

Augusta  County  and  Parish  was  composed  of  all  the  rest 
of  said  land  beyond  the  top  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  Northerly, 
Westerly  and  Southerly  beyond  the  mountains  to  the  limits 
of  Virginia.     5  Hen.  78. 

In  1753  all  that  part  of  the  County  and  Parish  of  Augusta 
within  the  bounds  of  Lord  Fairfax  grant  called  the  North- 
ern Neck,  was  added  to  the  County  and  Parish  of  Frederick. 

And  Frederick  Co.,  as  thus  added  to  was  divided  after  1st 
May,  1754.  All  that  portion  lying  to  the  Westward  of 
ridge  of  mountains  called  the  Great  North,  or  Cape  Capon 


in  West  Virginia.  331 

mountains    and    the    Warm    Spring    mountains    to    "Potow- 
mack"  River  to  be  Hampshire  Co. 

Hampshire  Parish,  1st  May,  1756.  Frederick  Parish  was 
divided  into  Frederick  and  Hampshire,  Parishes  to  corres- 
pond with  the  Counties.     G  Hen.  376. 

Hampshire  Parish  seems  to  have  been  unusually  delayed 
in  being  organized,  for  in  1761,  we  find  an  act,  providing  for 
an  election  of  a  vestry,  reciting  that  the  election  ordered 
for  1st  July,  1756,  was  prevented  by  an  invasion  of  the 
French  and  Indians,  and  again  in  1762  an  act  reciting  that 
the  election  held  under  the  last  act  was  illegal,  dissolving 
the  vestry  and  ordering  a  new  election. 

Botetourt  County  and  Parish.  In  1769,  Augusta  County 
and  Parish  was  divided  into  two  counties  and  parishes.  The 
Southern  portion  being  Botetourt  Co.  and  Parish,  and  the 
Northern  portion  remaining  Augusta  Co.  and  Parish.  Bote- 
tourt evidently  comprised  a  large  part  of  the  southern  and 
middle  portions  of  this  Diocese.    8  Hen.  395. 

Fincastle  County.  In  1772,  Botetourt  County  was  divided, 
and  Fincastle  Co.  formed.  The  southern  portion  of  the  pres- 
ent Diocese  of  W.  Va.,  which  had  been  in  the  southern  part 
of  Botetourt  falling  in  Fincastle.  But  in  this  act  nothing- 
was  said  of  the  division  of  the  Parish.  So  Botetourt  Par- 
ish still  extended  over  Fincastle  County.     8  Hen.  600. 

Xorborne  Parish.  In  1769,  Frederick  Parish  was  divided 
into  three  Parishes,  Frederick,  Xorborne  and  Beckford.  8 
Hen.  425. 

All  of  that  part  of  this  Diocese  which  was  in  the  original 
Parish  of  Frederick  fell  at  this  division  in  Xorborne  Parish, 
the  southern  line  of  which  was  a  line  from  the  top  of  the 
Blue  Kidge,  running  seven  miles  northeast  of  Winchester 
to  line  of  Hampshire  County. 

In  1772  Berkeley  County  was  formed  from  Frederick  Co. 
but  the  dividing  line  from  the  Blue  Ridge  to  Hampshire  Co. 
ran  14  miles  farther  north  than  the  line  of  Xorborne  Parish 


332  The  Episcopal  Church 

as  above,  and  by  the  same  act  Norborne  Parish  was  made 
to  conform  to  Berkeley  Co.    8.  Hen.  597. 

Augusta  County  and  District  of  West  Augusta.  In  1776  the 
boundaries  of  the  District  of  West  Augusta  were  ascertain- 
ed— it  being  that  portion  of  the  County  of  Augusta  lying 
north  and  west  of  a  line  beginning  on  the  Allegheny  moun- 
tains between  the  heads  of  the  Potowniack,  Cheat  and 
Greenbrier  Rivers;  thence  along  the  ridge  between  Cheat, 
Greenbrier,  and  by  Tygart's  Valley  Rivers  to  Monongalia 
River,  up  same  and  west  fork  thereof  to  Bingemen's  Creek, 
up  creek  to  head;  thence  direct  to  head  of  Middle  Island 
Creek,  and  thence  to  Ohio  River — the  residue  of  the  old 
County  of  Augusta  to  the  line  of  Botetourt  county  remained 
the  County  of  Augusta. 

The  District  of  West  Augusta  was  at  this  time  divided 
into  the  three  counties  of  Ohio,  Yohogania  and  Monongalia. 
But  nothing  said  in  this  act  about  Parishes — so  the  old 
Parish  of  Augusta  still  extended  over  all  this  territory. 
9  Hen.  262. 

Montgomery  County  and  Parish.  In  1776  Fincastle  was  di- 
vided into  three  counties,  Kentucky,  Washington  and  Mont- 
gomery— and  the  Parish  of  Botetourt  was  divided  into  four 
Parishes  to  correspond  with  the  counties  of  Botetourt, 
Montgomery,  Washington  and  Kentucky.    9  Hen.  257-261. 

It  is  thought  b}'  your  committee  that  all  that  portion  of* 
this  Diocese  which  was  in  Fincastle  fell  at  this  division  in 
Montgomery  and  was  thus  in  Montgomery  Parish,  but  a 
small  portion  of  the  extreme  southern  part  may  have  been 
in  Washington  County  and  Parish — they  have  not  had  oppor- 
tunity to  investigate  this. 

In  Acts  1777,  by  act  to  take  effect  1st  March  next,  part  of 
Augusta  County  and  Parish  were  added  to  Hampshire  Coun- 
ty and  Parish,  but  the  Parish  still  conformed  to  the  county. 

Greenbrier  County  and  Parish.  In  Greenbrier  County  and 
Parish  formed  out  of  Botetourt  and  Montgomery  counties 
and  Parishes — bounded  in  the  main  as  follows:     Beginning 


in  West  Virginia.  333 

on  the  ridge  between  the  eastern  and  western  waters  (Alle- 
gheny mountains)  where  lines  between  Augusta  and  Bote- 
tourt crosses  same;  thence  N.  55  W.  to  the  Ohio  River;  be- 
ginning again  at  same  point  of  beginning;  thence  along  top 
of  ridge  passing  Sweet  Springs  to  Peters  Mountain;  thence 
along  same  to  Montgomery  county  line;  thence  along  same 
mountain  to  "Kanhawa"  on  New  River  and  down  same  to 
Ohio.  9  Hen.  420.  The  northern  line  supposed  to  join  Ohio 
county. 

Hardy  County  and  Parish.  In  1790  Hardy  County  and  Par- 
ish were  formed  from  Hampshire  County  and  Parish — Par- 
ishes to  correspond  with  the  counties.     13  Hen.  189. 

Harrison  County.  In  1784  Harrison  County  was  formed 
from   Monongalia;   but   nothing  said   of  Parish. 

Here  closes  the  first  part  of  the  history  of  Parishes  in 
this  Diocese;  for  it  seems  that  no  other  Parishes  were  form- 
ed by  the  legislature;  and  soon  after  this,  to-wit.  on  the  24th 
January  1799,  the  legislature  repealed  all  laws  relating  to 
the  alate  Protestant  Episcopal  Church." 

At  this  time  therefore  the  territory  now  included  in  this 
Diocese  was  covered  by  and  embraced  in  the  following  Par- 
ishes: 

1st.  Augusta  Parish — Covering  all  the  territory  of  Ohio, 
Monongalia  and  Harrison  counties  and  any  portion  of  Yo- 
hogania,  if  any,  which  might  be  in  the  present  State  of  West 
Virginia. 

This  was  by  virtue  of  the  formation  of  the  old  Parish  of 
Augusta;  but  your  committee  is  of  opinion  that  in  fact 
there  was  no  Parish  organization  in  any  portion  of  this  ter- 
ritory, and  practically  there  was  no   Parish  therein. 

2nd.  Hampshire  Parish — Co-extensive  with  the  then  Hamp- 
shire count.v. 

3rd.  Norborne  Parish — -Co-extensive  with  the  then  Berke- 
ley count}-. 

4th.  Montgomery  Parish — Co-extensive  with  the  then  Mont- 
gomery- county. 


334  The  Episcopal  Church 

5th.  Greenbrier  Parish — Coextensive  with  the  then  Green- 
brier county. 

6th.  Hardy  Parish — Co  extensive  with  the  then  Hardy 
county.  With  possibly  a  small  portion  of  the  southern  part 
of  the  present  Diocese  covered  by  Washington  Parish,  and 
a  small  portion  of  the  western  portion  covered  by  the  old 
Botetourt  Parish,  but  we  have  not  looked  into  this  thor- 
oughly. 

The  Church  and  State  having  thus  parted,  we  have  to  look 
to  the  proceedings  of  the  Church  as  to  future  changes  in  the 
Parishes,  and  we  find  the  information  very  meagre  as  to  the 
early  action  of  the  Church  in  these  matters. 

From  the  Digest  of  Councils  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia, 
we  find  the  following  regarding  Parishes  in  the  present  Dio- 
cese of  West  Virginia: 

Parishes  in  Wood  and  Jackson  counties  were  admitted  in 
1840.  No  boundaries  given,  but  probably  the  same  as  those 
of  the  counties. 

Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg,  was  admitted  in  1848;  no 
mention  of  any  alteration  in  the  parish,  it  being  Norborne 
Parish. 

Trinity  Parish,  in  Marshall  county,  St.  Paul's  Parish  in  Put- 
nam county  were  admitted  in  1850,  no  boundaries  mention- 
ed; but  probably  same  as  those  of  the  counties. 

St.  Matthcics  Church,  Wheeling,  we  find  from  Bishop 
Meade,  Old  Churches,  &c,  of  Virginia,  was  organized  in  1819, 
but  there  is  no  record  of  its  admission  as  a  Parish. 

He  says  that  St.  John's  Parish,  Wheeling,  was  organized 
in  1849,  and  embraced  all  south  of  Wheeling  creek;  previous 
to  that,  St.  Matthew's  embraced  all  of  Wheeling. 

Your  committee  thinks  probably  the  two  Parishes  em- 
braced all  of  Ohio  county.  St.  John's  Church  of  Wheeling 
was  admitted  in  1850,  according  to  the  Digest  above. 

Wetzel  Parish — In  Wetzel  county,  admitted  in  1851.  No 
boundaries,  but  probably  the  whole  county. 

St.   John's   Parish,    Pleasants    county,    Parens  wood    Parish, 


in  West  Virginia.  335 

Jackson  county,  were  admitted  in  1852,  no  boundaries  giv- 
en; St.  John's  was  possibly  co-extensive  with  Pleasants 
countv. 

Ravenswood  Parish  was  evidently  taken  from  Jackson  Par- 
ish above;  but  no  division  line  is  given. 

Pt.  Pleasant  Parish — Mason  county,  admitted  in  1868.  No 
boundaries  given  but  probably  those   of  the  county. 

Trinity  Church,  Huntington,  admitted  in  1870.  No  men- 
tion of  Parish. 

All  Saints'  Parish — Monroe  county,  admitted  in  1871.  No 
mention  of  boundaries,  probably  same  as  county. 

In  1871  a  petition  was  granted  for  the  division  of  Trinity 
Parish,  Wood  county,  (probably  the  Parish  mentioned  above 
as  formed  in  Wood  county,  1846;)  but  no  boundaries  are 
given. 

In  1872,  said  Trinity  Parish  was  divided,  the  new  Parish 
being  called   Emmanuel   Parish.     No  division   line  given. 

Grace  Church,  Pocahontas  county,  admitted  in  1874.  Noth- 
ing said  of  Parish.  Madison  Parish  is  in  Pocahontas,  but 
we  have  no  data  of  its  formation  or  boundaries,  probably 
co-extensive  with  the  county. 

Trinity  Parish — Monongalia  county,  Emmanuel  Parish, 
Hardy  county,   admitted  in   1876,     No   boundaries   given. 

Trinity  was  probably  co-extensive  with  Monongalia  coun- 
tv- 

Emmanuel  was  evidently  taken  from  the  old  parish  of  Har- 
dy, but  no  division  line  given. 

This  closes  the  second  period  of  the  history  of  the  Par- 
ishes in  this  Diocese  and  brings  us  to  the  formation  of  the 
Diocese  of  West  Virginia. 

The  foregoing  list  we  know  is  very  incomplete,  but  it  is 
all  we  have  been  able  to  find  from  any  record  as  yet,  al- 
though we  know  there  are  many  old  Parishes  still  in  exist- 
ence not  mentioned  therein,  because,  as  yet  we  have  not 
been  so  fortunate  to  find  record  concerning  them. 

This  brings  us  to  the  present,  and  until  we  have  a  report 


336  The  Episcopal  Church 

from  the  Rectors  of  the  present  Parishes  or  their  Vestries, 
we  are  unable  to  proceed. 

We  recommend  that  the  aforesaid  authorities,  do  furnish 
the  information  necessary  to  make  a  complete  report,  which 
can  be  done  by  the  next  Council. 

We  want  now,  the  boundaries  of  the  present  Parishes. 
All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Robt.  Douglas  Roller, 
S.  8.  Green, 
W.  S.  Laidley. 

Deputies  to  the  General  Convention: 

Rev.  R.  R.  Swope,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Dallas  Tucker,  Rev.  R.  D. 
Roller,  Rev.  S.  S.  Moore,  Messrs.  W.  S.  Laidley,  Col.  Wm.  P. 
Craighill,  B.  M.  Ambler,  E.  I.  Lee. 

Alternates:  Rev.  J.  Brittingham,  Rev.  Henry  Thomas, 
Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Geo.  A.  Gibbons;  Messrs.  W.  E. 
Watson,  W.  G.  Harrison,  I.  H.  Strider,  Capt.  W.  B.  Colston. 

The  Council  of   1893.    Clarksburg. 

The  Sixteenth  Annual  Council  met  in  Christ  Church, 
Clarksburg,  Wednesday,  June  7th.  Present  nineteen  of  the 
Clergy  and  twenty-two  of  the  Laity. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason. 

On  Thursday,  May  25th,  the  Rev.  R.  H.  Mason,  late  Rec- 
tor of  All  Saints',  Union,  entered  into  his  rest.  He  had  been 
for  a  year  or  two  residing  in  Virginia  and  officiating  at  Basic 
City,  showing  there,  as  always  throughout  his  ministry,  an 
earnest  desire  to  be  about  his  Master's  business.  He  some- 
times spoke  of  growing  infirmities,  but  his  generally  cheerful 
spirit  and  his  constant  and  keen  interest  in  the  progress  of 
the  kingdom  of  God,  kept  us  from  realizing  what  we  can 
now  understand,  how  that  his  strength  had  been  for  some 
time  failing.  Mr.  Mason  was  widely  known  throughout  the 
Diocese,  having  served  in  the  ranks  of  the  Clergy  from  its 
organization,  and  wherever  known,  he  was  loved  and  hon- 


REV.    W.    B.    EVERETT,    M.    D. 


ST.    JOHN'S   RECTORY.    HARPERS    PERRY. 


old  st.  John's,  harper's  ferry. 


ST.  JOHNS,  HARPERS  PERRY. 


in  West  Virginia.  337 

ored.  He  was  ever  ready  to  depreciate  himself  and  his  work, 
and  counted  it  his  chief  privilege  to  spend  and  be  spent  for 
Christ's  sake.  He  preached  the  truth  and  lived  it,  so  that 
in  his  daily  walk  and  conversation,  he  was  an  Epistle  known 
and  read  of  all  men.  Tenacious  of  his  own  opinions,  he  had 
a  large  hearted  charity  for  others.  He  loved  the  Brethren, 
and  as  much  as  in  him  lay,  sought  to  do  good  unto  all  men. 
To  varied  knowledge  and  a  thoughtful  mind,  he  united  the 
simplicity  of  a  child,  so  that  the  learned  and  unlearned, 
the  ancient  and  the  little  child  all  found  delight  in  his  so- 
ciety. All  Saints'  Church,  Union,  is  a  monument  to  his 
unwearied  Missionary  zeal.  He  fostered  the  work  there  at 
great  personal  self-sacrifice,  when  each  visit  involved  a  long 
and  laborious  ride  across  the  mountains  from  the  Warm 
Springs,  Virginia,  where  he  then  lived.  And  to  his  intelligent 
and  faithful  earnestness  we  are  also  largely  indebted  for 
St.  Thomas'  Church,  White  Sulphur  Springs.  To  establish 
these  churches,  our  dear  Brother  labored  long  and  arduous- 
ly and  we  have  entered  into  his  labors.  Of  singularly  gen- 
tle and  pure  spirit,  he  commanded  the  confidence  and  respect 
of  all  his  Brethren.  When  he  was  with  us  we  might  say  of 
him,  as  the  Master  said  of  Nathaniel,  '"Behold  an  Israelite 
indeed  in  whom  is  no  guile,"'  and  now  that  he  is  no  longer 
here  to  share  the  joys  and  trials  of  the  common  work  he 
loved  so  well,  we  can  write  his  Epitaph,  "He  walked  with 
God,  and  was  not,  for  Good  took  him.'* 

Mission  to  Brazil. 

I  have  been  asked  by  the  American  Church  Missionary  So- 
ciety to  take  charge  of  their  work  in  Brazil,  and  the  Presid- 
ing Bishop  has  enforced  the  request  by  appointing  me  to 
the  duty.  Such  oversight,  as  is  necessary,  will  involve  at 
least  one  trip  to  that  distant  country,  which  will  perhaps 
consume  as  much  as  four  or  five  months'  time.  As  far  as 
I  have  been  able  to  learn  from  the  general  opinion  express- 
ed in  regard  to  the  matter,  and  after  consultation  with  the 
Standing  Committee,  it  seems  to  be  my  duty  to  accept  the 


338  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

charge  thus  committed  to  me,  and  to  endeavor  to  meet  the 
responsibility  as  best  I  can.  When  first  proposed,  the  duty 
seemed  something,  I  could  not  venture  to  undertake,  requir- 
ing as  it  does  such  long  continued  absence  from  the  Diocese, 
which  though  never  more  encouraging  than  at  present,  yet 
calls  for  constant  care  and  supervision  on  the  part  of  the 
Bishop.  Various  considerations  have,  however,  modified  my 
first  impression  upon  the  subject.  The  request  was  from 
a  Society  which  has  been,  and  still  is,  most  liberal  in  its 
appropriations  to  our  Missionary  work  in  West  Virginia; 
the  Presiding  Bishop  has  expressed  himself  clearly  in  favor 
of  my  going,  and  others  of  my  Brethren  among  the  Bishops, 
notably  the  Bishop  of  Virginia,  to  whose  Canonical  Juris- 
diction our  four  Clergy  now  in  Brazil  belong;  take  the  same 
view,  and  my  friends  and  Clergy  generally  throughout  my 
own  Diocese  think  that  I  ought  to  go.  I  have  therefore'  con- 
sented to  do  so,  and  I  shall  trust  that  the  Mission  thus  un- 
dertaken will  be  for  the  glory  of  God  and  for  the  good  of  his 
Church.  I  have  always  thought  that  this  work  in  Brazil 
had  special  claims  upon  us,  not  only  because  it  had  is  origin, 
and  has  so  far  drawn  its  workers  from  Virginia,  but  be- 
cause of  the  effort  to  establish  closer  commercial  relations 
between  our  own  country  and  that  great  South  American 
Republic.  It  is  surely  time  that  the  Christianity  of  North 
America  was  beginning  to  make  itself  more  felt  in  the  south- 
ern part  of  the  Western  World,  and  that  we  should  do  our 
part  in  trying  to  bring  this  whole  Western  Hemisphere  into 
captivity  to  the  obedience  of  Christ. 

As  far  as  my  own  work  in  West  Virginia  is  concerned,  I 
may  frankly  say  that  I  have  tried  to  give  myself  to  it.  By 
the  blessing  of  God  I  have  been  kept  in  such  full  health 
that  four  weeks'  time  is  the  full  measure  of  all  I  have  taken 
for  anything  that  could  be  called  recreation  in  the  fifteen 
years  during  which  it  has  been  my  high  privilege  and  honor 
to  labor  in  this  field,  where  as  I  believe  the  Holy  Ghost  has 
made  me  your  overseer.  I  have  thoroughly  enjoyed  the 
work,  and  desire  nothing  more  than  that  if  it  be  the  will  of 


in  West  Virginia.  339 

God,  I  may  be  permitted  to  prosecute  it  with  uninterrupted 
diligence  during  the  years  that  are  yet  to  come.  But  I  would 
avoid  the  folly  of  thinking  myself  necessary  to  the  work, 
and  I  know  that  when  a  man  is  continuously  in  his  place 
from  one  year's  end  to  the  other,  he  is  in  some  danger  of 
falling  into  this  error.  I  would  feel  that  I  can  safely  com- 
mit the  work  here,  for  the  time,  into  the  hands  of  an  intel- 
ligent and  devoted  body  of  Clergy  and  Laity,  and  that  no 
interest  will  materially  suffer.  It  may  be  in  God's  provi- 
dence that  this  will  be  the  way  to  make  the  great  body  of 
the  Church,  realize  more  than  they  otherwise  would  do, 
their  own  responsibilities,  and  the  possibilities  of-  their  unit- 
ed and  vigorous  efforts. 

I  ask  the  united  prayers  of  my  people  for  my  safe  voyage 
to  and  from  that  distant  field,  for  God's  blessing  and  guid- 
ance for  the  work  which  I  am  commissioned  there  to  do, 
and  for  such  refreshment  of  miDd  and  body  by  this  extend- 
ed travel,  that  I  may  be  able  on  my  return,  to  labor  in  my 
own  beloved  Diocese  of  West  Virginia  with  the  greater 
vigor  and  efficiency.  Certainly  dear  Brethren  I  shall  carry 
you  and  yours  in  all  your  manifold  labors,  in  your  various 
fields,  constantly  on  my  heart,  and  ishall  pray  the  good  Lord 
to  bless  you  severally  as  you  have  need. 

Trusting  that  while  I  am  on  my  journey  to  hear  from  time 
to  time  of  your  well  being,  and  shortly  to  see  you  again  face 
to  face,  and  to  carry  on  again,  with  renewed  energy,  our 
common  work,  I  give  you  this  charge  as  I  go  to  a  distant 
land  for  a  little  time,  "Take  heed  to  yourselves  and  to  all 
the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you  over- 
seers, to  feed  the  Church  of  God  which  he  purchased  with 
his  own  blood.  And  now  I  commend  you  to  God  and  to 
the  word  of  His  grace  which  is  able  to  build  you  up  and  to 
give  you   an  inheritance  among  all   that  are  sanctified." 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  offered  the  following,  which  was  unan- 
imously adopted  by  a  rising  vote: 

The  Council  having  learned  through  the  address  of  the 
Bishop  that  he  has  been  selected  for  the  oversight  of  the 


340  The  Episcopal  Church 

Missionary  work  of  the  Church  in  the  Republic  of  Brazil, 
and  that,  pursuant  to  the  duties  of  this  new  call,  he  will 
probably  sail  for  that  country  in  the  course  of  a  few  weeks, 
and  desiring  to  put  upon  record  its  appreciation  of  the  value 
of  his  services,  both  in  his  own  Diocese  and  wherever  else 
they  may  be  rendered;  Now,  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we,  the  members  of  this  Council,  speaking 
for  ourselves  and  for  his  people  throughout  the  Diocese,  do 
tender  to  him  the  assurance  of  our  affection  and  of  our 
prayers  that  he  may  have  a  prosperous  journey  and  be  safely 
restored  to  us.  We  bid  him  Godspeed  in  this  work  and  trust 
that  in  doing  it  he  may  find,  not  only  opportunity  to  min- 
ister to  those  to  whom  he  goes,  but  also  some  relaxation 
for  himself  from  his  abundant  labors,  such  as  his  unweary- 
ing devotion  to  the  Diocese  during  the  past  fifteen  years, 
has  nobly  earned  for  him.  His  care  for  the  Diocese  and 
his  unfailing  and  affectionate  interest  in  all  his  people  have 
so  endeared  him  to  us  all  that  we  feel  our  words  superfluous, 
when  we  say  to  him  that  our  prayers  will  be  with  him  in 
all  his  journey  and  with  our  thoughts  will  follow  him  by 
day  and  night,  on  land  and  sea. 

Parish  Boundaries. 

The  Rev.  R.  D.  Roller  read  the  following  report  of  the 
Special  Committee  on  Metes  and  Bounds  of  Parishes. 

To  the  Sixteenth  Annual  Council  of  the  Diocese  of  West   Vir- 
ginia; Assembled  at  Clarksburg,  Jthfune,  iSgj: 
The  undersigned  Committee  on  Metes  and  Bounds  of  Par- 
ishes, appointed  by  the  Fourteenth  Council,  and  continued 
by  the  Fifteenth   Council,   respectfully  report: 

In  the  report  made  by  your  Committee  to  the  Fifteenth 
Council,  and  which  is  published  at  page  :!4  in  the  Journal 
of  said  Council,  an  account  of  the  formation  of  Parishes 
in  the  territory  comprising  this  Diocese,  from  its  first  set- 
tlement to  the  date  of  the  organization  of  this  Diocese,  was 
given,  so  far  as  we  could  obtain  information ;  which  report 


i>"  West  Virginia.  ^41 

is  asked  to  be  read  in  connection  with  and  as  a  pari  of  iliis 
report. 

Your  Committee  having  exhausted  all  the  records  and  data 
to  which  they  could  gain  access,  addressed  a  circular  letter 
in  each  of  the  Rectors  in  this  Diocese,  and  to  man}-  of  the 
leading  Laymen,  asking  information  as  to  when  and 
by  what  authority  their  parish  was  organized,  what 
change  has  been  made  in  its  boundaries,  what  are  its  pres- 
ent boundaries,  as  ascertained  or  claimed,  and  how  they  ob- 
tained  their  information. 

Many  of  the  letters  were  answered;  but  your  Committee 
regret  to  say  that  in  only  a  very  few  instances  was  any  in- 
formation obtained,  owing  to  the  imperfect  manner  in 
which  the  early  records  were  kept.  Hence,  our  report  on 
the  matter  under  consideration,  must  be  very  incomplete, 
and    inaccurate. 

Resuming  then,  our  account  of  the  formation  of  Parishes 
from  the  organization  of  this  Diocese,  the  period  to  which 
it  was  brought  in  our  former  report,  we  have: 

St.  John's  Parish.  Wheeling,  Ohio  county,  ceased  to  be  a 
Parish  in  1S77.  We  therefore  report  its  territory  as  hav- 
ing reverted  to.  and  now  comprised  in  St.  .Matthew's  Par- 
ish, Ohio  county. 

St.  Luke's  Parish.  Wheeling,  was  admitted  in  1881,  and 
comprises  the  whole  of  Wheeling  Island,  in  Ohio  county. 

Greenbrier  Parish — The  old  formation  of  Greenbrier  Par- 
ish seems  to  have  been  disregarded,  probably  because  there 
may  not  have  been  any  Church  organization  there,  since  the 
report  of  all  laws  relating  to  the  "late  Protectant  Episcopal 
Church,"'  in  17!l!>.  And  in  1883  it  was  admitted  by  the  Coun- 
cil of  the  Diocese,  its  boundaries  to  be  all  of  the  county  of 
Greenbrier  (except  the  White  Sulphur  Springs  Mission)  and 
the  town  of  Alderson  in  Monroe. 

Nelson  Parish,  in  Jefferson  county,  was  admitted  by  the 
Council  of  this  Diocese  in  1888,  its  boundaries  to  comprise 
so   much   of  Jefferson   county  as  is  embraced   in  Middleway 


342  The  Episcopal  Church 

Magisterial  District,  and  all  of  the  Kabletown  Magisterial 
District,   West   of   the   Shenandoah    Valley   Railroad. 

We  also  report  the  following  as  old  and  recognized  Par- 
ishes although  we  can  not  ascertain  when  they  were  organ- 
ized, no  i-  their  exact  boundaries. 

Kanawha  Parish.  Kanawha  county,  which  we  report,  from 
our  best  information  as  embracing  all  of  Kanawha  county, 
except  that  portion  embraced  in  Bangor  Parish;  Kanawha 
Parish  having  been  formed  when  the  county  was  very  much 
larger  than  at  present,  it  is  probable  that  the  original  Par- 
ish lines  embrace  portions  of  other  counties,  formerly  in  this 
county,  but  as  it  would  be  impracticable  to  follow  these 
lines,  we  limit  its  boundaries  to  the  present  county,  except- 
ing Bangor  Parish  as  above. 

Bangor  Parish,  in  Kanawha  county,  boundaries  not  known, 
except  that  Davis  Creek  is  claimed  as  its  Eastern  boundary 
on  the  South  Side  of  Kanawha  river;  whether  any  portion 
of  the  county  North  of  the  river  is  claimed  as  being  in  its 
boundary  we  do  not  know. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  in  Jefferson  county,  boundaries  sup- 
posed to  be  those  of  the  county,  except  Nelson  Parish,  as 
above  bounded. 

From  our  former  report,  and  the  foregoing  in  this  report, 
we  give  the  following  table  of  Parishes  now  existing  in  this 
Diocese,  in  which  we  drop  the  old  Parishes  of  the  Colonial 
Government;  for  although  together  they  covered  the  whole 
of  the  territory  now  comprising  the  Diocese,  yet  in  large 
portions  thereof  there  are  no  Church  organizations,  and  they 
are  considered  as  waste  places,  and  as  fast  as  they  can  be 
occupied  are  admitted  as  new  Parishes: 

Parishes. 

Name.  Date.  Territory    and   Bounds. 

All  Saints'...  1871.  Monroe  county,  except  town  of  Alder- 
son. 

Bangor Portion  of  Kanawha  county.  West  of 

Davis  Creek. 


in  West  Virginia.  343 

Name.  Date.  Territory   and   Bounds. 

Emmanuel....  1872.  Portion  of  Wood  county,  around  Vol- 
cano. 

Emmanuel....  1876.     Hardy   county,   Old   Hardy   Parish  of 

1790,  was    what    may    have    been 
taken  from  Hard}*  county. 

Greenbrier....  1883.     Greenbrier  county  (except  White  Sul- 
phur Springs  Mission)  and  Alderson, 
in  Monroe  county. 

Kanawha 1788.  Kanawha  county,  except  Bangor  Par- 
ish. 

Madison Pocahontas  county. 

Norborne 1769.     Berkeley  county. 

Nelson 188S.  Portion  of  Jefferson  county,  Middle- 
way  Magisterial  District,  and  that 
portion  of  Kabletown  Magisterial 
District  West  of  Shenandoah  Val- 
ley Railroad. 

Pt.  Pleasant .  .   1868.     Mason  county. 

Kavenswood.  ..  1852.     Part  of  Jackson  county. 

1846.     Parish  in  Jackson  county. — No  name. 

St.  John's 1852.     Pleasants  county. 

St.  Luke's 1881.     Wheeling  Island,  Ohio  county. 

St.  Andrew's..  Jefferson  county,  except  Nelson  Par- 

ish. 

St.  Matthew's.  All  of  Ohio  county,  except  St.  Luke's 

Parish. 

St.  Paul's Lewis  county. 

St.  Paul's 1850.     Putnam  county. 

Trinity 1850.     Marshall  county. 

Trinity 1846.  All  of  Wood  county,  except  Emman- 
uel Parish. 

Trinity 1876.     Monongalia  county. 

Wetzel 1851.     Wetzel   county. 

There  must  be  Parishes      in  such   counties   as   Harrison, 

Cabell  and  Marion,  but  of  these  your  Committee  has  no  in- 
formation. 


344:  The  Episcopal  Church 

There  are  probably  other  Parishes  in  the  Diocese,  but  your 
Committee   has   no   information   concerning   them. 

We  could  very  properly  close  this  report  here;  but  in 
view  of  the  fact  that  some  questions  have  been  asked  }Our 
Committee,  as  to  the  good  of  this  report,  and  as  to  the  good 
of  the  Parish  organization  or  division  of  territory.  We 
take  the  liberty  of  making  a  few  remarks  and  suggestions. 
History  and  experience  has  demonstrated  that  in  carrying- 
on  government  of  any  kind  or  seeking  the  establishment, 
and  acceptance  of  any  system  or  belief,  over  a  large  expanse 
of  territory,  the  work  can  be  more  thoroughly  and  effective- 
ly accomplished,  by  dividing  the  territory  into  small  and 
defined  districts,  and  even  sub-districts,  and  committing 
the  care  of  local  matters  therein  to  the  inhabitants  thereof, 
and  incidentally  imposing  on  them  the  obligation  of  an  earn- 
est and  faithful  attention  thereto,  or  of  being  left  behind 
in  the  race. 

For  these  and  other  reasons  we  see  the  same  policy  has 
been  adopted  from  the  fir'st  in  our  Church  organizations,  by 
the  division  of  the  territory  occupied  by  it  into  Dioceses,  and 
the  division  of  the  Diocese,  into  Parishes  or  other  districts. 

Independent  of  the  foregoing,  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States,  of  which  this  Diocese  is  a  part, 
in  paragraphs  1  and  2  of  section  G  of  Canon  14  of  Title  I, 
in  the  Digest  of  Canons,  has  recognized  the  Parish  organiza- 
tion in  such  terms,  as  to  make  it  almost  obligatory  on  the 
Church  in  the  various  Dioceses  to  divide  them  into  Parishes. 

Canon  10  of  this  Diocese,  in  spirit,  certainly,  if  not  in  let- 
ter, requires  the  division  of  the  Diocese  into  Parishes,  And 
as  the  Diocese  is  composed  of  the  whole  State  of  West  Vir- 
ginia, your  Committee  recommends: 

That  the  Parishes  heretofore  reported  by  them  as  now 
existing  in  the  Diocese,  be  continued  and  recognized  as  such, 
until  altered  or  divided  as  provided  by  Canon  9. 

That  in  counties  where  there  are  more  than  one  Parish, 
the  boundaries  whereof  are  not  defined  as  in  Kanawha  and 


KEV.   JAMES    X.    DEAVBE. 


ST.    PHILIPS,   CHAULES  TOWN. 


REV.    WALTER   L.    BURWELL. 


in  West  Virginia.  845 

Wood  counties;  let  the  Rector  and  Vestry  of  the  several 
Parishes  agree  upon  boundaries,  and  report  the  ■same  to  the 
next  Council  as  the  boundaries  of  their  respective  Parishes. 
That  the  rest  of  the  Diocese  be  divided  by  this  Council 
into  Parishes  corresponding  with  the  boundaries  of  the  sev- 
eral counties,  whether  there  is  any  Church  organization 
therein  or  not. 

That  the  Secretary  of  the  Council  and  Registrar  make  and 
keep  a  Parish  list. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Robt.  Douglas  Roller, 
S.  S.  Green, 
W.  S.  Laidley. 
The  Council  adopted  the  following  memorial: 

Rev.  Richard   H.  Mason. 

"Alive  Forevermore." 

The  Council  of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  at  its  ses- 
sion held  in  Clarksburg,  (June  7th  to  10th)  1893,  having  ap- 
pointed the  undersigned  a  Committee  to  express  the  senti- 
ments and  feelings  of  the  Council  in  view  of  the  death  of  that 
earnest,  faithful  and  beloved  "Man  of  God",  the  Rev.  Rich- 
ard H.  Mason;  we  desire  to  testify  that,  in  our  judgment, 
there  has  been  lost  to  the  Diocese  and  to  the  Church  Mili- 
tant, one  of  the  very  most  noble,  pure  hearted,  unselfish 
and  devoted  of  all  God's  children  on  earth. 

Our  beloved  brother  knew  well  what  it  was  to  "endure 
hardness  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ''.  He  was  so 
entirely  devoted  to  winning  souls  for  Christ  that  he  count- 
ed his  life  as  nothing  to  promote  this  end.  So  over  the 
most  untraveled  roads,  in  the  intensest  cold  of  winter  and 
heat  of  summer,  he  went  on  the  glad  errands  of  mercy  to 
carry  the  "Story  of  the  Cross,"  and  sound  on  many  a  moun- 
tain and  in  many  a  valley  "the  good  news  of  the  Kingdom." 
A  man  endowed  by  nature  with  many  rare  and  excellent 
gifts,  he  was  also  a  man  of  uncommon  erudition.  His  read- 
ing was  extensive,  his  learning  was  profound,  his  knowledge 


340  The  Episcopal  Church 

was  accurate,  but  after  we  have  said  all  this,  it  still  remains 
true  that  for  Richard  H.  Mason,  his  most  conspicuous  trait 
was  his  ''unselfishness,"  and  his  sturdy  and  stalwart  devo- 
tion to  Duty.  No  matter  what  his  friends  or  the  world 
might  think,  he  always  had  the  courage  of  his  convictions 
and  would  do  what  he  believed  to  be  his  duty,  no  matter 
what  the  consequence.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Council 
from  the  very  organization  of  the  Diocese,  and  ever  ready 
"to  spend  and  be  spent"  for  the  promotion  of  the  "love  of 
Christ,"  and  the  planting  and  nourishing  of  the  Church  that 
he  loved  so  much  better  than  his  own  life.  He  died  at  the 
Warm  Springs,  Bath  county,  Virginia,  May  25th,  1893,  after 
a  painful  and  lingering  illness.  He  had  been  for  the  latter 
years  of  his  life  laboring  so  far  as  able,  wTithin  the  Diocese 
of  Virginia,  but  still  held  his  canonical  connection  with  this 
Diocese.  He  was  ordained  in  1853.  After  40  years  spent  in 
the  ministry,  after  40  years  of  laborious  service,  he  is  at 
rest,  and  has  won  his  Saviour's  approving  smile,  and  heard 
His  loving  voice  say  "well  done  thou  good  and  faithful  ser- 
vant, enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord."  "Blessed  are 
the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from  henceforth,  yea  saith 
the  Spirit  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors,  and  their 
works  do  follow  them." 

He  leaves  a  wife  and  one  daughter  to  whom  the  Diocese 
extends  tenderest  sympathy  in  this  sad  hour  of  affliction. 

For  the  Diocese, 

T.  H.  Lacy, 
W.  S.  Laidley. 
Committee. 

The  Council  of   1894.    Wheeling. 
,The   Seventeenth  Annual   Council   met   in   St.   Matthew's 
Church,  Wheeling,  Wednesday,  June  Gth.     Present  sixteen 
of  the  Clergy  and  thirty-two  of  the  Laity. 
From  the  Bishop's  address: 

Mission  to  Brazil. 
"Thursday,     Gth     July.     On     this     day,     after     constitut- 


in  West  Virginia.  317 

ing  the  Standing  Committee,  the  Ecclesiastical  au- 
thority, to  act  during  my  absence,  I  left  my  home 
for  New  York  in  order  to  take  passage  for  Brazil,  via  Eng- 
land, on  Saturday  8th.  This  visit  was  in  pursuance  of  the 
Mission  undertaken  by  appointment  of  the  presiding  Bishop, 
to  look  after  our  Church  work  in  that  distant  country.  Of 
this  I  spoke  in  my  address  to  the  Council  in  1893,  and  I  pre- 
sent with  this  address  my  formal  report  and  record  of  my 
visit,  and  request  that  they  be  printed  in  the  appendix  of 
this  Journal,  as  giving  information  concerning  matters  that 
ought  to  interest  all  our  people.  Under  these  circumstances 
it  is  not  necessary  that  I  should  speak  particularly  of  my 
visit  to  Brazil.  My  absence  extended  to  Saturday,  Novem- 
ber 25th,  when  I  landed  in  New  York  upon  my  return,  thank- 
ful to  God  for  His  providential  care  during  all  the  dangers 
of  the  way,  and  also  that  it  had  been  my  privilege  to  lend  a 
helping  hand  in  the  great  work  of  preaching  the  Gospel,  to 
those  poor,  who  in  that  distant  Southern  land,  are  scattered 
abroad  as  sheep  having  no  Shepherd. 

During  this  extended  trip  besides  the  services  rendered  in 
Brazil,  for  which  see  appendix  "C"  to  this  Journal,  it  was 
my  privilege  to  preach  twice  on  the  steamship  Berlin,  en 
route  from  New  York  to  Southampton,  viz,  on  Sundays  the 
9th  and  the  16th  of  July;  also  twice  on  the  steamship  Clyde, 
on  the  voyage  from  Southampton  to  Rio  de  Janerio  on  Sun- 
days the  6th  and  13th  of  August;  and  three  times  on  the 
steamship  Trent,  on  the  return  voyage  from  Rio  to  South- 
ampton, viz.,  on  Sundays  October  22nd  and  29th  and  on  No- 
vember 5  th.  I  also  preached  in  the  English  Chapel  in  Rio 
de  Janerio  on  Sunday,  October  15th. 

Having  reached  New  York  on  Saturday  November  25th, 
I  proceeded  to  Richmond,  Ya.  Here  on  Sunday  26th  I  preach- 
ed in  St.  James  Church,  and  on  Thursday  30th  of  November, 
Thanksgiving  Day,  I  preached  in  Grace  Church,  Richmond. 

Vestrymen. 
It  is  not  unusual  to  hear  complaints  made  of  our  Vestry 


348  The  Episcopal  Church 

system,  indeed  some  persons  openly  advocate  its  abolition. 
Whether  we  hold  such  views  or  not,  the  fact  of  frequent  com- 
plaint ought  to  make  us  look  well  to  the  working  of  the  sys- 
tem, and  endeavor  to  make  it  as  efficient  as  possible.  So 
far  as  I  know,  no  one  in  this  Diocese  desires  to  see  the  pre- 
vailing method  of  managing  the  temporalities  of  our 
Churches  by  Vestrymen,  and  other  like  officers  seriously  mod- 
ified, much  less  altogether  discarded,  and  even  if  any  did, 
there  is  not  much  likelihood  that  any  «uch  result  can  be  at- 
tained, nor  has  it  been  made  to  appear  as  yet  that  it  would  be 
desirable.  Our  wisdom  then,  while  we  have  the  system,  is  to 
make  it  thoroughly  efficient  in  training  the  Vestrymen  them- 
selves, and  also  in  developing  the  aggressive  power  of  the 
Church.  There  are  some  anomalies  which  have  crept  into 
our  administration  which  it  seems  to  me,  call  for  correction 
by  the  voice  of  the  Church  speaking  through  the  Council — if 
they  be  not  in  the  power  of  the  Vestries  themselves. 

As  to  qualifications  of  Vestrymen  and  other  Church  offi- 
cers, there  has  been  for  some  years  considerable  difference 
of  opinion,  some  persons  desiring  to  see  the  office  restricted 
to  communicants,  and  others  opposing  such  restriction. 
That  question  has  been  practically  settled  for  the  present  at 
least  by  the  failure  to  establish  any  such  test.  The  qualifi- 
cation of  Vestrymen  is  now  that  of  an  Elector,  and  all  such 
as  are  communicants,  twenty-one  years  of  age  and  over,  who 
for  six  months  next  preceding  the  election  have  been  bona 
fide  members  of  the  Parish  in  which  they  offer  to  vote,  and 
all  persons  twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  over,  who  for  the 
same  space  of  time  have  been  regular  worshippers  in  tiie 
same  and  regular  contributors  to  its  support  by  pew  rent, 
or  subscription  or  by  some  method  by  which  they  shall  be 
known  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Vestry,  and  relied  upon  as 
such. 

As  far  as  being  a  regular  contributor  is  concerned  the 
Canon  expressly  rules  out  those  who  simply  put  something 
in  the  collection  from  time  to  time.    A  regular  contributor 


in  West  Virginia.  349 

is  one  who  gives  to  the  support  of  the  Church  by  pew  rent, 
or  subscription,  or  by  some  other  method,  by  which  he  shall 
be  known  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Vestry,  and  relied  upon 
as  smh.  Of  course  there  may  be  some  difference  of  opinion 
as  to  who  are  to  be  regarded  as  regular  worshippers,  but 
I  think  that  one  who,  with  abundant  opportunity  goes  only 
once  or  twice  during  the  year,  can  hardly  be  called  such. 

Just  along  these  lines  there  is  great  laxity  of  practice.  I 
might  say  also,  that  while  it  may  never  have  been  determined 
precisely  what  the  term  communicant  legally  and  technical- 
ly involves,  I  should  think  we  could  hardly  avoid  the  con- 
clusion that  in  its  analysis  it  must  mean  one  who  communes. 
And  the  Rector  of  the  Parish  must  in  the  exercise  of  his 
responsibility  as  in  the  sight  of  God,  finally  determine  whom 
he  can  properly  call  communicants  in  his  charge.  It  would 
seem  then  that  the  Rector  and  the  Treasurer  are  the  two 
persons,  and  the  only  two  persons  who  can  authoritatively 
pronouuce  upon  the  qualification  of  electors  and  Vestrymen, 
and  it  would  seem  as  if  the  simplest  way  to  discharge  this 
duty  was  for  them  to  give  a  list  of  all  such  to  the  three 
judges  of  election. 

The  main  trouble,  however,  often  arises  after  the  election, 
from  the  failure  on  the  part  of  those  elected  to  attend  Ves- 
try meetings,  or  to  take  any  part  in  the  administration  of 
the  Church,  and  the  trouble  is  frequently  carried  over  from 
year  to  year  by  the  re-election  of  the  old  Vestry,  simply 
because  no  one  cares  to  take  the  responsibility  of  turning 
down  one  who  has  served  it  may  be  for  many  successive 
terms;  and  so  it  comes  to  pass  that  we  have  a  number  of 
Vestrymen  who  are  mere  figure-heads,  and  indeed  worse 
than  that,  because  they  not  only  will  not  themselves  attend 
meetings,  but  by  their  membership  they  increase  the  diffi- 
culty of  securing  a  quorum.  In  my  judgment  there  ought  to 
be  no  relaxation  of  effort  to  get  a  Vestry  meeting  regular- 
ly, from  time  to  time,  as  may  be  determined,  and  if,  with- 
out suitable  excuse  tendered,  any  one  be  absent  for  so  many 


350  The  Episcopal  Church 

consecutive  meetings,  then  bis  name  ought  to  be  dropped, 
and  the  remaining  members  ought  to  have  the  option,  wheth- 
er to  fill  the  vacancy,  or  to  accept  the  reduced  number,  if 
not  less  than  three,  as  a  complete  organization.  If  one  will 
not  by  active  interest  advance  the  cause  of  the  Church,  he 
ought  not  to  be  allowed  simpty  by  his  neglect  to  hinder  it. 
To  continue  on  the  Vestiw  month  after  month,  and  year  af- 
ter year,  one  who  has  ceased  to  be  even  a  casual  attendant, 
or  who  is  openly  and  avowedly  a  member  of  another  relig- 
ious organization — one  who  can  not  or  will  not  attend  the 
Vestry  meetings,  is  calculated  seriously  to  hinder  the  pro- 
gress of  the  Church  and  to  bring  the  administration  into 
contempt.  In  my  judgment  there  ought  to  be  regular  stated 
meetings  of  the  Vestry — quarterly  meetings  at  least,  but 
better  bi-monthly  or  monthly,  and  if  these  official  bodies  were 
continually  purged  of  careless  and  neglectful  members  in  the 
manner  suggested  above,  or  some  other  suitable  way,  which 
ought  not  to  give  offence,  we  should  have  a  much  more  effi- 
cient administration  of  our  temporalities,  than  we  now  en- 
joy. If  in  any  given  Parish  you  could  not  find  enough  per- 
sons sufficiently  interested  to  keep  up  such  an  organization, 
there  could  be  no  better  evidence  that  the  congregation  did 
not  deserve  a  parochial  organization  and  ought  to  be  rele- 
gated to  the  position  of  a  mission.  I  have  heard  Rectors 
complain  that  they  could  not  secure  a  Vestry  meeting  dur- 
ing the  year;  such  failure  formally  reported  to  the  Council 
ought  in  itself  to  be  sufficient  to  void  the  charter.  When 
we  secure  such  a  body  as  a  Vestry  ought  to  be,  with  stated 
meetings,  then  we  can  bring  them  up  more  and  more  to 
something  like  a  proper  realization  of  what  their  responsi- 
bilities are,  and  get  them  to  assume  more  entirely  the  tem- 
poralities of  the  Church,  relieving  the  ministry  from  their 
frequent  serving  of  tables,  that  they  may  give  themselves 
continually  to  the  ministry  of  the  word  and  to  prayer,  and 
releasing  the  offertory  also  from  the  heavy  charges  that  are 
now  put  upon  it  for  current  expenses,  and  so  leaving  it  free 


in  West  Virginia.  351 

to  meet  the  demands  of  the  missionary  and  charitable  work 
of  the  Church. 

The  Council  of   1895.     Charles  Town. 

The  Eighteenth  Annual  Council  met  in  Zion  Church, 
Charlestown,  on  Wednesday.  June  5th.  Present  twenty-two 
of  the  Clergy  and  37  of  the  Laity. 

The  Diocese  made  an  assessment  upon  Parish  and  Mis- 
sion Stations,  for  the  Bishop's  salary  and  Contingent  Fund, 
for  the  current  year  ($3,445.00). 

A  Permanent  Committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the 
question  of  the  Division  of  the  Diocese;  the  Committee  of 
the  last  Council  having  reported  that  they  could  not  find 
any  practicable  method  of  support  for  a  new  Diocese. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Nelson. 

"Saturday,  27th.  Took  part  in  the  funeral  services 
of  the  Bev.  Dr.  Kinloch  Nelson,  one  of  our  profes- 
sors at  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Virginia.  I  had 
stopped  off  to  spend  a  day  with  him,  and  to  visit 
the  Seminary,  when  he  was  taken  ill  and  died  in  a  few 
hours.  Dr.  Nelson  was  my  life-long  and  valued  friend  and 
had  served  the  Church  and  the  Seminary  with  fidelity  and 
success.  Without  guile  and  without  pretense,  he  bore  the 
fair  flower  of  a  stainless  life,  and  showed  himself  a  work- 
man that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed.  The  Trustees  will 
miss  his  steady,  faithful  services,  and  the  students,  both  of 
the  Seminary  and  High  School,  his  ready  sympathy  and  earn- 
est work  for  their  good.  May  the  many  men  he  has  helped 
to  send  out  into  the  ministry  be  ever  faithful  to  the  truth 
which  he  taught  them. 

The  Annual  Councils. 

Virginia  Church  Councils  have  long  been  different  from 
others,  in  that  they  have  been  held  to  represent  more  than 
the  mere  business  of  the  church.  This,  however  needful, 
can  hardly  be  made  attractive  to  many  persons,  and  does  not 


352  The  Episcopal  Church 

tend  greatly  to  spiritual  education.  I  have,  however,  been 
apprehensive  for  some  years  that  the  old  custom  was  weak- 
ening in  its  hold  upon  our  people.  I  cannot  tell  why,  unless  it 
be  under  the  influence  of  that  restless  desire  for  change 
which  seems  measurably  to  affect  us  all,  and  that  distinctive- 
ly modern  notion  that  all  time  is  lost  except  that  which  is  em- 
ployed in  the  outward  activities  of  our  organized  efforts.  I 
have  so  far  as  I  could,  resisted  the  innovation  which  has 
shown  itself  among  us  from  time  to  time,  to  make  our  annu- 
al Councils  simply  a  gathering  for  the  transaction  of  routine 
business,  and  I  find  myself  sustained  in  this  effort  by  the 
action  of  the  councils  in  other  Dioceses.  Outside  of  Virginia 
they  are  beginning  to  see  that  there  has  been  wisdom  in 
our  time  honored  custom,  and  are  casting  about  for  such 
adaptation  of  it  as  may  suit  their  own  condition  and  cir- 
cumstances. So  you  will  find  at  a  recent  convention  in  the 
Diocese  of  New  York,  there  were  special  arrangements  made 
for  purely  religious  services,  over  and  above  all  the  business 
sessions.  Such  was  the  feeling  in  regard  to  the  helpfulness 
of  these  services  that  it  was  declared  that  the  day  and  hour 
marked  an  epoch  in  the  history  of  the  Diocese.  The  editor 
of  the  Churchman  in  calling  attention  to  this  change  of  their 
usual  programme  said:  "It  is  of  the  greatest  importance 
that  the  Annual  Convention  of  the  Diocese  of  New  York 
should  be  the  supreme  opportunity  of  the  year  for  the  con- 
sideration of  great  questions,  and  the  quickening  of  the  spir- 
itual life.  The  experiment  made  this  year  has  proved  most 
encouraging,  and  it  may  well  be  that  it  may  be  suggestive 
to  others  who  have  felt  the  need  of  something  to  lift  their 
own  Diocesan  Conventions  with  greater  efficiency  and  value." 
It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  we  Virginia  Churchmen  have 
from  time  immemorial  been  working  along  these  same  lines, 
and  have  found  our  annual  meetings  to  be  precious  seasons 
of  refreshing  and  revival.  I  do  not  think  we  need  any  com- 
mittee to  give  us  a  programme,  or  suggest  topics  for  dis- 
cussion.   Let  us  continue  to  assemble  in  the  Church,  as  has 


REV.    DALLAS    TICKER. 


PARISH   HOUSE,    CHARLESTOWN. 


OLD    ST.    GKOKGK'8,    CHARLES    TOWN. 


ST.    ANDREWS,    ON   MOUNTAIN. 


in  West  Virginia.  353 

been  our  wont,  for  divine  service,  and  to  hear  the  preaching 
of  the  word,  not  only  transacting  faithfully  the  matters  of 
business  which  properly  come  before  us,  but  claiming  the 
promise  that  where  two  or  three  are  met  together  in  Christ's 
name,  they  shall  have  Him  present  with  them. 

Death  of  Maj.  A.  T.  Laidley. 

Just  as  I  am  finishing  this  address,  the  news  comes  to  me 
of  the  death  of  the  venerable  Maj.  A.  T.  Laidley,  of  St.  John's 
Church,  Charleston.  Maj.  Laidley  was  identified  for  many 
years  with  the  church  in  Virginia  before  the  division,  and 
was  one  of  those  who  early  saw  that  the  formation  of  a 
new  Diocese  in  the  new  State  was  urgently  needed  in  the 
interest  of  church  extension.  Since  that  time,  although  in- 
firmities of  age  have  been  growing  steadily  upon  him,  he 
has  always  shown  the  liviliest  interest  in  every  department 
of  our  church  work.  Of  singular  simplicity  of  character  and 
devoted  loyalty  to  the  Master  and  His  Church,  he  has  been  in 
his  daily  walk  and  conversation  an  epistle  known  and  read  of 
all  men.  Who  can,  through  years,  have  witnessed  his  touch- 
ing devotion  to  his  church,  and  not  have  recalled  to  mind  as 
applicable  to  him,  David's  words:  'I  had  rather  be  a  door- 
keeper in  the  house  of  my  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents 
of  wickedness.'  We  are  the  richer  for  the  good  examples 
of  all  those  who  depart  in  the  true  faith  of  God's  holy  name. 
As  the  Fathers  in  Israel  are  called  to  their  rest,  let  the 
sons  cheerfully  take  up  their  work,  knowing  that  by  God's 
good  hand  upon  us  our  labor  shall  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

Depink's  to  the  General  Convention:  Rev.  S.  S.  Moore, 
D.  D..  Rev.  J.  Brittingham,  Rev.  R.  R.  Swope,  I).  D..  Rev. 
R.  1>.  Roller,  D.  D.  Messrs.  B.  M.  Ambler,  W.  :>.  Laidley, 
Judge  Frank  Beckwith,  Genl.  W.  I*.  Craighill. 

Alternates:  Rev.  W.  H.  Neilson,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Jno.  S.  <iil>- 
son,  Rev.  W.  L.  Gravatt,  Rev.  <',.  A.  Gibbons;  .Messrs.  E.  J. 
Lee,  Dr.  ('..  A.  Aschman,  Mr.  J.  D.  Logan.  Mi'.  .1.  II.  Strider. 


354  The  Episcopal  Church 

Committee  on  Parochial   Reports. 

The  Rev.  B.  M.  Spurr  presented  the  following  report 
from  the  Committee  on  Parochial  Reports: 

We  your  committee  on  parochial  reports,  respectfully 
beg  leave  to  submit  the  statistics  hereto  attached,  also  to 
bring  to  your  careful  attention  the  following  items: 

That  whilst  there  are  many  reports  that  are  carefully 
drawn  and  completed,  it  is  deeply  regretted  that  men  with 
the  standing  which  the  clergy  should  have,  should  deem  it  of 
too  small  importance  to  make  either  correct  or  decent  look- 
ing reports. 

In  at  least  two  items  of  our  general  summary — based  on 
the  reports — we  are  convinced  that  the  increase  is  simply 
the  result  of  fuller  reports,  and  not  an  actual  large  addition 
of  property,  that  is,  that  we  have  not  added  thirty  churches 
and  chapels  during  the  year;  but  if  we  have  the  number 
reported  now,  we  had  most  of  them  in  1804,  the  result  being 
simply  obtained  from  more  accurate  reports. 

Again,  our  summary  shows  a  decrease  of  twelve  in  the 
number  of  teachers  from  last  year's  report,  which  may  or 
may  not  be  true,  because  your  committee  know  of  several 
schools  of  which  we  have  no  report  whatsoever. 

Further,  that  whilst  we  report  a  large  increase  of  schools 
they  are  reported  as  having  been  run  without  expense,  a 
most  unusual  example  of  Christian  benevolence. 

We  deplore  the  fact  that  many  of  the  brethren  having  sev- 
eral places  in  charge,  refuse  or  have  not  done  their  plainly 
indicated  duty  of  making  a  proper  summary,  according  to 
the  plainly  printed  directions  found  at  the  foot  of  the  print- 
ed report  blanks. 

We  wish  now  to  call  your  attention  to  a  very  few  of  the 
inaccuracies,  so  that  you  may  judge  intelligently  of  the  act- 
ual condition  of  the  reports. 

One  clergyman  reports,  that  he  has  no  church  building, 
and  yet  is  in  possession  of  120  sittings,  which  we  are  left 
to  infer  he  stores  in  the  rectory,  so  as  to  have  them  handy 


in  West  Virginia.  355 

for  the  open-air  services  which  lie  evidently  conducts  in  true 
apostolic  fashion. 

One  brother  enjoys  quite  a  pension,  for  he  reports  a  good 
salary  received,  a  considerable  communicant  list,  but  has 
no  services  during  the  year.  This  would  lead  us  to  expect 
the  brother  to  be  slick  and  well  filled,  but  instead  he  looks 
weary  and  worn.     We  infer  his  conscience  is  troubling  him. 

A  reverend  brother  reports,  that  lie  has  a  Sunday  school 
of  770  females.  We  have  always  known  that  the  ladies 
were  largety  in  the  majority  in  both  Church  and  Schools, 
but  we  are  surprised  that  this  good  brother  has  coralled 
so  large  a  number  of  the  fair  sex;  but  we  are  very  much  dis- 
turbed when  we  notice  that  he  has  only  200  sittings  for  the 
divine  ones,  and  sincerely  hope  that  we  are  correct  in  sur- 
mising that  he  has  borrowed  the  120  sittings  which  the 
afore  mentioned  brother  has  stored  in  the  rectory. 

In  at  least  three  parishes  marvelous  things  have  occur- 
red during  the  }ear. 

First,  One  reports  that  last  year  they  had  11  communi- 
cants, have  added  7  during  the  year,  but  that  they  now  have 
none.  We  conclude  this  to  be  simply  a  matter  of  "Transla- 
tion." 

Second,  Another  says,  that  they  never  had  a  communicant 
before,  that  none  have  been  added  during  the  year,  but  that 
they  have  90  now.    His  cry  is  evidently  "Eureka." 

Whilst  a  third  brother's  care-worn  look  of  anxiety  is  fully 
explained,  when  we  notice  that  he  reports  himself  a/s  a  mis- 
sionary in  charge  of  two  Churches  and  278  chapels  without 
any  assistant  or  means  of  lightening  his  burden. 

From  these  and  many  other  items  which  might  be  given, 
we  believe  we  rightly  conclude  that  the  Council  should  take 
some  action  which  would  promptly  end  such  a  display  of  in- 
capacity, if  from  carelessness-in-excusable;  whilst  if  from 
lack  of  knowledge,  easily  remedied. 

We  therefore  move,  That  each  clergyman  make  it  a  mat- 
ter of  honor  and  do  his  level  best  to  make  a  proper  and  ac- 
curate report  according  to  the  demands  of  the  canon. 


356  The  Episcopal  Church 

Council    of    1896.     Moundsville. 

The  Nineteenth  Annual  Council  met  in  Trinity  Church, 
Moundsville,  Wednesday,  June  3rd.  Present  twenty-seven 
Clergy,  including  Rev.  Lucien  Lee  Kinsolving,  of  the  Brazil 
Mission,  twenty-five  laymen. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

Old  Zion  Church,  Etc. 

Monday,  July  1st,  '95.  In  company  with  Mr.  Gibbons  I 
visited  the  old  Zion  Church,  North  River,  and  preached. 
This  was  my  second  visit  to  this  old  Church.  The  first  was 
made  on  September  13th,  1894,  and  I  have  reason  to  believe, 
as  I  said  in  my  address  to  the  last  Council,  that  it  was  the 
first  occasion  of  our  service  held  there  for  sixty  years.  On 
this  second  visit  a  Prayer  Book  with  suitable  inscription  was 
left  upon  the  desk,  not  only  for  our  own  use  on  future  oc- 
casions, but  to  act  the  part  of  a  missionary  in  one  of  the 
waste  places  where  we  cannot  have  the  voice  of  the  living 
preacher.  Monday,  16th.  Addressed  a  meeting  of  the  Wo- 
man's Auxiliary  in  the  Chapel  of  Zion  Church.  Charles  Town 
and  at  night  confirmed  one  in  St.  John's  Church,  Harper's 
Ferry,  after  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons.  This  visit 
was  of  special  interest  to  me,  as  I  felt  it  would  be  the  last 
service  I  should  hold  in  the  old  Church  which,  in  its  restored 
condition,  the  congregation  had  been  using  for  about  fourteen 
years.  After  some  conflict  of  opinion  and  many  natural 
regrets  at  the  severing  of  old  associations,  it  had  been  de- 
termined that  the  time  had  come  to  part  with  the  old  St. 
John's,  and  put  up  a  chapel  in  a  more  eligible  location.  In 
my  address  to  the  Council  of  1883,  I  find  the  record  of  the 
Consecration  of  this  Church  on  Friday,  December  1st,  1882, 
accompanied  by  this  statement,  "'This  building  which  was 
never  in  a  condition  for  consecration  before  the  war  owiug 
to  a  debt  upon  it,  was  during  the  war  entirely  dismantled; 
literally  nothing  was  left  of  it  save  the  walls  and  the  roof." 
The  total  cost  of  repairs  was  about  f  1,000.    In  returning  now 


ix  West  Virginia.  357 

to  the  original  plan  of  putting  up  a  chapel  on  a  more  eligi- 
ble lot,  we  find  that  our  labor  of  restoration  has  been  by  no 
means  lost,  because  selling  the  old  Church  for  $500,  the  re- 
maining $500,  spent  in  the  work  of  restoration  really  rep- 
resents the  rent  for  fourteen  years — a  result  that  is  in  every 
way  satisfactory.  I  believe  the  building  of  a  chapel  in  a  more 
accessible  place  than  the  site  of  the  old  Church  will  have 
a  marked  and  immediate  effect  upon  the  progress  and  stabil- 
ity of  the  congregation. 

Council  of    1897.     Point  Pleasant. 

The  Twentieth  Annual  Council  met  in  Christ  Church,  Point 
Pleasant,  Wednesday,  June  2nd.  Present  twenty-eight  clergy 
and   thirty   laymen. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Sistersville,  was  admitted  as  a  Parish. 
Limits,  Tyler  county;  name  Tyler  Parish. 

The  Woman's  Auxiliary  reported  $174  raised  for  Diocesan 
Missions. 

On  motion  the  Rev.  Mr.  Spun-  was  appointed  with  two 
laymen  from  each  convocation,  to  visit  each  Church  which 
receives  assistance  from  the  Missionary  Board,  and  make  a 
house  to  house  visitation,  in  order  to  secure  a  more  adequate 
support  for  the  minister. 

A  committee  reported,  that  in  their  judgment,  it  was 
not  expedient  to  attempt  to  revive  the  Brotherhood. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

General   Missions. 

As  is  well  known  the  Board  of  .Missions  has  had  the  gen- 
eral subject  of  the  better  and  more  regular  support  of  our 
missions  under  advisement  for  a  long  time.  The  deficits  of 
the  past  two  years  have  naturally  had  rather  a  depressing 
effect  upon  the  Church,  and  although  they  have  been  hap- 
pily overcome,  still,  in  the  failure,  as  yet  to  put  the  work  up- 
on any  better  basis,  or  to  adopt  any  better  system  than  that 
which  has  prevailed  in  the  past,  the  Hoard  does  not  feel  safe 
from  a  recurrence  of  such  deficits  in  the  future.     They  are 


358  The  Episcopal  Church 

continually  embarrassed  by  the  fact  that  while  they  have  to 
make  definite  pledges  and  contracts  with  their  missionaries, 
they  have  no  fixed  income  with  which  to  meet  these  obliga- 
tions, and  they  can  not  but  feel  that  oftentimes  pressing  lo- 
cal demands — Diocesan  and  Parochial — tend  to  reduce  the 
contributions  to  missions  far  below  what  they  ought  to  be, 
and  what  the  Board  has  a  right  to  expect  them  to  be. 

Under  these  circumstances  the  Board  earnestly  desires  to 
have  the  more  cordial  co-operation  of  the  whole  Church, 
and  to  this  end  seeks  to  create  and  diffuse  through  the 
Church  such  a  sense  of  personal  responsibility  as  will  result 
in  larger,  more  regular  and  more  general  offerings  for  Mis- 
sions. They  do  not  think  that  this  subject  has  received,  in 
time  past,  quite  the  consideration  it  deserves.  After  all, 
the  Board  is  but  the  agent  of  the  Church,  appointed  to  at- 
tend to  details  for  which  the  whole  body  cannot  possibly  ar- 
range; and  it  is  hardly  generous  or  fair  for  the  Church  to 
leave  it  to  administer  so  large  and  complicated  a  trust,  with- 
out more  definite  instructions  upon  the  particular  points  of 
the  pecuniary  obligations  it  should  incur  to  carry  on  its 
work.  The  Board  feels  that  it  is  comparatively  powerless  in 
the  presence  of  so  many  and  such  pressing  local  claims  as 
are  continuall}7  before  the  Church — both  diocesan  and  par- 
ochial. They  are,  therefore,  seeking  to  enlist  as  their  most 
efficient  auxiliaries  those  regularly  constituted  authorities, 
whose  more  decided  interest  and  help  would,  we  believe,  re- 
vive our  mission  work  in  all  the  Churches. 

The  difficulties  in  the  way  of  formulating  a  definite  plan, 
which  should  admit  of  general  application,  have  been  very 
great.  Perhaps  the  best  that  could  be  done  has  been  done, 
and  I  desire  now  formally  to  make  it  known  to  the  Diocese 
and  request  their  cordial  co-operation. 

The  Board  of  Managers  presents  the  following  plans  as  at 
least  a  step,  towards  the  solution  of  the  Missionary  problem. 

''Eesolved:  That  the  Bishop  and  Convention  or  Convoca- 
tion of  each  Diocese  and  Missionary  District,  be  requested 


in  West  Virginia.  359 

to  constitute,  in  such  a  manner  as  they  think  best,  an  Auxil- 
iary Board  of  General  Missions  to  act  in  behalf  of  this 
Board  within  their  own  limits  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  in 
the  behalf  of  their  respective  Dioceses  or  Districts  to  notify 
this  Board,  before  the  time  of  its  annual  appropriations  what 
sum  they  expect  and  will  endeavor  to  contribute  for  the  next 
fiscal  year." 

It  is  for  this  Council  to  determine  what  they  can  and  will 
do  in  the  premises.  Missionary  zeal  is  in  danger  of  being 
smothered,  under  the  pressure  of  local  needs.  After  all, 
many  of  these  are  of  very  secondary  importance.  If  our  en- 
thusiasm for  Church  extension,  our  desire  to  be  co-workers 
with  Christ  in  hastening  the  coming  Kingdom  were  but  equal, 
to  that  we  have  to  promote  the  comfort  and  beauty  of  our 
Churches,  we  would  exercise  more  self  denial  in  order  that 
the  Lord's  work  be  not  hindered.  The  Churches  generally 
are  far  more  ready  to  receive  than  to  give  help,  and  yet,  the 
Master  has  said  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive. 
I  want  to  remind  you  of  what  many  seem  to  forget,  that  we 
ourselves  have  been  such  large  beneficiaries  of  the  general 
Church,  to  the  extent  of  about  $35,000,  during  these  nineteen 
years  of  our  Diocesan  existence.  Does  not  loyalty  and  grat- 
itude to  the  Church  and  the  Master,  loudly  call  for  our  more 
hearty  support  of  that  administration  which  has  been  and 
still  is  holding  up  our  weak  hands  and  strengthening  our 
feeble  knees,  and  ought  we  not  to  have  a  high  ambition  to 
help  to  extend  to  others  the  blessings  we  ourselves  have  so 
plentifully  enjoyed? 

I  want  to  add  yet  this  word,  that  while  recognizing  these 
principles  we  must  not  be  impatient  about  the  details  which 
alone  can  make  them  effective. 

We  recognize  faith  as  the  great  principle,  and  the  constrain- 
ing love  of  Christ  as  the  great  motive  power  for  this  mission 
work  with  which  we  are  entrusted,  and  we  pray  God  mightily 
to  increase  our  faith,  and  to  pour  His  love  in  larger  measure 
into  the  hearts  of  our  people  everywhere.    Meantime  we  ask 


360  The  Episcopal  Chujich 

them  all.  and  beseech  them  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
as  brethren  engaged  in  a  common  work,  to  come  to  the  help 
of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty;  to  strike  hands  with  us  in 
a  more  cordial  and  intelligent  and  binding  co-operation, 
that  we  may  make  the  most  of  the  opportunities  God  is  now 
so  graciously  giving  us,  and  that  this  our  missionary  work 
may  be  done  not  only  zealously,  but  so  decently  and  in  order, 
that  while  it  may  be  evident  that  we  are  laboring  with  both 
hands  earnestly  to  extend  the  Kingdom,  it  may  be  equally 
evident  that  in  all  our  administration  of  these  sacred  trusts 
we  are  providing  things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men. 

Mr.  E.  I.  Lee. 

Since  the  last  session  of  the  Council,  the  Diocese  has  ex- 
perienced serious  loss  by  the  death  of  the  late- Edmund  I. 
Lee,  of  Shepherdstown.  He  always  represented  his  congre- 
gation in  the  Council,  and  generally  was  sent  by  the  Diocese 
as  a  deputy  to  the  General  Convention.  He  was  also  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Standing  Committee  and  a  trustee  of  the  Theolog- 
ical Seminary  and  High  School.  In  the  discharge  of  all  these 
duties,  as  in  all  the  relations  of  life,  both  public  and  private, 
he  was  foremost  in  every  good  word  and  deed,  a  knightly 
Soldier  of  the  Cross  without  fear  and  without  reproach.  I 
have  taken  occasion  elsewhere  to  express  for  myself  and  for 
the  Diocese  our  high  appreciation  of  his  character,  and  ser- 
vices, and  our  profound  sense  of  the  loss  we  have  sustained 
by  the  removal  from  our  midst  of  so  good  a  man  and  so 
faithful  and  earnest  a  laborer  in  the  cause  of  Christ. 

Bishop  Newton. 

While  I  am  preparing  this  address  the  news  is  brought 
me  of  the  sudden  death  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Jno.  B.  Newton, 
Bishop  Coadjutor  of  Virginia.  It  is  but  a  little  over  three 
years  since  I  took  part  in  his  consecration,  and  I  had  indulged 
the  hope  that  he  might  be  spared  for  long  years  to  bear  up  the 
weight  of  that  great  Diocese,  and  ease  the  burden  from  the 
shoulders  of  Bishop  Whittle.    But  in  the  providence  of  God 


BK  UCft   CHAPEL. 


CHRIST    CHURCH,    POINT    PLEASANT. 


REV.   J.   HOWARD   GIBBONS. 


REV.    ROBT.  UPSHUR   BROOKING. 


in  West  Virginia.  361 

this  was  not  to  be.  In  the  prime  of  his  life  and  the  full  tide 
of  his  powers,  his  Master  has  called  him  to  lay  his  work 
down  and  come  up  higher.  Justly  loved  and  honored,  not 
only  by  his  own  people,  but  by  all  in  the  .community,  he  has 
left  to  the  church  in  the  three  Virginia  Dioceses  a  bright 
example  of  simple  Christian  character,  devotion  to  his  Mas- 
ter, and  faithful  work.  May  we  all  be  ready  even  as  he  was, 
for  in  such  an  hour  as  we  think  not  the  Lord  will  come. 

Council  of   1898.    Weston. 

The  Twenty-first  Annual  Council  met  in  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Weston,  on  Wednesday,  June  1st.  Present  twenty- 
nine  clergy,  including  Kev.  Wm.  Cabell  Brown,  of  the  Bra- 
zil  Mission,   and   thirty-four   laymen. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Boiler,  offered  the  following  preamble  and 
resolution  which  was  adopted. 

Bishop  Coadjutor. 

Whereas,  The  strain  is  too  great  upon  our  Bishop,  by  rea- 
son of  the  overwhelming  duties  and  cares  required  by  the 
large  extent  of  territory,  and  increasing  number  of  places 
requiring  Episcopal  supervision  and  administration  in  this 
Diocese;  therefore, 

Resolved,  I,  That  this  Council  seriously  and  earnestly  con- 
sider the  question  of  a  coadjutor  Bishop  for  this  Diocese. 

II,  That  this  subject  be  made  the  special  order  of  the  day 
for  Thursday  at  3  p.  m. 

III,  That  the  Committee  on  Assessments  be  requested  at 
that  hour,  to  state,  1st,  How  much  of  the  Annual  Episcopal 
Fund  can  be  relied  upon  for  this  purpose,  beyond  the  pres- 
ent requirements.  2nd.  How  much  more,  if  any,  can  this 
fund  be  made  to  yield  for  this  purpose,  and  3rd,  To  make 
any  recommendation  they  deem  advisable  to  carry  out  this 
object. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

Church  Workers'  Conference. 
Monday,  June  4th.     This  was  devoted  to  a  conference  of 


362  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

Church  workers,  at  which  I  presided  in  Trinity  Church, 
Shepherdstown,  and  made  the  opening  address,  and  admin- 
istered the  Holy  Communion.  The  programme  had  been  pre- 
pared by  the  Rector,  Rev.  Dr.  Neilson,  with  great  care  and 
judgment  and  he  was  happy  in  securing  the  co-operation 
of  his  neighbors,  both  clerical  and  lay.  Addresses  were  made 
by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Gravatt,  Thomas  and  Willis,  and  admir- 
able papers  and  addresses  were  furnished  by  various  mem- 
bers of  their  congregations.  I  cannot  but  think  that  the 
public  exercises  of  a  conference  like  this,  supplemented  as 
it  was  by  a  social  reunion,  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  most  cordial 
hospitality  on  the  part  of  Dr.  Xeil  son's  congregation,  must  be 
productive  of  great  good. 

Thursday,  17th.  In  the  absence  of  the  Bishops  of  Ohio  and 
Southern  Ohio,  I  attended,  by  special  invitation,  the  com- 
mencement exercises  of  Kenyon  College,  Gambier,  Ohio,  and 
was  delighted  with  all  I  saw  and  heard.  Under  the  vigor- 
ous administration  of  President  Pierce  this  Institution  bids 
fair  to  enter  upon  a  new  career  of  usefulness.  A  large  part 
of  our  Diocese  is  near  enough  to  Gambier  to  make  it  a  very 
convenient  college  home  for  our  boys,  aud  I  am  glad  to  know 
that  quite  a  number  have  availed  themselves  of  its  privi- 
leges in  times  past.  Our  two  trustees,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Young 
and  Mr.  Joseph  DuBois,  both  of  Wheeling,  attended  the 
meeting  and  received  a  cordial  welcome. 

Sunday,  April  10th,  Easter  Day.  Ascension,  Hinton.  It 
was  a  great  pleasure  to  meet  this  congregation  in  their  new 
Church  building.  With  great  energy  they  set  themselves 
to  the  work  of  reconstruction,  and  after  calling  out  their 
own  strength  they  received  aid  from  different  parts  of  the 
Diocese  to  the  extent  of  |577.S7.  This  cordial  response  on 
the  part  of  a  large  majority  of  our  congregations,  many  of 
which  were  no  stronger  than  the  point  they  were  helping, 
forcibly  illustrates  how  we  could  continually  be  mutually 
helpful  in  a  great  many  ways.  The  truth  is,  that  to  buy  a  lot 
or  build  a  Rectorv  or  Church  any  small  Mission,  involved 


ix  West  Virginia.  363 

in  all  difficulties  of  its  inception,  oughl  to  be  able  to  depend 
upon  the  sympathy  and  the  practical  support  of  all  Un- 
church organizations  of  this  Diocese.  The  tax  upon  them 
would  be  very  light.  The  help  and  encouragement  to  the 
smaller  Churches  and  Missions  very  great.  There  is  hardly 
a  year  passes  when  there  are  not  at  least  four  or  five  of 
such  instances  of  greater  or  less  urgency  in  which  help  could 
be  given  that  it  would  seem  by  all  rules  of  interest  and 
Brotherhood  and  obligation  ought  to  be  given,  and  which, 
would  greatly  advance  our  Church  work  and  greatly  promote 
the  common  spirit  of  the  Diocese. 

Summary. 

I  must  confess  to  a  certain  hesitation  when  I  come  to  sum 
up.  in  a  few  cold  figures  a  statement  of  the  work  to  which 
I  have  given  my  time  and  best  energies  during  the  year.  It 
seems  such  a  hard  way  of  stating  the  case,  as  if  the  machine 
had  been  set  in  motion  and  then  checked  at  the  delivery  of 
such  and  such  a  tale  of  bricks.  It  seems  such  a  material 
way  of  dealing  with  Spiritual  things,  or  at  least  with  that 
which  ought  to  represent  Spiritual  things.  So  many  visits, 
so  many  sermons  and  addresses.  So  many  persons  confirm- 
ed. What  does  it  all  amount  to?  Well,  it  may  be  anywhere 
along  the  line  from  a  great  success  to  a  stupendous  failure. 
I  make  up  the  record,  and  then  dear  friends  with  thankful- 
ness to  God  that  it  has  been  given  me  to  labour  another  year 
uninterruptedly  in  His  vineyard,  and  in  this  part  of  His  vine- 
yard, that  He  has  given  me  so  many  opportunities  of  guid- 
ing and  counselling  others.  I  pray  that  His  blessing  may 
be  upon  all  that  has  been  said  and  done  in  His  name,  and 
that  all  of  it,  however,  faltering  and  unworthy  it  be,  may 
be  taken  up  and  worked  into  His  precious  plan  of  good  for 
this  Church  and  Diocese.  During  the  year  I  have  paid  182 
visits  to  112  places  in  West  Virginia,  and  have  besides  on 
official  business  of  various  kinds  paid  32  visits  outside  the 
State.  I  have  held  255  services  of  which  42  were  at  points 
outside  of  West  Virginia.     On  the  various  occasions  I  have 


361  The  Episcopal  Church 

delivered  291  sermons  and  addresses.  I  have  attended  71 
public  and  private  meetings  of  various  kinds,  and  on  75  oc- 
casions confirmed  30S  persons,  consecrated  one  church  and 
ordered  two  Deacons  Priests. 

Deputies  to  the  General  Convention:  Kev.  Geo.  A.  Gib- 
bons, Rev.  S.  S.  Moore,  1).  D.,  Rev.  J.  Brittingham,  Rev.  B. 
M.  Spurr,  Mr.  Jos.  Trapnell,  Mr.  W.  S.  Laidley,  Mr.  B.  M. 
Ambler,  Dr.  G.  A.  Aschman. 

Alternates:  Rev.  Jno.  S.  Gibson,  Rev.  C.  C.  Pearson,  Rev. 
W.  n.  Neilson,  D.  I).,  Rev.  R.  D.  Roller,  D.  D.,  Gen.  Win.  P. 
Craighill,  Mr.  J.  Howe  Peyton,  Mr.  L.  E.  Sands,  Mr.  W.  G. 
Peterkiu . 

The  Bishop  reported,  that  he  had  appointed  Rev.  B.  M. 
Spurr,  Archdeacon  of  the  Diocese. 

Council  of    1899.     Huntington. 

The  Twenty-Second  Annual  Council  met  in  Trinity  Church, 
Huntington,  Wednesday,  June  7th.  Present  twenty-six 
of  the  Clergy  and  twenty-eight  of  the  Laity. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

St.  Paul's,  Weston. 
The  first  days  of  June  (1-5)  were  spent  in  attendance  on 
our  Twenty-First  Annual  Council  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Wes- 
ton. The  occasion  furnished  opportunity  for  the  members 
of  the  Council  to  see  and  enjoy  the  beautiful  new  and  com- 
modious Church,  which  through  the  joint  labors  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Lacy,  the  late  Rector,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Burkhardt,  the  pres- 
ent Rector  with  cordial  support  and  co-operation  of  the 
whole  congregation  had  been  recently  completed.  The  to- 
tal cost  has  been  about  fll,000,  and  at  this  time  all  was 
provided  for  save  about  $2,000.  Since  then  I  understand 
that  more  than  half  of  this  has  been  paid.  Not  only  is  the 
new  Church  larger  and  more  beautiful  and  substantial  than 
the  old,  but  it  has  accommodations  for  the  Sunday  school 
and  for  work  in  various  departments  which  prove  to  be 
most  helpful,  if  not  absolutely  necessary.    It  is  gratifying  to 


in  West  Virginia.  365 

find  increasing  attention  paid  vo  these  things,  as  our  con- 
gregations begin  to  realize  that  for  the  successful  prosecu- 
lioii  of  our  work  something  is  needed  beyond  the  mere  audi- 
ence room  for  Sunday  services. 

During  the  Council,  we  had  our  usual  missionary  meetings, 
which  serve  in  such  a  marked  degree  to  keep  "the  great 
commission"  more  distinctly  before  us.  The  Rev.  Wm.  Cabell 
Brown,  represented  the  work  in  Brazil,  which  has  since  been 
wonderfully  strengthened  by  the  consecration  of  the  Rev. 
Lucien  Lee  Kinsolving  as  its  first  Bishop.  This  relieves  me 
of  all  further  responsibility  for  the  official  conduct  of  the 
work.  I  am  glad  under  such  favorable  conditions  to  la}-  down 
the  commission  which  I  have  held  since  the  spring  of  1893. 

Sunday,  February  19th,  1899.  A.  M.  and  P.  M.,  Trinity, 
Morgantown,  confirmed  six.  I  was  glad  to  find  the  Episcopal 
Hall,  under  its  new  Warden,  Rev.  Thos.  E.  Winecoff,  in  good 
condition,  more  and  more  winning  for  itself  the  confidence 
of  the  University  authorities  and  of  the  whole  community. 
It  would  be  gratifying  if  our  Church  people  through  the  State 
realized  somewhat  more  their  responsibility  in  the  matter, 
and  that  it  was  their  part  by  sympathy  and  co-operation  to 
stand  by  the  Hall.  We  have  not  had  all  the  patronage  we 
had  a  right  to  expect,  partly  no  doubt  because  parents  have 
not  thought  much  about  it,  and  partly  also  because  they  have 
not  been  disponed  to  exercise  that  authority  over  their  sons 
which  would  prevent  them  from  following  college  friends 
off  to  some  boarding  place,  where  they  might  be  freer  from 
wholesome  supervision  and  restraint. 

Each  year's  experience  confirms  me  in  my  judgment  as  to 
ili<'  importance  of  this  institution,  and  I  find  that  others 
are  looking  forward  to  the  establishment  of  similar  Halls. 

Notwithstanding  all  our  efforts  to  the  contrary  I  fear  that 
many  of  the  boys  still  regard  the  Hall  as  a  mere  boarding- 
house,  and  have  heretofore  allowed  themselves  a  freedom 
which  has  been  beyond  their  true  liberty,  and  has  very  much 
complicated  the  problem  of  administration.     Such  matters 


3(56  The  Episcopal  Church 

will,  however,  we  trust,  soon  regulate  themselves  and  our 
increasing  experience  in  the  internal  management  of  house- 
hold details  will  secure  continually  more  efficient  and  help- 
ful service  towards  the  great  objects  of  the  Hall.  The  War- 
den has  devoted  himself  with  zeal  to  the  work,  and  unites 
with  me  in  a  cordial  desire  to  make  this  Institution  in  every 
way  helpful  to  our  young  men  at  college,  and  not  the  least 
instrumentality  a  great  State  University  may  gladly  foster, 
for  advancing  the  cause  of  true  Christian  Education,  and 
elevating  the  tone  and  temper  of  our  young  men  throughout 
the  State. 

Summary. 

150  visits  paid  to  90  places  in  the  Diocese.  28  visits  paid 
to  points  outside;  sermons  and  addresses,  244;  services  and 
meetings  other  than  above  53. 

Confirmed  247  of  which  number  137  were  presented  in  fields 
distinctly  missionary. 

The  total  number  confirmed  since  the  organization  of  the 
Diocese  has  been  4,658.  Being  an  average  of  211  per  year 
for  the  whole  term,  or  ISO  for  the  first  eleven  years  and  of 
243  during  the  second  term  of  eleven  years. 

It  may  seem  to  some  that  with  such  a  number  of  confirm- 
ations that  our  communion  list  ought  to  be  much  larger  than 
it  is — the  reports  this  year  show  about  4,300  communicants, 
— but  we  are  apt  to  forget  the  large  losses  year  by  year. 
Leaving  out  of  view  the  losses  for  the  year  just  past,  which 
at  this  time  of  writing  I  cannot  determine, — it  appears  that 
under  the  head  of  losses  by  death,  removal  and  names  erased 
the  total  for  21  years  sums  up  3,824.  No  doubt  but  that  a 
good  many  of  these  removals,  are  only  from  one  church  to 
another,  in  the  Diocese,  our  reports  do  not  show  to  what  ex- 
tent this  is  true,  but  after  making  all  due  allowance  for 
this  it  must  be  evident  that  year  by  year  losses  to  the  Dio- 
cese are  very  considerable. 

The  Sheltering  Arms  Hospital. 

This  Institution,  though  not  formally  connected  with  the 


in  West  Virginia.  367 

Diocese  is  of  interest  to  us  all,  not  only  because  we  all  unite, 
through  our  Thanksgiving  Day  offerings,  in  its  support,  but 
because  such  work  so  truly  illustrates  the  genius  of  our 
religion  and  the  spirit  of  the  Master.  How  better  than  by 
caring  for  such  an  Institution,  can  the  church  show  that  she 
heeds  the  Master's  words,  not  only  to  preach  the  Gospel, 
but  to  heal  the  sick. 

During  the  past  year  144  patients  have  been  cared  for. 
The  number  of  inmates  on  May  19th,  the  date  of  annual 
meeting,  being  25.  The  physician  in  charge  and  the  nurses 
and  the  matron  have  devoted  themselves  with  commendable 
faithfulness  and  efficiency  to  the  discharge  of  their  delicate 
and  difficult  duties,  and  to  them  is  due  our  gratifying  meas- 
ure of  success. 

The  Institution  has  been  carried  on  during  the  past  year 
at  an  expense  of  about  $4,300,  and  we  have  been  enabled  by 
gifts  and  otherwise  to  make  a  substantial  improvement,  in 
heating  all  the  buildings  with  hot  water,  at  an  initial  ex- 
pense of  about  $1,500,  and  an  annual  saving  henceforth  in 
fuel  and  service. 

Although  the  income  last  year  was  not  quite  equal  to  the 
expenses,  yet  by  virtue  of  ispecial  gifts  mentioned  above, 
and  of  a  convenient  surplus  from  the  last  year,  we  have  been 
enabled  promptly  to  meet  all  oar  obligations  and  make  a 
fair  start  on  another  year. 

The  total  number  of  patients  cared  for  up  to  May  19th, 
(since  the  Hospital  was  opened)  reaches  the  large  number 
of  780;  and  all  who  have  in  any  wise  helped  in  this  work  may 
feel  the  greater  satisfaction  when  they  reflect  that  the  gen- 
eral condition  of  the  patients  has  been  such,  that  in  their 
own  humble  homes,  they  have,  as  a  rule,  been  without  the 
possibility  of  such  comforts  and  conveniences  as  alleviate 
sickness  and  pain,  and  make  recovery  sometimes,  even  possi- 
ble. Only  those  acquainted  with  the  manner  of  life  of  most 
of  our  patients,  can  estimate  the  vast  amount  of  suffering 
relieved,  and  the  great  good  done  in  such  care  of  patients, 


368  The  Episcopal  Church 

as  has  resulted  in  their  speedy  restoration  to  health  and 
strength,  and  consequent  ability  to  resume  work  for  the  sup- 
port of  their  families. 

I  trust  that  our  people  will  not  grow  weary  of  this  charity, 
but  that  they  will  continue,  on  the  day  when  they  assemble 
to  thank  God  for  mercies  vouchsafed  to  them,  to  show  their 
thankfulness,  in  part  at  least,  by  remembering  the  Shelter- 
ing Arms,  with  gifts  of  money  and  provisions  and  clothing. 
"He  that  hath  pity  upon  the  poor  lendeth  unto  the  Lord: 
and  look,  what  he  layeth  out,  it  shall  be  paid  him  again."' 

The  continued  progress,  if  not  the  very  existence  of  our 
Diocesan  life  is  dependent  upon  the  faithfulness  and  energy 
with  which  our  various  churches,  large  and  small,  face  their 
duties.  Human  nature  is  the  same  all  the  world  over,  and 
there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  a  habit  of  dependence  is 
fostered  by  continual  aid,  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that 
there  is  often  practical  imposition  on  the  Diocese  by  those 
places  that  receive  aid.  The  sentiment  seems  to  prevail  that 
as  the  public  money  is  going  "we  might  as  well  have  our 
share  of  it,"  and  this  judgment  is  confirmed  by  instances 
that  might  be  cited  of  the  most  rapid  and  abnormal  develop- 
ment on  occasion.  Just  here  is  the  problem,  how  to  throw 
this  responsibility  just  where  it  belongs  without  working 
hardship  in  the  case  of  faithful  men.  I  believe  that  just  as 
one  of  the  greatest  political  heresies  is,  that  under  the  in- 
fluence of  which  the  people  look  to  Congress  and  other  pub- 
lic bodies  to  legislate  them  into  prosperity,  so  one  of  the 
greatest  troubles  we  have  in  the  church  is  the  habit  of  look- 
ing to  the  Bishop  and  the  Diocesan  Committee  and  the  Gen- 
eral Boards  to  assume  our  own  part  of  the  burden  we  ought 
to  bear.  There  ought  to  be  a  far  more  resolute  putting  of 
our  own  shoulders  to  the  wheel,  and  an  honest  pride  in  being 
independent,  at  least  there  ought  to  be  a  greater  readiness 
than  appears,  to  take  up  from  time  to  time  more  and  more 
the  matter  of  our  own  support  and  cease  to  be  pensioners  on 
the  Church's  bounty. 


GEN'L  JOHN   H.    OLEY. 


GRACE   CHURCH,   KENOVA. 


■  k. 

Ms 

GO 

1    1           mmnmy   'II  [|A 

5HH355 

GRACE,    KENOVA. 


in  West  Virginia.  369 

Bishop  Coadjutor. 

Since  the  Canons  require  that  before  an  election  of  a  Bish- 
op Coadjutor,  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  shall  consent  in  writ- 
ing to  such  election,  and  that  also,  in  such  consent  shall 
state  the  duties  which  he  assigns  to  the  Bishop  Coadjutor 
when  duly  elected  and  consecrated.  I  hereby  formally  give 
my  consent  to  such  election  and  specify  as  the  official  duties 
which  in  general  and  for  the  most  part  I  desire  to  assign 
to  the  Bishop  Coadjutor.  Visitations,  confirmations  and  or- 
dinations as  may  be  agreed  upon  from  year  to  year,  such  oc- 
casional offices  as  the  laying  of  corner  stones,  and  the  con- 
secration of  churches  and  chapels,  attendance  on  the  convo- 
cations, and  other  general  Church  meetings,  visiting  vacant 
churches,  and  such  other  work  as  it  may  seem  to  me  possi- 
ble and  expedient  to  put  in  his  hands. 

Let  me  say  further  that  it  is  only  fair  to  the  Presbyter 
you  may  elect,  and  just  to  the  Diocese,  that  he  should  have 
full  knowledge  of  the  condition  of  our  work  and  the  purpose 
for  which  we  seek  to  secure  his  services. 

We  cannot  penetrate  the  darkness  of  even  the  near  future 
and  tell  how  it  will  be  next  year  or  the  year  after.  Still  it 
is  proper  to  state  distinctly  that  it  cannot  be  said  that  the 
Bishop  of  this  Diocese  is  unable  by  reason  of  old  age,  or 
other  permanent  cause  of  infirmity,  to  discharge  his  Epis- 
copal duties,  but  that  we  do  what  we  do,  on  account  of  the 
extent  of  the  Diocese.  It  is  a  move  not  so  much  to  maintain 
the  existing  work  as  to  extend  it.  No  doubt  different  the- 
ories prevail  as  to  the  exact  work  which  a  Bishop  ought  to 
do.  If  any  man  thinks  that  his  ministry  is  fulfilled  simply 
when  all  the  organizations,  large  or  small,  strong  or  weak, 
are  visited,  he  may  have  a  perfect  right  to  his  opinion,  but 
in  my  judgment  such  a  man,  whatever  his  qualifications,  Is 
not  the  man  we  are  looking  for,  for  Bishop  Coadjutor  of  the 
Diocese  of  West  Virginia.  We  want  one  who  is  willing  and 
glad  to  do  pioneer  missionary  work,  to  go  out  through  the 
length    and  breadth    of    the    State,    and    seek    and  search 


370  The  Episcopal  Church 

for  our  scattered  people,  and  lay  foundations  upon 
which  perchance  others  will  build;  we  need  a  man 
who  will  have  ready  sympathy  for  the  missionary;  though 
in  the  smallest  and  most  unpromising  field,  and  will  show 
a  large  patience  and  a  wise  discretion  in  laboring  in  places 
where  the  church  is  but  little  known,  and  where  perhaps 
only  his  successor  will  see  it  established. 

It  is  my  earnest  hope  that  with  such  division  of  labor,  as 
an  additional  supply  of  mental  and  physical  strength  will 
make  possible,  that  not  only  more  places  may  be  regularly 
visited,  but  also  more  effective  work  may  be  done  everywhere 
all  over  the  State.  When  the  Bishop  has  more  time  at  his 
disposal  than  he  can  now  possibly  command,  he  can  cultivate 
closer  personal  relations  with  the  people,  and  so  bring  his 
personal  as  well  as  his  official  influence  to  bear  upon  the 
churches,  for  the  maintenance  and  advancement  of  the  work. 
In  other  words,  when  the  Bishop  appears  to  the  people  more 
in  the  character  of  a  chief  Pastor  rather  than  of  an  occasion- 
al visitor,  I  believe  that  his  power  for  good  will  be  greatly 
increased  and  all  his  efforts  made  more  effective. 

In  regard  to  the  general  question  of  a  Bishop  Coadjutor, 
I  do  not  propose  now  to  discuss  it  at  length.  Without  any 
request  from  me,  and  I  may  say  very  unexpectedly,  this  mat- 
ter was  brought  up  at  the  last  council,  and  it  was  with  great 
unanimity  determined  to  make  application  to  the  Church  for 
permission  to  elect  a  Coadjutor.  This  permission  has  now 
been  obtained,  and  so  far  the  way  is  open  before  us. 

The  movement,  though  not  inaugurated  by  myself,  has  my 
cordial  approval,  and  will  receive  my  hearty  support.  I 
fear,  however,  that  owing  to  various  unforseen  circumstances 
and  a  little  hesitation  to  vigorously  and  promptly  push  so 
large  an  undertaking,  that  the  Diocese  does  not  find  itself 
in  the  financial  condition  it  expected.  After  a  good  deal  of  pre- 
liminary general  discussion,  the  Committee  on  Assessments 
reported  that  |5()0  could  be  depended  on  from  current  re- 
ceipts for  the  salary  fund,  and  the  Council  undertook  to  in- 


in  West  Virginia.  371 

crease  its  Permanent  Fund  from  $4,000  to  120,000.  Had 
this  been  done  promptly,  and  the  money  so  placed  as  to  be 
now  yielding  an  income,  the  amount  so  realized,  together  with 
the  surrender  by  the  present  Bishop  of  such  part  of  his  salary, 
as  after  conference  might  be  agreed  upon,  would  have  enabled 
the  Council  to  proceed  at  once  to  an  election.  As  it  is,  I 
cannot  tell  what  is  the  best  to  be  done.  I  trust  the  whole 
subject  will  receive  your  most  careful  consideration,  and  that 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church, — the  Master,  to  whom  we 
all  stand  or  fall, — will  in  such  wise  guide  us  that  we  may 
do  that  which  shall  best  strengthen  the  Diocese  and  advance 
His  kingdom. 

Conclusion. 

So  far  is  the  record  for  the  year,  and  yet  how  incomplete 
and  unsatisfactory  all  such  records  must  be.  We  ruay  omit 
things  of  greatest  moment,  and  put  down  and  emphasize 
what  has  but  little  value.  There  is  however  no  escape  from 
such  incomplete  and  unsatisfactory  record;  it  is  the  best 
that  we  can  do  in  this  line,  and  something  seems  necessary  to 
round  out  and  mark  the  successive  stages  in  our  work. 

Entering  upon  our  twenty-second  year,  we  have  as  it  were 
passed  our  majority  as  a  Diocese,  and  now  have  our  work 
more  distinctively  than  ever  before  us.  What  has  been 
done  in  these  years  past  has  been  done  often  amid  very  great 
difficulties,  and  that  too  with  but  few  resources.  To  give  our- 
selves the  proper  equipment  of  Churches  and  Rectories  and 
such  like  necessary  things  has  been  for  us  an  exacting  task, 
and  yet  by  the  good  hand  of  God  upon  us,  we  have  managed 
to  get  together  and  spend  in  this  way  not  far  from  $400,000 
or  an  average  of  $20,000  per  annum. 

This  work,  as  a  rule,  has  been  well  done,  and  done  once  for 
all.  It  is  now  part  of  our  plant.  We  have  the  use  of  it,  and 
ought  to  reap  from  it  great  advantages  in  our  work  year  by 
year.  If  for  their  local  needs  the  congregations,  large  and 
small,  have  made  such  noble  provision  during  the  past  twen- 
ty-one years,    shall  we  not  hope  for     the     Diocese,     of  which 


372  The  Episcopal  Church 

they  are  all  an  integral  part,  that  they  will  now  be 
ready  to  desire  more  liberal  things,  and  that  we  shall  be  able 
with  the  greater  vigor  to  carry  on  all  our  general  work.  We 
have  many  tokens  of  God's  favoring  hand  upon  us, — not  only 
in  the  growth  of  our  communion,  both  in  numbers  and  influ- 
ence, but  in  its  general  activity  in  Christian  work  at  home 
and  abroad,  and  that  during  all  these  years  of  labor  and  of 
aspiration  we  have  been  at  unity  among  ourselves.  Surely 
such  things  are  to  be  taken  as  the  evidence  of  God's  blessing. 
We  thank  Him  and  take  courage.  We  go  out  to  the  work 
of  another  year  pledged  to  a  more  hearty  co-operation  with 
one  another,  and  a  more  faithful  and  constant  service  for 
the  master.  The  time  is  short.  Let  the  ose  life  we  have 
be  given  to  Christ,  and  we  shall  keep  it  unto  life  eternal." 

Bishop  Coadjutor. 

The  undersigned,  members  of  the  Special  Committee  ap- 
pointed to  memorialize  the  General  Convention  or  the  Bish- 
ops and  Standing  Committees  of  the  various  Diocese,  re- 
spectfully report  that  on  August  10th,  1898,  we  sent  to  the 
Bishops  and  Standing  Committees  a  petition  for  their  consent 
to  the  election  of  a  Bishop  Coadjutor  for  the  Diocese  of  West 
Virginia,  in  the  following  terms,  viz: 

Parkersburg,  W.  Va.,  189.. 
To 

Your  consent  is  asked  to  the  election  of  a  Bishop  Coad- 
jutor for  the  Diocese  of  West  Arirginia.  The  ground,  upon 
which  this  application  is  made,  is  the  inability  of  the  Bishop 
of  West  Virginia,  by  reason  of  the  extent  of  his  Diocese, 
to  discharge  his  Episcopal  duties. 

The  Annual  Council  of  the  Diocese,  in  session  June  1-4, 
1898,  appointed  the  undersigned  a  committee  to  present  this 
request,  with  the  reasons  therefor,  to  the  Bishops  and  Stand- 
ing Committees  of  the  Church. 

The  Diocese  of  West  Virginia  embraces  the  entire  State. 
It  has  an  area  of  24,780  square  miles  and  a  population,  ac- 
cording to  the  census  of  1890,  of  762,794.     The  increase  in 


in  West  Virginia.  373 

the  preceding  decade  was  nearly  14."), 000.  It  is  believed  that 
it  has  been  larger  during  the  present  decade,  so  that  a  mod- 
erate estimate  would  place  the  present  population  at  900,- 
000.  Its  distribution  over  the  Diocese  is  more  general  than 
in  many  other  Dioceses  of  larger  territorial  extent.  In  many 
sections  of  the  country  settlement  has  followed  the  lines 
of  railways,  and  broad  regions,  to  which  these  have  not 
penetrated,  are  little  settled,  if  at  all.  But  the  people  of 
West  Virginia  are  widely  distributed  over  the  entire  State. 
There  are  55  counties,  of  which  the  least  populous  has  nearly 
5,000  inhabitants  and  the  most  populous  fewer  than  45,000. 
There  are  no  large  centres.  Wheeling,  the  largest  city,  ha« 
only  about  35,000  people,  and  only  three  other  towns  con- 
tain as  many  as  40,000  each.  These  conditions  impose  upon 
the  Bishop  constant  travel  and  long  journeys  in  his  minis>- 
tration  to  those  under  his  care,  while,  owing  to  the  geograph- 
ical configuration  of  the  State  and  its  physical  features,  this 
travel  is  tedious  and  often  difficult.  The  greater  portion  of 
the  surface  is  mountainous  and  is  traversed  by  many  bold 
streams,  which  cut  their  way  far  back  into  the  upland  regions;. 
Railway  construction  is  difficult  and,  except  for  the  three 
great  trunk  lines,  which  cross  the  State,  few  roads  have  been 
built.  Save  upon  the  western  border,  in  the  valley  of  the 
Ohio,  there  are  no  completed  roads,  connecting  these  lines. 
Hence  it  is  often  necessary  for  the  Bishop,  in  the  discharge  of 
his  duties,  to  take  wearisome  journeys  of  considerable 
length  over  poorly  constructed  mountain  roads.  The  extent 
of  travel  required  to  cover  the  field  may  be  inferred  from  the 
fact  that  the  clerical  and  lay  delegates  in  attendance  upon 
the  recent  session  of  the  Council,  which  met  at  the  most 
central  point  probably  in  the  Diocese,  averaged  a  journey  of 
about  500  miles  each. 

Within  this  far-reaching  territory  there  are  now  about 
4225  communicants.  The  clergy  officiating  therein  number 
thirty-six.  There  are  seventy-six  churches  and  chapels  and 
many  points,  as  yet  unsupplied  with  either,  where  services 


37-4  The  Episcopal  Church 

ape  held,  regularly  or  occasionally.  The  Bishop  enumerates 
152  places,  which  he  regards  as  needing  regular  Episcopal 
care  to  the  extent  of  one  visitation  a/t  least  in  the  course 
of  each  year.  There  are  also  other  places  which  he  has  vis- 
ited occasionally  and  to  which  he  feels  that  more  attention 
ought  to  ge  given  than  he  has  been  able  to  give.  For  these 
reasons  we  ask  your  assent  to  our  petition.  We  request  you 
to  send  your  reply  to  Rev.  S.  Scollay  Moore,  Chairman  of  the 
Committee,  Parkersburg,  W.  Ya. 

Respectfully, 

S.  Scollay  Moore,  Chairman. 

John  S.  Gibson, 

W.  S.  Laidley, 

Joseph  Trapnell. 

With  this  petition  we  sent  also  the  accompanying  tabu- 
lated statement  prepared  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  and 
showing  its  growth  under  his  administration: 


in  West  Virginia. 


375 


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4» 

37G  The  Episcopal,  Church 

Special   Council.     1899.     Clarksburg. 

The  special  Council,  called  primarily  to  elect  a  Bishop  Co- 
adjutor, met  on  July  26th,  1899  in  Christ  Church,  Clarksburg, 
The  Bishop  presided  and  the  Rev.  J.  Addison  Ingle,  of  our 
China   Mission   preached  the   sermon. 

There  were  present  twenty-eight  clergy,  all  entitled  to 
vote  save  one;  and  flfty-eight  laymen,  entitled  to  vote. 

On  the  sixteenth  ballot,  the  Bev.  W.  L.  Gravatt,  Rector  of 
Zion  Church,  Charles  Town,  received  a  majority  of  all  the 
votes  cast  by  each  order,  and  on  motion  of  Rev.  Mr.  Gib- 
bons, the  election  was  made  unanimous. 

The  Council  of  1900.     Shepherdstown. 

The  Twenty-Third  Annual  Council  met  iu  Trinity  Church, 
Shepherdstown,  on  Wednesday,  June  6th,  1900.  Bishop  Pe- 
terkin  presided.  There  were  present,  besides  the  Bishop 
Coadjutor,  twenty-four  of  the  Clerg}'  and  twenty-seven  of 
the  Laity. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

As  to  Election  of  Bishop-Coadjutor. 

It  is  with  no  ordinary  pleasure  that  I  meet  you  today,  my 
Brethren  and  Friends,  at  this  our  twenty-third  Annual  Coun- 
cil, for  I  cannot  but  feel  that  since  we  last  met,  we  have 
entered  upon  a  new  and  most  hopeful  period  in  our  Dioce- 
san life.  The  great  problem  of  securing  proper  Episcopal 
services  for  a  widely  extended,  sparsely  settled  and  rapidly 
developing  Diocese — a  problem  that  has  confronted  us  most 
seriously  during  the  past  few  years,  has  at  length  been  hap- 
pily solved.  The  deliberations  of  the  twenty-first  and  twen- 
ty-second Annual  Councils,  were  happily  consummated  in 
the  special  Council,  meeting  in  Christ  Church,  Clarksburg, 
on  Wednesday,  July  26th,  1899,  at  which  time  the  Rev.  W. 
L.  Gravatt,  Rector  of  Zion  Church,  Charles  Town,  was  chosen 
Bishop  Coadjutor.  This  election  was  reached  by  the  abso- 
lutely free  and  untrammeled  action  of  the  Diocese,  in  de- 
pendence upon  that  Divine  guidance  which  is  still  realized 


RT.    REV.    WILLIAM    LOYALL   GRAVATT,    D.    I). 


in  West  Virginia.  377 

in  the  Councils  of  the  Church,  and  I  heartily  congratulate 
you  upon  it.  No  choice  could  have  been  more  grateful  to 
me  personally,  none,  1  believe,  more  acceptable  to  the  Dio- 
cese, or  having  larger  promise  of  usefulness.  As  the  Dio- 
cese has  of  its  own  motion,  and  without  pressure  from  me, 
taken  this  important  step,  I  may  properly  say  that  I  think 
they  have  shown  both  wisdom  and  courage;  wisdom  in  mak- 
ing provision  for  a  growing  work  before  its  increasing  bur- 
den resulted  in  the  disability  of  the  Bishop,  and  courage  in 
undertaking  what  larger  and  stronger  Dioceses  have  deemed 
beyond  their  power.  We  now  need  to  bend  our  energies  to 
the  work  before  us,  that  the  happy  result  may  justifj'  so 
unusual  a  measure.  Until  such  time  as  we  can  get  closer 
to  the  primitive  model  of  small  Dioceses,  measurably  with- 
in the  capacity  of  one  man  to  oversee,  we  shall  need  such 
helps  as  Bishops  Coadjutor,  even  for  those  not  physically 
disabled,  that  they  may  be  something  more  than  confirming 
machines  and  traveling  agents.  Will  you  not  pray  for  your 
Bishops,  Brethren,  that  they  may  be  wise  and  faithful  in 
every  relation  and  service,  helpful  to  clergy  and  people,  and 
in  all  things  ensamples  to  the  flock. 

Wednesday,  July  2G.  Attended  special  Council  in  Christ 
Church,  Clarksburg,  called  to  elect  a  Bishop  Coadjutor,  and 
transact  such  other  business  as  might  be  brought  before 
them.  This  Council  proved  to  be  the  largest  ever  assembled 
in  West  Virginia;  there  being  present  27  clergy  and  58  lay- 
men entitled  to  vote;  and  I  am  sure  they  feel  under  great 
obligations  to  the  Eector  and  congregation  in  Clarksburg,  for 
the  cordial  welcome  they  extended,  and  the  hospitable  pro- 
vision made  for  their  entertainment.  The  session  was  mark- 
ed throughout  by  manifest  interest  and  equally  manifest 
good  feeling.  The  Council  was  in  itself  distinctly  encourag- 
ing. Considering  the  condition  of  our  congregations  as  wide- 
ly scattered  over  a  very  large  territory,  so  that  attendance 
was  on  the  part  of  clergy  and  laity  accompanied  often  with 
ureal  personal  sacrifice,  we  may  properly  count  that  attend- 


378  The  Episcopal  Church 

ance  as  large  and  enthusiastic.  As  the  balloting  through 
the  hours  of  the  afternoon  and  evening  showed,  the  result, 
at  length  reached,  was  no  forgone  conclusion,  but  one  to 
which  we  may  feel  that  we  were  divinely  led  in  the  careful 
and  intelligent  use  of  our  judgment  and  experience.  We 
thank  God  and  take  courage,  consecrating  ourselves  anew 
to  the  work  which  the  good  Lord  has  called  us  to  do  in  this 
part  of  His  vineyard. 

Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell. 

Sunday,  November  5.  In  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Hedgesville; 
preached  a  sermon  memorial  of  the  late  Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell, 
for  many  years  the  Rector  of  this  Church,  and  the  oldest  pres- 
byter in  the  Diocese.  As  was  to  be  expected  on  account  of 
his  age  (83)  Mr.  Leavell  had  not  been  strong  for  some  years, 
but  with  wonderful  energy  and  unfailing  interest  he  had 
kept  up  his  work  to  within  a  few  months  of  his  death.  As 
his  judgment  and  decision  were  largely  instrumental  in  form- 
ing the  Diocese,  so  his  hopeful  spirit  and  ready  help  were  a 
constant  source  of  strength.  We  all  looked  upon  him  as 
our  Father  in  the  Church,  and  we  thank  God  for  the  good 
example  of  this  His  servant,  who  now  rests  from  his  labors. 

Consecration  of  Bishop  Gravatt. 

Friday,  November  10.  B3-  appointment,  in  Zion  Church, 
Charles  Town,  took  part  in  the  consecration  of  Rev.  William 
Loyall  Gravatt  as  Bishop  Coadjutor  of  the  Diocese  of  West 
Virginia.  The  Bishop  of  Virginia  presided,  and  he,  with 
the  Bishop  of  Washington  and  myself  were  the  Consecrat- 
ors.  The  Bishop  of  Lexington  and  the  Bishop  Coadjutor 
of  Virginia  presented,  and  these  all,  with  Bishop  Penick, 
united  in  the  laying  on  of  hands.  The  Bishop  of  Lexington 
preached  the  sermon.  Thus  in  not  quite  twenty-two  years 
after  my  own  election  in  Zion  Church,  the  same  building, 
though  greatly  improved  and  beautified,  witnessed  the  con- 
secration of  a  well  learned  and  godly  man  to  aid  me  in  the 
growing  work.     Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us. 


in  West  Virginia.  37^> 

Conference  of  Foreign  Missions. 

Saturday,  April  21.  Saturday,  28.  As  an  appointed  Dele- 
gate, during  these  days  I  attended  the  Ecumenical  Confer- 
ence of  Foreign  Missions  in  New  York.  Such  meetings  are 
well  calculated  to  raise  the  tone  and  temper  of  the  whole 
church,  and  inspire  thoughtful  earnest  minds  everywhere 
with  a  more  intense  desire  to  advance  the  Master's  King- 
dom. Perhaps  the  most  noteworthy  feature  of  this  great 
gathering,  as  many  men  of  widely  different  church  politics, 
and  various  confessions  of  faith  met  day  after  day.  was 
their  manifest  thorough  loyalty  to  Christ,  the  Common  Mas- 
ter of  us  all.  The  spectacle  of  so  many  men  and  women 
from  all  parts  of  the  world,  and  representing  so  many  dif- 
ferent organizations,  and  such  a  varied  constituency,  cor- 
dially uniting  in  brotherly  consultation,  that  they  might 
profit  by  each  others'  experience  in  the  mission  field,  and.  sus- 
tain one  another  by  the  deeper  realization  of  their  Christian 
fellowship,  and  gain  such  knowledge  of  tbe  conditions  and 
prospects  of  the  general  work  as  to  enable  each  factor  to  be 
most  judiciously  placed  and  most  efficiently  used,  was  in  ev- 
ery way  helpful   and  inspiring. 

What  we  all  need  to  learn,  far  more  than  we  have  ever 
yet  done,  is  that  the  making  Christ  known  upon  earth  is 
not  only  a  duty  but  the  paramount  duty  of  the  Christian 
church  today.  Too  often  the  case  is  that  the  churches,  as 
well  as  individuals,  have  it  in  mind  to  do  something  more 
in  the  mission  fields,  when  they  have  satisfactorily  met 
some  local  need,  which  though  pressing  in  a  certain  sense, 
i.  e.,  gratifying  to  the  taste  and  perhaps  comfort  of  the  peo- 
ple, has  after  all  really  but  little  to  do  with  the  coining  of 
the  Kingdom.  Would  it  not  be  well,  sometimes  at  least,  to 
weigh  over  against  the  comfort  and  satisfaction  to  be  de- 
rived from  new  carpets,  and  better  organs  and  stained  glass 
windows  and  frescoed  walls,  and  embroidered  hangings  and 
jewelled  plate,  and  all  that  sort  of  thing,  the  immediate 
vrcssing  duty  of  the  Church  to  carry  the  Gospel  to  the  pres- 


380  The  Episcopal  Church 

eut  generation,  so  rapidly  passing  away.  I  fear  that  our 
people  generally  do  not  greatly  care  much  for  the  coming 
of  the  Kingdom— do  not  greatly  pray  or  labor  for  it;  and 
I  say  this  because  whatever  people  may  give  or  do,  some 
marks  of  proper  concern  are  entirely  wanting.  Compare, 
e.  g.,  their  interest  in  secular  matters  with  that  which  they 
manifest  for  the  Kingdom  of  God.  Do  you  not  suppose  that 
the  most,  if  not  all,  of  our  3,000  families  in  the  Diocese,  take 
one  or  more  secular  papers  to  keep  them  abreast  of  the  times 
in  local  matters,  and  the  great  march  of  events  throughout 
the  world?  But  how  few  of  them,  comparatively,  take  any 
proper  means  to  inform  themselves  about  the  condition  and 
progress  of  Christ's  Kingdom,  and  the  loud  calls  for  labor- 
ers to  go  into  His  vineyard? 

I  do  not  know  how  many  of  our  3,000  families  take  any 
of  our  church  papers,  but  the  General  Secretary  of  our 
Board  of  Missions  tells  me  that  only  25  copies  of  the  Spirit 
of  Missions  were  taken  in  West  Virginia  last  year.  I  must 
confess  that  I  was  both  mortified  and  grieved  at  the  state- 
ment. Such  number  is  utterly  inadequate  to  inform  our  peo- 
ple, as  they  ought  to  be  informed,  as  to  the  great  campaign, 
and  to  guide  them  in  any  way  of  helpfulness.  If  to  embue 
men  with  the  missionary  spirit  you  must  acquaint  them  with 
the  missionary  enterprise,  how  can  you  expect  under  the  con- 
dition of  things  I  have  described,  that  our  people  can  know 
what  God  is  doing  for  the  world,  and  hear  His  calls  for  their 
service? 

I  suggest  that  the  clergy  make  more  and  determined,  persis- 
tent efforts  to  increase  the  circulation  of  the  Spirit  of  Mis- 
sions ;  and  further  that  the  elected  and  appointed  members  of 
the  Missionary  Council,  from  the  Diocese,  constitute  a  stand- 
ing committee  which  shall  have  under  consideration  the  whole 
question  of  our  more  cordial  co-operation  in  the  general  Mis- 
sionary Work  of  the  Church  at  home  and  abroad,  and  by  such 
methods  and  agencies  as  may  commend  themselves  to  their 
judgment,  that  they  seek  to  stir  up  the  wills  of  our  people  to 


in  West  Virginia.  381 

a  more  determined  and  Christ-like  purpose,  and  call  forth 
their  energies  for  a  more  faithful  and  self-sacrificing  service. 

Summary. 

I  have  paid  114  visits  to  SO  places  in  the  Diocese,  and  had 
35  services  and  meetings  outside.  Sermons  and  addresses 
175,  confirmed  88.  I  may  add  that  the  number  confirmed  by 
the  Bishop  Coadjutor  has  been  116,  making  the  total  number 
confirmed  since  the  organization  of  the  Diocese  4,892,  which 
is  perhaps  rather  more  than  the  present  number  of  our  com- 
municants. Some  persons  have  expressed  surprise  that  our 
number  of  communicants  should  not  be  very  much  larger, 
but  they  fail  to  realize  how  great  the  loss  is  year  after  year 
by  death  and  by  removals.  In  the  years  of  our  Diocesan  life 
this  loss  would  amount  to  no  less  than  3,000. 

The  Special  Fund. 

In  making  report  of  my  special  fund,  I  can  only  call  atten- 
tion to  what  I  have,  time  and  again  so  often  said  before, 
that  although  its  work  is  quietly  done,  I  believe  that  there 
is  none  more  effective  in  its  general  results.  It  is  designed 
to  meet  those  special  emergencies,  for  which  no  other  pro- 
vision is  made,  and  so  with  the  intimate  knowledge  I  get 
in  regard  to  necessities  of  all  kinds,  from  the  fact  that  I  am 
behind  the  scenes.  I  make  appropriations  as  needed  directly 
to  supplement  small  salaries  or  deferred  payments,  to  meet 
extraordinary  expenses,  travelling  or  otherwise,  to  have 
needful  printing  done,  and  helpful  literature  distributed, 
to  help  build  and  improve  Rectories  and  Churches,  to  help 
the  Diocesan  Missions,  or  the  Sheltering  Arms  Hospital,  to 
assist  young  men  studying  for  the  ministry,  to  supply  va- 
cant churches  and  to  do  many  other  things  that  touch  our 
work,  as  occasion  may  require. 

Offertory. 

It  is  gratifying  to  believe  that  the  general  scheme  for  the 
offertory,  which  I  have  been  putting  forth  in  gradually  per- 


382  The  Episcopal  Church 

fected  form,  from  time  to  time,  during  the  last  few  years, 
is  growing  in  favor.  As  I  have  frequently  said,  the  details 
are  more  or  less  immaterial — the  great  principle  is  what  I 
desire  to  see  accepted  and  applied,  and  I  am  convinced,  from 
my  experience  and  observation,  especially  during  the  last 
year,  that  the  plan  is  steadily  gaining  ground.  On  further 
consideration  it  will  be  found  to  commend  itself,  not  only 
because  on  every  Sunday  without  regard  to  their  attend- 
ance on  services,  it  rallies  to  the  support  of  the  designated 
object  the  whole  numerical  strength  of  the  Diocese,  as  com- 
pared with  the  half,  or  third,  or  fourth,  or  less  part  now 
reached,  but  also  because  by  putting  the  responsibility  of 
the  local  maintenance  of  our  services  where  it  belongs,  that 
is  on  the  Church  officers,  it  encourages,  if  not  compels  them 
to  such  active  and  thorough  work  as  must  tend  to  the  in- 
crease of  their  interest  and  the  constant  development  of 
their  efficiency.  The  business  interests  of  the  Church  should 
not  be  made  dependent  on  the  chances  of  a  public  meeting, 
any  more  than  any  other  business  interest — it  is  not  good 
business  to  make  them  so.  The  officers  who  are  from  time 
to  time  appointed  or  elected  to  superintend  and  provide  for 
the  finances  of  the  congregation,  ought  to  know  their  con- 
stituency— they  have  six  working  business  days  in  which  to 
approach  them,  and  secure  their  co-operation.  In  this  way 
they  can  do  it  more  decently  and  effectually,  so  that  when 
we  assemble  to  worship  Almighty  God  we  shall  be  able  to 
confine  ourselves  to  that  worship,  and  not  take  advantage 
of  the  occasion  to  pay  up  our  dues  for  certain  things  we  have 
bargained  for,  under  the  colour  of  having  our  alms  as  well 
as  our  prayers,  go  up  for  a  memorial  before  God.  So  we 
are  to  call  out  our  whole  strength  for  the  benevolent  and 
aggressive  work  of  the  Church,  and  so  we  are  to  train  up  our 
people  to  an  intelligent  and  business-like  administration  of 
their  affairs. 

Diocesan  Missions. 
The  general  subject     of     our     Diocesan  Missions     will  be 


in  West  Virginia.  383 

brought  before  you  by  the  report  of  the  Committee,  which 
will  in  due  time  be  read.  Nothing  demands  your  more  de- 
liberate and  careful  consideration.  The  great  problem  be- 
fore all  missionary  Boards  is  "How  to  extend  needed  help 
to  weak  congregations,  and  at  ihe  same  time  develop  that 
self-he>lp  which  the  congregations  themselves  must  exercise 
for  their  proper  growth,  and  which  the  exigencies  of  our  ag- 
gressive work  imperatively  demand?''  There  is  danger  of  error 
in  both  directions.  We  may  err  if  we  adopt  a  too  liberal  pol- 
icy, and  on  the  other  hand  we  may  err  if  we  are  too  economi- 
cal and  exacting.  As  far  as  we,  in  West  Virginia,  are  con- 
cerned, I  believe  we  have  erred  rather  in  the  first  than  in  the 
second  direction;  that  is.  our  policy  has  been  too  liberal, 
rather  than  too  exacting.  Not  that  we  have  not  had  large 
encouragement  in  our  work,  and  have  been  permitted  to  see 
such  development,  in  certain  places,  that  the}'  have  grown 
out  of  their  dependent  condition,  and  become  themselves 
centres  of  influence  and  power,  but  for  all  that,  there  is  much 
to  be  desired,  and  since  in  more  cases  than  one,  when  we  have 
been  able  to  bring  to  bear  a  proper  pressure  upon  a  congrega- 
tion it  has  risen  up  wonderfully  to  a  conception  of  duty,  and 
shown  an  ability  to  perforin  it,  we  cannot  but  think  that 
there  is  in  other  cases  not  yet  fully  tested,  still  great  room 
for  improvement.  There  can  be  no  doubt,  but  that  the  fact 
that  there  is  a  fund  to  assist  weak  congregations  in  caring 
for  their  Pastor,  creates  an  undue  dependance  upon  it.  The 
question  comes  up  in  the  mind  "Why  should  not  we  share  in 
the  general  distribution?"  and  so,  some  look  to  this  fund  who 
ought  to  depend  wholly  on  their  own  exertions,  and  some 
cling  to  it  long  after  they  have  grown  out  of  such  infant  con- 
dition as  made  their  first  dependence  natural  and  even  neces- 
sary.    Here  is  room  for  great  searchings  of  heart. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  our  Diocesan  Missionary 
work  is  the  chief  thing  which,  as  a  Diocese,  we  have  to  at  lend 
to.  With  us  aggressive  work  is  to  be  diligently  followed,  not 
only  on  its  own  account,  which  perhaps  would  be  suflicient 


384  The  Episcopal  Church 

reason,  but  also  because  necessary  for  maintenance  as  well. 
The  difficulties  and  hindrances  of  many  kinds,  in  the  way  of 
the  successful  prosecution  of  our  Diocesan  Missionary  work, 
cannot  be  understood  or  appreciated  by  the  mere  casual  ob- 
server, hardly  by  the  majority  of  even  the  most  interested 
and  intelligent  of  our  people.  It  is  so  exceedingly  hard  for 
most  people  to  rise  above  the  consideration  of  their  own  local 
needs,  and  assign  themselves  and  their  work  their  proper 
relative  place  in  the  general  scheme.  The  problems  we  have 
to  do  with  are  varied.  They  relate  to  men,  and  money,  and 
co-operation,  and  the  further  and  very  difficult  matter,  al- 
ready alluded  to,  how  to  help  congregations  without  making 
them  dependent,  and  practically  allowing  them  to  impose 
upon  the  Diocese  by  shifting  upon  it  burdens  they  ought 
themselves  to  bear.  As  an  illustration  of  what  I  mean,  I  may 
tell  you  that  I  have  heard  only  in  the  last  few  months  of  a 
certain  Church  officer  saying  to  another,  "We  will  not  con- 
cern ourselves  much  about  the  salary  of  our  minister  because 
the  Missions  Committee  will  pay  the  most  of  that."  Such  a 
remark  was  hardly  fair  or  generous.  Perhaps  the  spirit  it 
indicates  may  be  altogether  exceptional.  1  hope  it  is,  but  on 
the  other  hand  it  may  be  a  straw  indicating  which  way  the 
wind  blows.  I  am  convinced  we  would  have  a  more  hearty 
co-operation  if  our  congregations  would  learn  to  look  more 
beyond  their  own  limits,  and  accustom  themselves  to  consider 
interests  other  than  their  own.  In  the  distribution  of  Mis- 
sionary money,  and  in  the  arrangement  of  services,  no  place 
stands  alone.  Other  places  are  to  be  considered  and  provided 
for,  and  it  is  just  possible  that  in  such  distribution  and  ar- 
rangement, the  individual  congregation  which  has  necessarily 
a  rather  narrow  horizon,  is  not  absolutely  the  best  or  most 
impartial  judge  of  its  own  relative  position  or  importance. 
Forgetful  of  this,  congregations  sometimes  make  unreasona- 
ble demands — demands  for  independence,  for  increased  ser- 
vices, for  resident  pastors,  while  they  are  still  very  far  from 
self-support.    They  see  their  own  needs  very  closely — perhaps 


KEY.    JOHN    SMITH    LIGHTROURNE. 


CHURCH    AND  RECTO  It  Y,    BLUEFIELD. 


REV.    CLAYTON   A.    CHRISMAN. 


HEAVENLY    REST,    PRINCETON. 


in  West  Virginia.  385 

better  than  any  one  else — but  they  do  not  see  other  needs 
which  press  with  equal  and  it  may  be  superior  demand  upon 
the  Diocese,  which  is  to  care  for  all. 

We  must  by  some  means  try  to  strike  out  more  decidedly 
than  ever  before  for  self-support,  and  the  people  must  be 
taught,  that  except  under  very  unusual  circumstances,  they 
cannot  expect  the  General  Church  or  the  Diocese  to  provide 
them  with  church  buildings  or  with  services  and  pastoral 
care,  so  far  beyond  the  capacity  of  the  congregation,  the  de- 
mands of  the  community  or  the  promise  of  the  town.  By 
what  methods  we  can  most  surely  secure  that  efficient  work- 
ing of  our  system,  which  we  all  aim  at,  is  food  for  thought 
and  demands  effort  and  prayer  in  our  Parishes  and  Convoca- 
tions and  Councils.  We  need  wisdom  and  zeal,  for  the  work 
is  great. 

I  cannot  tell  you  how  much  I  feel  that  the  Diocese  is 
strengthened  by  the  presence  in  the  field  of  the  Bishop  Coad- 
jutor, and  his  hearty  co-operation  with  me,  and  with  all  the 
Clergy  and  people  in  our  common  work.  Give  us  time  to  ma- 
ture and  develop  our  plans,  and  adapt  them  to  the  varying 
conditions  of  the  work;  time  to  bring  the  Convocations  more 
into  the  line  of  aggressive  work,  time  also  to  extend  and 
strengthen  our  personal  acquaintance  with  the  Laity  as  we 
meet  them  on  visitations  less  hurried  than  in  the  past,  and 
we  believe  that  more  than  ever  our  Diocesan  organization 
will  prove  in  every  way  aggressive  and  efficient.  We  desire 
everywhere  to  stir  up  personal  interest  in  the  work  com- 
mitted to  us,  and  to  fix  upon  all  a  sense  of  their  personal  re- 
sponsibility for  it.  In  no  sense  are  Bishops,  or  even  the 
Bishops  and  Clergy  the  Church,  so  to  limit  your  conception 
as  to  invite  failure.  The  divine  rule  is  to  every  man  his 
work,  and  so  we  pray  for  all  estates  of  men  in  God's  Holy 
Church,  that  every  member  of  the  same  in  his  vocation  and 
ministry  may  truly  and  godly  serve  Him. 

Twenty-two  busy  years  have  sped  away  since  I  came  to 
West  Virginia  to  be  your  Bishop — twenty-two  busy  years, 


386  The  Episcopal  Church 

and  but  few  are  with  us  in  our  Councils  now  who  were  with 
us  then.  Still  the  succession  of  workers  is  maintained,  and 
by  God's  good  hand  upon  us  the  work  goes  bravely  on.  Dur- 
ing all  these  years,  I  have  tried  to  give  myself  wholly  to  the 
work  and  with  increasing  gratitude  to  my  dear  people,  Clergy 
and  Laity,  the  yoke  has  been  easy  and  the  burden  light.  We 
are  not  called  upon  to  make  formal  expression  of  our  feel- 
ings in  the  family  circle — mutual  confidence  and  affection  is 
something  taken  for  granted — still  I  often  wonder  whether 
there  ever  was  a  more  happy  ecclesiastical  family  than  this 
we  have  here  in  West  Virginia;  and  I  ask  myself,  wa»  there 
ever  a  closer  relationship,  a  more  helpful  and  affec- 
tionate association  between  a  Bishop  and  his  partial  people. 
During  these  twenty-one  years  1  have  stood  to  you  in  the 
responsible  position  of  leader,  and,  with  the  memories  of 
these  years  fresh  in  our  minds,  I  have  found  it  in  my  heart 
to  say  these  words  of  grateful  acknowledgment  to  all  those 
who  with  me  have  borne  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day. 

But  now  we  turn  our  eyes  to  the  future.  It  is  big  with 
promise,  and  loudly  calls  for  increasing  and  united  effort. 
With  wise  forethought,  you  have  provided  a  helper  with  me 
to  go  in  and  out  among  you,  to  share  my  labors,  to  direct  and 
counsel  and  lead.  Brethren,  pray  for  us,  work  with  us,  for 
the  Kingdom  is  yours,  as  well  as  ours.  In  your  cordial  co- 
operation we  shall  find  a  constant  inspiration,  and  so  we  shall 
at  the  close  of  the  day  come  to  the  Master  bringing  our 
sheaves  with  us. 

Summary  of  Bishop  Gravatt's  Report. 

Visits  made,  112;  sermons  and  addresses,  113;  confirmed, 
146;  baptized,  7;  buried,  3;  married,  2;  admitted  to  priesthood, 
2;  churches  consecrated,  1. 

Incorporation  of  Churches. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Roller  presented  this  report: 
The  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  Council   to   confer 
with  similar  Committees  from  the  various  religious  bodies 


in  West  Virginia.  387 

in  the  State  as  to  the  question  of  such  State  legislation 
as  will  enable  us  to  care  for  our  Church  and  religious  funds, 
respectfully  report: 

That  the  Joint  Committees  have  had  several  conferences, 
the  result  of  which  has  been  the  preparation  of  a  petition  to 
the  Legislature  of  the  State  asking  for  the  omission  of  the 
clause  in  the  Constitution  which  prohibits  the  incorporation 
of  Churches. 

Whereupon  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moore  offered  the  following, 
which  was  unanimously  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  approves  the  action  of  its  Com- 
mittee and  concurs  with  the  representatives  of  the  other 
religious  bodies,  in  the  petition  to  the  Legislature  to  submit 
to  a  vote  of  the  people  a  proposition  to  strike  from  the  Con- 
stitution the  clause  prohibiting  the  incorporation  of  Church- 
es; and  continues  the  Committee  heretofore  appointed  for 
further  action  in  this  matter. 

The  Council  of   1901.    Charleston. 

The  Twenty-fourth  Annual  Council  met  in  St.  John's 
Church,  Charleston,  on  Wednesday,  June  5,  Bishop  Teterkin 
presiding.  Beside  the  Bishop  and  the  Bishop  Coadjutor,  there 
were  present  twenty-five  of  the  Clergy  and  twenty-seven  of 
the  Laity. 

From  the  Bishop's  address: 

Visitation  to  Porto  Rico. 

At  the  request  of  the  Presiding  Bishop,  and  the  Chairman 
of  our  General  Board  of  Missions,  I  consented  to  undertake 
a  visitation  to  Porto  Rico  to  look  after  the  interests  of  our 
<  Jhurch  in  the  Island. 

Accordingly,  I  sailed  from  New  York  on  the  5th  day  of 
January,  1901,  and  returned  on  the  11th  day  of  March. 
Through  the  activity  and  liberality  of  friends  in  this  country, 
1  was  permitted  to  see  before  I  left  the  Island,  the  financial 
difficulty  in  the  way  of  church  building  in  the  city  of  San 
Juan  removed,  and  also  to  welcome  an  approved  man  to  take 


388  The  Episcopal  Church 

charge  of  the.  congregation.  It  is  still  a  day  of  small  things 
with  us  in  the  Island,  but  we  shall  hope  that  the  work  al- 
ready begun  in  San  Juan,  and  that,  still  longer  established  in 
Ponce,  and  on  the  adjoining  island  of  Vieques,  will  now  the 
more  prosper  under  our  hand.  As  my  full  report  to  the  Pre- 
siding Bishop  has  been  published,  in  the  April  number  of  the 
"Spirit  of  Missions'- — a  magazine  that  ought  to  be  in  the 
hands  of  every  Churchman— I  shall  not  here  further  speak 
of  it,  save  to  add,  for  preservation,  a  list  of  my  services  while 
on  the  Island. 

Tuesday,  May  14th.  Attended  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the 
Board  of  Managers  of  our  General  Missionary  Society  at  the 
Church  Missions  House  in  New  York.  This  Diocese  receives 
from  this  Board  $800.00  for  work  among  white  people,  and 
$400.00  for  work  among  the  colored  people.  We  also  receive 
$800,  from  the  American  Church  Missionary  Society.  Of 
course,  we  could  use  more  money,  if  we  could  get  it,  but  as 
many  other  Dioceses  and  Missionary  Jurisdictions  are  in  the 
same  condition,  we  cannot  expect  additional  aid.  We  must 
always  be  on  our  guard  against  imposing  in  anywise  on  the 
General  Church,  and  strive  each  year,  more  and  more,  to  take 
care  of  ourselves.  In  this  way,  as  well  as  by  direct  contribu- 
tions, we  can  advance  the  cause  of  Missions.  I  cannot  but 
wonder,  that  so  many  persons  seem  to  have  such  little  sense 
of  the  imperative  and  solemn  obligation  of  missions.  This  re- 
sponsibility does  not  belong  so  much  to  any  organization,  like 
a  church,  or  parish,  or  mission,  as  to  individuals,  who  by  bap- 
tism or  affiliation,  are  identified  with  such  organization.  It 
is,  therefore,  depressing,  and  on  any  Christian  grounds,  in- 
explicable, to  the  last  degree,  that  any  report  be  sent  in  from 
any  association  of  persons,  or  even  from  one  person,  which 
shows  no  recognition  of  this  obligation.  I  urgently  press 
upon  the  Clergy,  as  not  the  least  important  of  their  duties, 
that  they  exercise  a  more  decided  leadership  in  this  matter, 
and  that  they  make  it  more  a  matter  of  conscience  to  see  that 
all  their  people,  however  small  the  organization,  however 


in  West  Virginia.  389 

scattered  the  constituency,  be  represented  by  offerings  for 
every  object  called  for  by  the  General  Church  or  by  the  Dio- 
cese. That  it  can  be  done  appears  from  the  reports  of  some 
of  our  feeblest  congregations;  that  it  is  not  always  done, 
equally  appears  from  the  depressing  blanks  on  many  reports. 

Hospitals. 

Caring  for  the  bodily  wants  of  men  was  so  large  a  part  of 
our  Saviour's  personal  work,  that  it  would  seem  as  if  it  must 
now  necessarily  enter  largely  into  the  work  of  His  Church. 
The  messengers  of  John  were  bidden  to  go  and  tell  their  Mas- 
ter what  the}r  saw  and  heard,  and  the  signs  given  them  were 
chiefly  in  the  healing  of  the  sick,  and  the  Church  today  must 
show  the  same  Divine  credentials.  From  such  premises  we 
may  argue  strongly  for  the  importance  of  Hospital  work. 

It  ought  to  be  a  source  of  great  satisfaction  to  us  all,  that 
in  our  weak  Diocese  there  seems  to  be  some  appreciation  of 
this  work.  We  have  two  hospitals,  the  Reynold's  Memorial, 
located  near  Moundsville,  and  the  Sheltering  Arms,  at  Paint 
Creek.  The  former,  the  Reynold's  Memorial,  has  since  its 
opening,  eighteen  months  ago,  cared  for  522  patients,  of 
which  number  276  were  cared  for  free  of  charge.  The  latter, 
the  Sheltering  Arms,  has  during  the  past  twelve  months, 
cared  for  222  patients,  and,  for  most  all  of  them,  without 
charge. 

While  neither  of  these  hospitals  is  under  the  control  of 
the  Council,  yet,  they  may  very  properly  be  regarded  as 
Church  Institutions,  because  they  are  the  legitimate  fruits  of 
the  labors  of  our  church  people;  after  all,  Councils  like  that 
assembled  here  today,  sitting  at  such  long  intervals,  and  for 
so  short  a  time,  would  be  but  poor  boards  of  management.  I 
believe  it  to  be  for  the  greater  Glory  of  God,  and  the  greater 
good  of  man,  that  through  their  own  Boards  and  Staff  these 
hospitals  manage  their  own  affairs. 

The  development  of  such  work  has  been  phenomenal  in  the 
last  few  years.  When  I  started  the  Sheltering  Arms,  about 
fifteen  years  ago,  there  was,  I  believe,  only  one  hospital  in 


390  The  Episcopal  Church 

the  Statp,  having  a  capacity  of  perhaps  fifteen  patients;  there 
are  now  twelve  or  fifteen,  having  a  capacity  of  perhaps  700 
patients.  As  soon  as  the  means  can  be  provided,  we  hope  to 
graft  on  to  our  work  at  the  Sheltering  Arms  a  training  school 
for  nurses,  as  has  already  been  done  at  the  Reynold's  Memo- 
rial. The  idea  is  not  chiefly  to  supply  nurses  for  hospitals, 
but  for  the  scattered  homes  of  our  people  throughout  the 
State. 

Convocations. 

At  the  Council  of  1897,  acting  under  the  provisions  of 
Canon  III.,  title  "B,"  of  our  Diocesan  Canons,  I  reorganized 
the  Convocations,  making  five  where  before  there  were  but 
three.  This  arrangement  has  not  proved  to  be  satisfactory, 
and  I  have,  therefore,  acceded  to  the  request  of  the  four  Con- 
vocations specially  concerned  to  reverse  my  action  taken  in 
1897,  and  restore  the  former  status.  As  appears  from  the 
record,  there  is  Canonical  provision  for  the  formation  of  the 
Convocations,  but  their  efficiency  is  dependent  upon  the  cor- 
dial co-operation  of  the  members,  and  so  in  the  most  impor- 
tant sense  they  are  voluntary.  I  therefore  formally  announce 
that  the  New  River  Convocation  is  merged  into  the  Kanawha, 
and  the  Central  into  the  North  Western  Convocation,  and  in 
each  case  according  to  mutual  consent  and  request  of  each 
Convocation. 

Our  Convocations  then  stand  as  follows:  First — Eastern 
Convocation  extending  from  Harper's  Ferry,  our  extreme 
eastern  point,  to  the  western  boundary  of  Grant  and  Pendle- 
ton counties,  or  as  it  may  properly  be  described,  the  eight 
counties  east  of  the  Allegheny  Mountains.  This  Convocation 
has  an  area  of  3,870  square  miles  and  a  population  of  86,496. 
There  are  nine  Clergy,  nineteen  Churches  and  chapels  and 
1,145  communicants. 

Second — The  North  Western  Convocation,  extending  from 
the  Allegheny  Mountains  to  the  Ohio  River,  and  north  of 
Jackson,  Roane,  Clay,  Spencer,  Nicholas  and  Pocahontas 
counties,  in  all  twenty-six  counties,  with  an  area  of  9,245 


in  West  Virginia.  391 

square  miles,  and  having  a  population  of  367,423.  In  this  Con- 
vocation there  are  seventeen  Clergy,  thirty  churches  and 
1,897  communicants. 

Third — The  Kanawha  Convocation,  comprising  the  rest  of 
the  State,  viz:  That  part  lying  south  of  the  North  Western, 
on  the  waters  of  the  Tug,  the  Kanawha  and  the  New  Kivers; 
in  all  thirty-one  counties,  and  11,230  square  miles;  the  com- 
plement of  this  Convocation  is  thirteen  Clergy,  thirty-one 
Churches,  and  there  are  1,130  communicants.  The  figures 
given  above  are  only  approximately  correct,  and  the  latest 
returns  are  not  available. 

In  starting  upon  this  new  rearrangement,  I  desire  to  em- 
phasize again  the  importance  of  the  Convocational  System, 
which  I  fear  has  not  yet  been  fully  appreciated.  To  isolated 
Clergy — as  so  many  of  ours  are — its  social  features  are  most 
valuable.  To  such  it  stands  for  fellowship  and  counsel  and 
for  the  better  knowing  our  opportunities,  and  the  more  re- 
alizing our  obligations  for  Church  extension  within  our 
bounds;  while  to  the  different  points  of  meeting,  the  sessions 
are  valuable  as  showing  the  spirit  and  power  of  the  church, 
and  by  the  mouth  of  different  witnesses,  assembled  from  vari- 
ous points,  establishing  our  faith  and  practice. 

I  would  like  to  see  the  Clergy  make  attendance  a  matter  of 
conscience;  and  if  some  regular  time  be  appointed  and  due 
notice  be  given,  one  of  the  Bishops  will  be  only  too  glad  to  at- 
tend. They  will  welcome  the  opportunity  of  thus  meeting 
the  Clergy,  and  consulting  about  the  common  work.  Let  us 
all  look  for.  and  labor  after,  a  more  vigorous  and  efficient 
life  for  the  Convocations. 

Supply  of  Churches  and  Self-Support. 

We  have  never  been  more  embarrassed  than  during  the 
past  year  by  the  long-continued  vacancies  in  different  parts 
of  the  Diocese.  We  have  made  every  effort  to  fill  these  va- 
cant charges,  but  have  by  no  means  been  always  successful, 
so  that  now   while  we  meet  in  our  Annual  Council,  we  need 


392  The  Episcopal  Church 

at  least  seven  more  men  to  fill  up  the  thirty-eight  charges 
into  which  our  work  is  at  present  divided. 

The  question  of  supply  ought  to  be  considered  in  connec- 
tion with  that  of  self-support,  since  the  two  are  very  closely 
related. 

The  heaviest  financial  burden  our  churches  have  to  bear  is 
the  support  of  their  Pastors,  and  as  this  directly  effects  the 
question  of  supply,  the  whole  matter  is  continually  giving  us 
great  anxiety. 

It  deserves  more  consideration  than  it  is  generally  able  to 
command ;  and  I  very  much  fear  that  oftentimes,  those  whose 
special  duty  it  is  to  consider  this  whole  subject,  and  to  make 
provision  for  the  churches'  need,  give  it  but  little  thought. 
I  am,  in  one  way  or  another,  continually  insisting  upon  the 
personal  obligation  and  responsibility  of  our  Church  officers 
to  provide  for  the  current  expenses  of  the  congregations  they 
serve,  in  a  more  business  like  way,  and  I  am  convinced  that 
it  can  be  done  and  that  it  ought  to  be  done.  I  am  waiting 
patiently  for  a  more  judicious  and  courageous  leadership  on 
the  part  of  the  Clergy,  just  along  these  lines.  1  have  striven 
to  be  perfectly  frank  in  regard  to  all  these  delicate  matters, 
and  believe  that  some  progress  has  been  made  in  the  appre- 
hension, by  our  people,  of  the  proprieties  and  necessities  of 
the  situation.  And  yet  in  the  effort  still  farther  to  correct, 
what  may  often  be  unconscious  thoughtlessness  and  unrea- 
sonableness about  these  matters,  I  want  to  speak  a  few  plain 
words. 

And  I  am  led  specially  to  do  this  because  in  all  seriousness, 
a  good  deal  of  the  criticism  made,  both  publicly  and  by  let- 
ters, upon  our  General  Diocesan  Administration  would  seem 
to  imply  that  there  was  lodged  with  the  Bishops,  our  Mis- 
sions Committee,  or  somewhere  in  the  Church,  indefinite  re- 
sources of  men  and  money,  and  that  the  failure  to  supply 
either  as  demanded,  was  simply  from  ignorance  of,  or  indif- 
ference to  the  conditions,  or,  I  might  almost  say,  from  malice 
aforethought. 


REV.    ARTHUR    R.    PRICE. 


ST.    DAVIDS,    POWELLTON, 


REV.    JKFFF.UKON    U.    TAYLOR. 


in  West  Virginia.  393 

It  is  to  be  feared  that  the  small  and  weak  congregations 
do  not  clearly  understand  and  distinctly  remember  what  are 
necessarily  their  limitations  in  a  missionary  field  like  West 
Virginia. 

As  long  as  the  Apostolic  rule  remains  in  force,  that  they 
who  preach  the  Gospel  should  live  of  the  Gospel,  there  seems 
to  be  no  way  to  avoid  this  embarrassing  question  of  money, 
and  I  am  very  much  afraid  that  the  objection  to  its  frank  dis- 
cussion and  fair  settlement,  comes  chiefly  from  those  who 
think  they  have  fulfilled  their  Christian  obligations  when  they 
attend  the  services — or  at  least  some  of  them — and  it  may 
be  send  their  children  to  the  Sunday  School,  and  all  perhaps 
in  a  patronizing  kind  of  way.  I  am  afraid  that  many  people 
are  apt  to  apply  to  the  Clergy,  but  not  to  themselves,  the  in- 
junction, "'Freeh*  ye  have  received,  freely  give." 

As  far  as  personal  obligations  and  co-operation  are  con- 
cerned, many  of  us  have  much  to  learn.  In  making  arrange- 
ments to  fill  such  vacancies,  as  from  time  to  time  occur,  the 
Bishops  need  the  cordial  co-operation  of  all  the  members  and 
friends  of  our  Church,  and  especially  of  all  the  Church  offi- 
cers. If  a  congregation  is  so  far  unable  to  support  itself,  and 
manage  its  own  affairs,  that  they  have  to  depend  upon  the 
Bishop  to  conduct  negotiations  for  them,  and  secure  a  mis- 
sionary grant  from  an}-  of  the  sources  at  their  command,  to 
aid  in  the  support  of  the  Minister,  then  the  Bishops  ought  to 
have  definite  and  positive  assurance  of  what  they  can  depend 
upon  from  the  people  in  whose  behalf  they  are  acting.  With- 
out this  they  are  in  danger  of  being  placed  in  a  most  embar- 
rassing situation.  It  has  happened  more  than  once  that  men 
have  been  induced  upon  our  representation  to  take  charge 
of  work  in  the  Diocese,  and  after  that,  the  promise  of  local 
support  has  more  or  less  failed.  I  say  local  support,  for  our 
Missionary  Boards  have  set  the  example  of  full  and  prompt 
payment  of  all  pledges.  Such  failures  in  the  support  of  the 
Clergy  are  very  embarrassing  not  only  to  the  Bishops,  but 
the  church  officers,  who  are  considered  specially  responsible 


394  The  Episcopal  Church 

for  collecting  and  paying  over  the  various  subscriptions 
promised — no  doubt  but  that  in  many  cases  these  officers 
could  do  their  work  more  thoroughly  and  wisely,  but  it  is 
also  true  that  they  often  meet  with  humiliating  rebuffs  from 
subscribers,  who  ought  to  be  glad  to  have  them  undertake 
and  carry  out  that  disagreeable  work  of  collecting,  from 
which  they,  themselves,  would  certainly  shrink. 

When  we  are  trying  to  perfect  arrangements  for  the  supply 
of  a  vacant  charge,  it  is  certainly  of  the  utmost  moment  that 
we  should  know  about  this  very  important  matter;  we  are 
expected  to  be  very  liberal  and  definite  in  regard  to  mission- 
ary appropriations,  but  are  often  left  very  uncertain  what 
we  can  absolutely  depend  upon  from  the  place  or  places  in 
question,  and  so  we  cannot  intelligently  and  honestly  con- 
duct the  negotiations  for  supply. 

It  is  for  the  people  themselves  to  say  how  this  result  can 
be  secured  more  surely  in  the  future  than  perhaps  it  has  been 
in  the  past.  One  would  think  that  a  nice  sense  of  honor,  to 
say  nothing  of  the  loyalty  to  associates  in  the  congregation, 
and  may  I  not  say  especially  to  the  officers  of  the  Church,  who 
by  his  suffrage,  are  put  in  a  very  responsible  and  thankless 
position,  and  to  the  Bishops,  who  have  upon  them  the  care 
of  all  the  Churches,  would  prompt  every  one  frankly  and  cor- 
dially to  meet  the  pledges,  which  of  his  own  free  will  he  has 
made  for  the  support  of  the  Church. 

And  as  in  all  such  cases,  where  a  number  of  people  are 
united  in  the  conduct  of  any  undertaking,  it  ought  to  be  re- 
membered that  since  it  is  simply  impossible  to  please  and  sat- 
isfy everybody,  that  it  is  utterly  disorganizing  and  demoraliz- 
ing for  people  to  withhold  their  support  to  the  Church,  sim- 
ply because  they  could  with  something  different,  or  because 
the  Minister  does  not  happen  to  strike  their  fancy  as  a  man 
of  eloquence  and  power.  Personal  gifts  are  rare,  and  we 
have  no  right  to  demand  more  than  that  faithfulness  which 
is  required  in  Stewards.  We  are  all  interested  in  getting  the 
most  efficient  men  we  can  in  any  wise  command,  but  in  fol- 


in  West  Virginia.  395 

lowing  out  this  endeavor  we  have  duties  to  one  another,  as 
well  as  to  the  Ministry  of  the  Church,  and  it  is  nothing  less 
than  disreputable  to  put  off  in  any  way  upon  others — Church 
officers  or  Bishops — the  burden  which  we  have  in  common 
assumed.  The  fact  that  there  is  no  legal  redress  for  such  a 
state  of  things,  should  make  all  the  more  binding  upon  the 
conscience,  the  high  moral  obligation  to  do  our  full  part  in 
the  maintenance  of  the  Church  to  which  we  are  in  any  wise 
related  or  pledged. 

I  believe  that  one  reason  why  our  people  are  not  more  ex- 
act and  prompt  in  fulfilling  their  obligations  is  that  they 
have  indefinite  and  unreasonable  expectations  about  getting 
aid  in  some  way  from  other  persons.  As  they  are  poorly  in- 
formed as  to  the  extent  of  our  work  and  the  resources  at  our 
command,  so  they  have  erroneous  ideas  about  the  ability 
and  responsibility  of  the  Diocese,  and  of  the  General  Church 
to  help  weak  congregations. 

I  was  told  once  of  a  lady,  who  came  to  the  chief  officer  of 
the  Rector's  Aid  Society  of  a  large  Church,  to  ask  aid  for 
some  poor  person  and  was  much  surprised  to  find  that  there 
were  no  funds  available  for  the  purpose.  "Why,"  said  she,  "I 
thought  there  was  a  fund  for  this  purpose.''  "So  there  is," 
was  the  reply,  "but  it  is  made  up  of  the  offerings  taken  up  at 
the  time  of  the  celebration  of  the  Holy  Communion,  and  I 
notice  you  never  put  anything  in.  How,  then,  can  you  expect 
such  a  fund  to  meet  the  ordinary  demands  upon  it,  when  so 
many,  and  you  among  the  number,  fail  to  contribute  to  it?" 
And  I  had,  on  one  occasion,  personal  knowledge  of  a  Clergy- 
man— the  Rector  of  a  large  and  wealthy  Church — who  ap- 
plied to  his  Bishop  for  $200.00,  from  a  certain  Missionary 
Society,  to  whose  resources  he  had  never  contributed  so  much 
as  a  cent.  These,  perhaps,  may  be  extreme  cases — I  hope  they 
are — but  they  serve  to  illustrate  the  too  common  disposition 
to  be  seen  in  Churches,  and  missions,  as  well  as  in  individu- 
als, to  shirk  our  own  responsibilities,  and  depend  too  much 
on  others.    The  Diocese  and  the  General  Church  has  no  other 


•39G  The  Episcopal  Church 

resources  except  those  which  the  churches  commit  to  them, 
and  their  executive  boards  are  often  at  their  wits'  end  to 
meet  these  imperative  obligations;  they  always  have  demands 
far  beyond  their  powers  to  supply,  and  by  a  great  stretch  of 
charity  and  prerogative,  often  hold  on  to  unpromising  fields, 
when  new  and  inviting  territory  opens  out  before  them. 

Resident    Pastors. 

In  thinking  over  this  matter,  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  in  many  cases  our  Infant  Missions  and  Churches  are  too 
impatient  of  results.  They  forget  the  conditions  of  develop- 
ment; and  so  the  little  band  of  five  or  six  members  that,  with 
commendable  zeal,  have,  with  occasional  services,  increased 
to  fifteen  or  twenty,  expect  now  to  develop  speedily  into  a 
full-blown  Church,  with  a  settled  Pastor  and  a  handsome 
building.  But,  granting  the  need  of  a  Pastor — that  is  the 
ministry  of  an  individual  man  to  a  single  congregation — it  is 
well  to  remember  that  there  may  be  a  period  of  growth  in 
which  a  Pastor  in  the  full  sense  of  the  word,  however  desira- 
ble, is  a  too  expensive  luxury,  and  in  which  a  Church  building 
must  be  strictly  proportioned  to  the  means  of  the  congrega- 
tion, and  that  however  plain  the  building  may  be. 

If  you  could  more  effectually  secure  these  two  things,  first 
the  building  of  a  Church  strictly  within  the  means  of  the  peo- 
ple, and,  secondly,  the  cordial  co-operation  of  various  Church- 
es, in  such  wise  as  to  secure  the  help  of  a  Pastor,  long  before 
any  one  of  them  could  command  all  his  time,  you  would  have 
taken  a  long  step  towards  efficiency  in  a  work  like  ours. 

And  as  a  further  suggestion  in  this  direction,  I  may  say 
that,  in  looking  over  a  field  like  West  Virginia,  it  is  hard  to 
roll  how,  with  a  comparatively  small  force  of  Clergy,  and  one 
that  from  the  difficulty  of  support,  if  from  no  other  reason, 
must  increase  but  slowly,  we  can  hope  to  accomplish  a  great 
deal,  unless  our  Missionaries  will  be  more  leaders,  who  will 
gather  workers  from  among  the  people,  and  by  the  help  of 
these  workers,  keep  better  in  touch  with  their  widely  extend- 
ed fields,  and  thus,  by  the  help  of  others,  oversee  the  work 


in  West  Virginia.  397 

that  is  carried  on  far  beyond  their  own  power  to  conduct. 
So  our  work  must  develop,  if  at  all;  and  so,  I  suppose,  we 
ought  to  say  it  has  been  developing;  but  what  we  want  now 
to  do  is  to  impress  upon  our  people  everywhere  that  the  divis- 
ion of  such  large  fields  is  something  they  must  patiently 
wait  and  labor  for;  there  is  no  reserve  fund  of  money  which 
can  be  drawn  upon  for  Churches  or  for  Missionaries;  along 
this  line  we  are  about  at  the  end  of  our  rope;  there  seems  no 
reason  to  expect  the  Diocese  or  the  General  Church  to  do 
much  more  for  us  than  it  has  done,  or  is  doing;  the  Missions,, 
the  Churches,  themselves,  must  more  resolutely  put  their 
own  shoulders  to  the  wheels,  or  the  Chariot  will  not  move 
more  rapidly.  I  am  afraid  that  there  has  been  too  much  cod- 
dling, at  home  as  well  as  abroad,  and  as  one  way  of  counter- 
acting the  evil  effect,  we  should  more  steadfastly  insist  that 
a  Church  or  a  number  of  Churches  must  show  their  ability  to 
support  a  Pastor — at  least  in  a  very  large  part,  before  they 
ask  for  one.  Of  course,  there  may  be  exceptional  cases,  but 
experience  shows  that  we  cannot  take  the  local  judgment  in 
determining  what  these  exceptions  may  be.  You  can  hardly 
trust  the  average  member,  or  friend  of  the  Church,  very  natu- 
rally, chiefly  interested  in  his  own  congregation,  to  form  an 
impartial  judgment  as  to  the  relative  importance  of  places 
that  claim  our  care.  Indeed,  he  is  not  expected  to  do  so;  the 
General  Administration  is  for  this  very  purpose. 

Clerical  Emancipation. 

And  while  I  am  speaking  thus  of  the  administration  of  our 
congregations,  I  shall  take  advantage  of  it  to  speak  what  I 
think  is  a  needful  word  in  regard  to  the  importance  of  freeing 
the  Clergy  more  and  more,  from  these  absorbing  details, 
which,  I  think,  are  often  unfairly  and  improperly  put  upon 
them. 

In  the  early  Church,  the  Apostles  found  it  necessary  to  re- 
sist the  encroaching  cares  of  business  details.  They  said  that 
it  was  unreasonable  to  expect  them  to  leave  the  Word  of  God 
and  serve  tables,  and  so  they  chose  the  Deacons  to  attend  to 


398  The  Episcopal  Church 

these  matters;  that  is,  they  put  definite  responsibility  for  this 
special  work  upon  men  chosen  for  it.  In  the  interest  of  effi- 
ciency of  administration,  a  division  of  labor  was  demanded. 
Thej-  appointed  the  Deacons  to  attend  to  the  business  in 
hand,  that  they  might  give  themselves  continually  to  prayer 
and  to  the  ministry  of  the  Word. 

And  such  a  division  of  labor  is  not  only  for  the  benefit  of 
the  Clergy,  but  in  the  interest  of  the  people.  Yes;  it  will  be 
greatby  to  their  interest  to  free  the  Clergy,  more  and  more, 
from  looking  after  what  they  can  through  their  agents,  do 
for  themselves,  that  the  Clergy  may  be  the  more  free  to  do 
what  the  people  cannot  do,  i.  e.,  look  after  the  spiritual  in- 
terests of  the  congregation.  It  is  high  time  that  the  Clergy 
struck  for  a  little  more  independence  of  those  hindering  busi- 
ness cares,  in  assuming  which  they  have  often  unnecessarily 
burdened  themselves,  and  taken  away  from  their  people  du- 
ties, which  under  a  wise  leadership  they  would  be  ready  to 
meet. 

I  am  free  to  confess  that  one  of  the  things  I  have  in  my 
mind,  in  insisting  so  continually  upon  drawing  and  maintain- 
ing the  distinction  between  the  business  of  the  church  and 
its  more  spiritual  administrations,  has  been  to  promote  what 
has  been  well  called,  "the  emancipation  of  the  Clergy,"  their 
emancipation  from  the  serving  of  tables,  in  order  that  they 
might  the  more  freely  and  fully  give  themselves  to  the  min- 
istry of  the  Word,  and  to  prayer.  I  am  going  to  use  sub- 
stantially <the  words  of  another  in  setting  this  before  you 
more  fully. 

As  we  look  at  the  practical  administration  of  the  Church 
today,  there  seems  to  be  two  fields  of  service,  each  of  which 
is  more  or  less  antagonistic  to  the  other.  What  fits  a  man 
for  one,  seems  often  to  unfit  him  for  the  other,  and  so  it  fol- 
lows, that  to  whatever  extent  he  is  obliged  to  serve  in  both, 
he  is  at  his  best,  in  neither.  One  of  these  fields  of  service  is 
his  naturally,  and  of  right.  In  it  he  is  the  preacher,  deliver- 
ing his  message;  the  pastor  administering  comfort  and  in- 


in  West  Virginia.  399 

structions  to  his  flock;  he  is  the  student,  the  man  of  prayer, 
of  mediation,  of  vision,  of  spiritual  power.  With  these  duties 
most  ministers  are  satisfied,  and  happy  when  they  can  give 
themselves  wholly  to  them.  But  the  other  field — of  antagon- 
istic service  due  to  modern  conditions  in  many  places — en- 
croaches upon  the  minister's  time,  divides  his  strength,  strips 
him  of  power  and  sometimes  of  respect.  This  is  the  alarming- 
tendency,  to  make  the  minister  the  man  of  all  work,  or  as  it 
were  the  errand  boy  of  the  congregation.  I  protest  against 
it  in  the  name  of  God  and  man.  It  degrades  the  minister, 
and  cripples  his  work.  It  has  no  promise  of  the  best  results 
in  any  department  of  the  work. 

I  do  not  think  you  will  have  any  difficulty  in  following  my 
meaning.  As  we  all  know,  besides  the  ordinary  demands  upon 
the  Clergy  as  Pastors  and  Preachers,  many  additional  ser- 
vices are  exacted.  Do  you  want  any  intimation  of  what  these 
additional  services  may  be?  This  list  will  perhaps  serve: 
Keadjusting  mortgages;  repairing  and  painting  property; 
looking  after  stoves  and  furnaces,  coal,  rent,  sexton,  notes, 
deeds,  interest,  insurance,  bazaars,  suppers  and  entertain- 
ments, and  such  like  things.  Can  you  be  surprised  that  such 
exactions  should  sap  a  man's  vitality,  and  unfit  him  for 
strong,  vigorous  and  prophetic  utterances  on  the  Lord's  Day? 
When  a  Christian  Minister  is  expected  to  be  everything  from 
an  Apostle  to  the  walking  advertisement  of  an  oyster  supper, 
it  simply  means  that  the  supper  will  succeed  at  the  expense 
of  the  Apostle,  and  the  waste  of  the  man. 

And  all  the  blame  for  such  a  condition  of  things  does  not 
rest  upon  the  people.  I  have  heard  ministers  congratulate 
themselves  that  their  vestries  did  not  meet,  but  left  them  to 
manage  everything  their  own  way,  and  so,  because  they  found 
it  easier  to  do  the  work  themselves  than  to  lead  and  instruct 
the  proper  Church  officers  to  do  it;  the  Clergy  have  some- 
times  had  themselves  to  thank,  that  they  have  had  so  much 
serving  of  tables.  Let  there  be  an  intelligent  and  persistent 
education  of  the  people  as  to  what  they  ought  to  do  in  re- 


400  The  Episcopal  Church 

lieving  the  Clergy  of  the  business  details  and  the  whole  work 
of  the  Church  will  be  advanced. 

Diocesan  Unity. 

It  is  not  the  least  thing  we  have  to  be  thankful  for  in  West 
Virginia,  that  as  Brethren  we  dwell  together  in  unity. 

We  read  from  time  to  time,  that  in  this  place  or  that — both 
here  and  in  England — there  are  such  differences  of  faith  and 
practice  developed,  as  must  disturb  more  or  less  the  peace  of 
the  Church.  Such  a  condition  of  things  is  by  no  means  wholly 
bad;  it  is  the  price  we  pay  for  comprehension  and  for  prog- 
ress. It  is,  however,  my  earnest  desire,  that  we  continue  to 
maintain  in  this  Diocese  the  position  that  it  has  so  far  been 
our  privilege  and  pleasure  to  occupy,  i.  e.,  the  position  of  a 
frank  and  cordial  acceptance  of  our  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
not  only  as  a  full  and  sufficient  Directory  of  Worship,  but  as 
an  accepted  compact  between  minister  and  people. 

From  time  to  time  there  has  appeared  a  spirit  in  the 
Church,  which,  while  accepting  the  Prayer  Book  as  a  Direc- 
tory of  Worship,  has  not  been  disposed  to  accept  it  as  a  full 
and  sufficient  Directory.  I  shall  hope  that  in  the  future,  as 
in  the  past,  that  we,  in  West  Virginia,  will  not  be  reaching 
out  for  that  most  indefinite  thing,  called  "Catholic  Usage," 
and  so  come  to  have  with  our  individual  picking  and  choosing 
almost  as  many  uses  as  there  are  Parishes,  but  that  we  will 
stand  firmly,  where  we  have  been  standing  all  these  years, 
on  the  reasonable  ground,  that  this  Church  of  ours  has  in  her 
standards  defined  and  expressed  the  Catholic  usage  and 
teaching  we  ought  to  follow,  and  not  left  that  difficult  and 
delicate  task  to  the  comparative  ignorance  and  indiscretion 
of  individuals. 

I  find  myself  each  year  very  much  taken  up,  in  these  An- 
nual Addresses,  with  questions  of  administration,  taking  ad- 
vantage of  the  opportunity  afforded  on  the  Sunday  evening — 
which,  though  not  strictly  of  the  Council,  yet  practically  be- 
longs to  it — to  speak  to  you  along  such  lines  as  would  more 
naturally  be  suggested  as  suitable  for  a  charge.    It  seems  to 


REV.    JOHN    AMBLER. 


REV.    L.    W.    DOGGETT. 


in  West  Virginia.  401 

me  that  such  division  of  topics  is  wise;  first,  in  helping  to 
keep  you  together  over  Sunday,  which,  on  a  great  many  ac- 
counts, I  consider  important,  and  also  as  giving  occasion  to 
emphasize  those  things  connected  with  administration,  which 
continually  call  for  our  attention. 

The  advancement  of  Christ's  Kingdom  ought  to  be  the  su- 
preme and  constant  purpose  of  our  lives — I  mean  of  the  lives 
of  all  of  us,  Clerg}'  and  Laity,  and  of  all  we  represent.  But 
often  our  administration  of  those  affairs,  that  have  to  do  with 
the  maintenance  and  advancement  of  the  Kingdom  is  so  fee- 
ble and  lax  that  the  supreme  and  constant  purpose  fails  to  be 
manifest. 

We  have  all  of  us,  Dear  Friends,  need  of  a  more  absolute 
consecration  to  the  work  which  God  has  given  us  to  do.  To 
do  each  day  fully  and  thoroughly  what  our  hands  find  to  do, 
and  to  do  it  with  an  intelligent  and  persistent  interest.  This 
is  the  service,  the  Church  is  asking  for  today  from  her  sons 
and  daughters  all  over  this  wide  land.  Can  we  propose  to 
ourselves  anything  that  can  compare  with  it  in  dignity  and 
in  the  promise  of  such  blessed  results?  We  meet  in  such 
Councils  as  this,  year  by  year,  not  simply  to  cast  up  our  ac- 
counts, although  such  work  may  be  important,  but  to  take 
counsel  together ;  to  instruct  and  encourage  each  other  by 
exchanging  experiences;  to  learn  in  private  intercourse  about 
ways  and  means  and  methods  and  results,  as  we  cannot  learn 
by  public  discourse;  to  devise  more  liberal  things  for  the  ex- 
tension of  the  Kingdom;  to  have  our  enthusiasm  the  more 
kindled  for  labor  and  for  sacrifice,  and,  above  all,  to  have  our 
hearts  burn  within  us  while  we  hold  sweet  converse  by  the 
way,  and  worship  together  in  the  Lord's  House;  and  find  it  to 
be  to  our  waiting  souls  as  the  House  of  God  and  as  the  Gate 
of  Heaven.  Fill  up  the  days,  then,  brethren,  with  hearty, 
grateful  service.  Be  patient  laborers  in  the  Lord's  vineyard. 
Stand  steadfast  in  the  faith;  quit  you  like  men:  be  strong. 

Summary. 
I  have  paid  132  visits  to  eighty-six  places  within  the  Dio- 


402  The  Episcopal  Church 

cese,  and  had  fifty-eight  services  and  meetings  outside — in- 
cluding those  in  Porto  Rico.  Sermons  and  addresses,  255; 
confirmed,  1(11,  of  which  nineteen  were  in  Porto  Rico. 

Summary  of  Bishop  Gravatt's  Report. 

Visits  made,  111;  confirmations,  125;  baptisms,  7;  mar- 
riages. 1:  burials,  6;  sermons,  125;  addresses,  29;  ordinations, 
1 :  churches  consecrated,  1. 

Celebration  of  the  Bishop's  Twenty-Fifth  Anniversary. 

The  Standing  Committee  considered  the  matter  of  appro- 
priately celebrating  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  the  con- 
secration of  the  Rt.  Rev.  George  W.  Peterkin,  D.  D.,  LL.  D., 
as  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  and  the  Committee  passed  unani- 
mously the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  approaching  twenty-fifth  an- 
niversary of  the  consecration  of  the  beloved  Senior  Bishop 
of  our  Diocese,  the  Standing  Committee  suggest  to  the  Dio- 
cesan Council  at  its  next  meeting,  a  special  effort  to  increase 
the  Permanent  Fund  as  a  fitting  celebration  of  the  occasion, 
and  as  a  thank  offering  to  God  for  His  mercies,  vouchsafed 
to  this  Diocese,  and  that  they  recommend  a  collection  for  this 
object  on  Ascension  Day,  1902  and  1903,  an  effort  being  earn- 
estly made  to  obtain  a  contribution  from  every  person  in  the 
Diocese;  and, 

Resolved,  That  the  President  and  Secretary  of  this  Com- 
mittee be  appointed  a  committee  to  formulate  and  present  a 
plan  to  the  Council  for  the  above  purpose. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

G.  A.  Gibbons,  President. 

J.  Gassman, 

A.  J.  Willis. 

The  special  order,  Bishop  Gravatt  in  the  chair,  was  taken 
up  at  9:40  as  follows: 

Resolutions  of  the  Standing  Committee  of  West  Virginia. 

Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  approaching  twenty-fifth  an- 


in  West  Virginia.  -±03 

■>.ar\  *  l  the  consecration  oi'  the  beloved  Senior  Bishop 
of  our  Diocese,  the  Standing  Committee  suggest  to  the  Dio- 
cesan Council  at  its  next  meeting  a  special  effort  to  increase 
the  Permanent  Fund  as  a  fitting  celebration  of  the  occasion, 
and  as  a  thank  offering  to  God  for  His  mercies  vouchsafed  to 
this  Diocese,  and  that  the}'  recommend  a  collection  for  this 
object  on  Ascension  Day  1902  and  1903,  an  effort  being  earn- 
estly made  to  obtain  a  contribution  from  every  person  in  the 
Diocese;  and, 

Resolved,  That  the  President  and  Secretary  of  this  com- 
mittee be  appointed  a  committee  to  formulate  and  present  a 
plan  to  the  Council  for  the  above  purpose. 

Mr.  Joseph  Trapnell  offered  the  following  resolutions: 

I.  Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the  Standing  Committee  of 
the  Diocese  made  on  the  first  day  of  the  session,  be  accepted 
and  that  the  suggestion  of  said  committee,  looking  to  an  in- 
crease of  the  Permanent  Fund  as  a  fitting  celebration  of  the 
twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  the  consecration  of  the  Senior 
Bishop,  be  adopted  by  the  Council. 

II.  Resolved,  That  the  Standing  Committee  be  instructed 
to  take  the  steps  necessary  and  proper,  to  carry  into  effect 
the  proposed  scheme  for  the  increase  of  said  Permanent 
Fund  to  $50,000. 

III.  Resolved,  further,  That  all  monies  collected  under  this 
arrangement  be  paid  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Permanent 
Fund. 

On  motion  of  Bishop  Penick,  the  resolution  was  voted  upon 
seriatim. 

First  Resolution  adopted. 

Second  Resolution  adopted. 

Third  Resolution  amended  by  Rev.  Dr.  Moore,  adding  the 
words,  "and  that  the  Treasurer  be  requested  to  keep  all  sums 
bo  paid  him  under  a  separate  head,  in  his  accounts."  This 
was  accepted  by  the  mover  of  the  resolution,  and  adopted. 
Then,  on  motion,  the  resolutions  as  a  whole  were  adopted. 

Deputies   to   the   General   Convention: — Clerical:    Rev.    S^ 


404  The  Episcopal  Church 

S.  Moore,  D.  D.,  Kev.  J.  Brittingham,  Kev.  J.  S.  Gibson.  Rev. 
R.  D.  Roller,  D.  D.  Lay:— Joseph  Trapnell,  W.  S.  Laidley, 
B.  D.  Spillman,  Jos.  D.  DuBois. 

Alternates.— Rev.  G.  W.  Easter,  Rev.  B.  M.  Spurr,  Rev.  G. 
A.  Gibbons,  Rev.  W.  H.  Burkhardt,  Lay,  J.  T.  Waters.  J.  D. 
Logan,  W.  G.  Peterkin,  J.  Gassman. 

The  Trustees  of  the  Permanent  Fund,  Mr.  H.  H.  Moss  and 
Mr.  B.  M.  Ambler,  made,  through  their  Treasurer,  Mr.  Amos 
K.  Gordon,  a  very  full  and  satisfactory  report,  showing  the 
fund  to  be  f 21,876.  38. 


in  West  Virginia.  405 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Republication  of  all  the  Material  Concerning  the  Churches  in 
Western  Virginia,  from  Bishop  Meade's  Book,  Entitled  "Old 
Churches,  Ministers  and  Families  of  Virginia,"  Published  in 
1857 — General  Observations. 


In  the  fall  of  1854,  Bishop  Meade  was  solicited  to  furnish 
eoiiit'  personal  reminiscences  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in 
Virginia,  and  promised  two  articles  to  one  of  our  quarterly 
Reviews,  which  most  unexpectedly  grew  into  two  octavo  vol- 
umes. He  was  led  into  this  enlargement  by  the  further  so- 
licitation of  friends  that  he  would  extend  his  inquiries  into 
former  times;  and  by  the  discovery  that  there  were  mate- 
rials, not  yet  lost  to  history,  of  which  good  use  might  be 
made.  Besides  the  recovery  of  many  old  vestry-books,  or 
fragments  thereof,  supposed  to  have  been  lost,  he  either  by 
his  own  researches  or  those  of  friends,  found  interesting 
materials  for  his  work  in  a  number  of  the  old  records  of  the 
State,  which  may  yet  be  seen,  though  often  in  a  mutilated 
and  mouldering  condition,  in  the  Clerk's  Offices  of  various 
counties.  Other  documents  of  general  interest  to  all,  and 
of  special  interest  to  Virginians  and  their  descendants  wher- 
ever found,  have  been  furnished  from  old  family  records  and 
papers,  never  before  used,  and  which  must  otherwise  soon 
have  perished.  The  Bishop  also  wandered,  and  not  a  little, 
nor  in  vain,  amidst  old  churches  or  their  ruins  and  the  grave- 
yards around  them,  and  the  old  family  seats.  The  accounts 
of  These,  and  the  inscriptions  taken  from  them,  form  an  in- 
teresting contribution  to  Virginia  history.  For  nothing,  will 
the  descendants  of  the  old  families  of  the  State  be     more 


406  The  Episcopal  Church 

thankful,  than  for  the  lists  of  vestrymen,  magistrates,  and 
others,  which  have  been  gathered  from  the  earliest  records, 
and  by  means  of  which  the  very  localities  of  their  ancestors 
may  be  traced.  Nor  has  inquiry  been  limited  to  the  records 
of  our  own  State  and  country.  The  archives  of  Parliament, 
and  of  Lambeth  and  Fulham  Palaces,  have,  through  the 
kindness  and  labours  of  others,  furnished  many  important, 
deeply  interesting,  and  hitherto  unpublished  documents,  be- 
longing to  the  history  of  the  State  and  Church  of  Virginia. 
While  portions  of  the  book  may  have  less  interest  for  the 
general  reader,  being  occupied  with  things  belonging  es- 
pecially to  the  history  of  Virginia,  yet  it  is  hoped  that  even 
those  may  be  found  worthy  of  perusal,  while  far  the  larger 
part  relates  to  what  should  be  the  subject  of  inquiry  to  all 
who  wish  to  be  informed  on  the  ecclesiastical  history  of  our 
country. 

The  following  pages  are  from  Bishop  Meade's  Book,  enti- 
tled "Old  Churches,  Ministers  and  Families  of  Virginia:" 

It  is  a  useful  employment  for  societies  as  well  as  individ- 
uals to  look  back  through  their  past  history  and  mark  the 
dealings  of  a  kind  Providence  towards  them.  The  History 
of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia  has  been,  from  the  very 
beginning,  a  most  interesting  and  eventful  one.  I  would 
briefly  refer  to  some  of  its  particulars,  in  order  to  raise  our 
hearts  in  gratitude  to  God  for  its  wonderful  preservation, 
and  to  make  us  more  faithful  and  zealous  in  using  the  proper 
means  for  its  proper  advancement. 

The  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia  commenced  with  the  first 
settlement  of  the  first  Colony.  The  code  of  laws  of  that  Col- 
ony was  drawn  up  at  a  time  when  '"religion  was  enforced, 
even  among  Protestants,  by  civil  pains  and  penalties  which 
we  would  fain  now  banish  from  our  recollections  and  blot 
from  the  page  of  history.  That  there  was  much  of  sincere 
piety  moving  the  hearts  of  those  who  incorporated  the  forms 
of  the  Episcopal  Church  with  the  Colony  of  Virginia,  as  well 
as  of  those  who  established  other  forms  anions;  the  Pilgrim 


in  West  Virginia.  407 

Fathers  of  New  England,  I  doubt  not.  Xor  do  I  question 
the  piety  and  fidelity  of  some  of  the  people  and  pastors  dur- 
ing its  whole  subsequent  history.  But  that  its  spiritual 
condition  was  ever,  at  any  time,  even  tolerably  good,  bearing 
a  comparison  with  that  of  the  Mother-Church,  over  whose 
defects  also  there  was  so  much  cause  to  mourn,  faithful  his- 
tory forbids  us  to  believe.  Many  were  the  disadvantages 
under  which  she  had  to  labour,  during  nearly  the  whole 
period  of  her  existence,  in  connection  with  the  government 
of  England,  which  were  well  calculated  to  sink  her  character 
beneath  that  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  of  some  other 
churches  in  America.  Immense  were  the  difficulties  of  get- 
ting a  full  supply  of  ministers  of  any  character;  and  of 
those  who  came,  how  few  were  faithful  and  duly  qualified 
for  the  station!  One  who  was  indeed  so  faithful  as  to  be 
called  the  Apostle  of  Virginia  at  an  early  period  of  its  set- 
tlement, lamenting  over  the  want  of  ministers  in  the  Colony, 
thus  upbraids  those  who  refused  to  come.  "Do  they  not 
either  wilfully  hide  their  talents,  or  keep  themselves  at  home, 
for  fear  of  losing  a  few  pleasures?  Be  not  there  any  among 
them  of  Moses  and  his  mind,  and  of  the  Apostles,  who  for- 
sook all  to  follow  Christ?  The  Council  of  Virginia  also  ad- 
dressed the  most  solemn  and  pathetic  appeals  to  the  clergy 
of  England,  beseeching  them  to  come  over  to  the  work  of  the 
Lord  in  the  Colony — though,  it  is  to  be  feared,  with  little 
success;  for  in  the  year  1655  it  is  recorded  that  many  places 
were  destitute  of  ministers,  and  likely  still  to  continue  so. 
the  people  not  paying  their  "accustomed  dues."  There  were, 
at  this  time,  about  fifty  parishes  in  the  Colony,  most  of  which 
were  destitute  of  clergymen,  as  there  were  only  ten  ministers 
for  their  supply.  To  remedy  this  evil  it  was  proposed  to  es- 
tablish in  the  English  Universities,  Virginia  fellowships,  im- 
posing it  as  a  condition,  that  the  fellows  spend  seven  years 
in  Virginia;  but  we  do  not  read  of  its  execution.  That  the 
ministers  then  in  the  Colony  were  men  of  zeal  can  scarce 
be  supposed,  as  a  law  was  required  enjoining  it  upon  them 


408  The  Episcopal  Church 

to  preach  constantly  every  Sabbath  and  administer  the  sac- 
rament at  least  twice  every  year.  If  we  proceed  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  Colony  another  fifty  years,  which  will  carry  ns 
beyond  the  first  century  of  its  existence,  we  shall  find  only 
a  few  more  parishes  established,  and,  though  glebes  and 
parishes  had  been  provided,  not  more  than  one-half  of  the 
congregations  were  supplied  with  ministers,  the  rest  being 
served  by  lay-readers.  In  some  places  indeed  lay-readers 
were  preferred  to  settled  ministers,  because  less  expensive 
to  the  parishioners.  As  to  the  unworthy  and  hireling  clergy 
of  the  Colony,  there  wTas  no  ecclesiastical  discipline  to  cor- 
rect or  punish  their  irregularities  and  vices.  The  authority 
of  a  Commissary  was  a  very  insufficient  substitute  for  the 
superintendence  of  a  faithful  Bishop.  The  better  part  of  the 
clergy  and  some  of  the  laity  long  and  earnestly  petitioned 
for  a  faithful  resident  Bishop,  as  the  Bishop  of  London  was, 
of  necessity,  only  the  nominal  Bishop.  For  about  two  hun- 
dred years  did  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia  try  the  ex- 
periment of  a  system  whose  constitution  required  such  a 
head  but  was  actually  without  it.  No  such  officer  was  there 
to  watch  over  the  conduct  and  punish  the  vices  of  the  clergy : 
none  to  adminster  the  rite  of  Confirmation,  and  thus  admit 
the  faithful  to  the  Supper  of  the  Lord.  It  must  be  evident 
that  the  Episcopal  Church,  without  such  an  officer,  is  more 
likely  to  suffer  for  the  want  of  godly  discipline  than  any 
other  society  of  Christians,  because  all  others  have  some  sub- 
stitute, whereas  our  own  Church  makes  this  office  indis- 
pensable to  some  important  parts  of  ecclesiastical  govern- 
ment and  discipline.  Such  being  the  corrupt  state  of  the 
Church  in  Virginia,  it  is  not  wronderful  that  here,  as  in  Eng- 
land, disaffection  should  take  place,  and  dissent  begin.  The 
preaching  and  zeal  of  Mr.  Whitefield,  who  visited  Virginia 
about  this  time,  contrasted  with  the  sermons  and  lives  of  the 
clergy  generally,  contributed  no  doubt  to  increase  disaffec- 
tion. The  pious  Mr.  Davies,  afterwards  President  of  Prince- 
ton College,  made  the  first  serious  inroad  upon  the  unity  of 


in  West  Virginia.  409 

the  Church.  His  candid  testimony  deserves  to  be  here  in- 
troduced. "I  have  reason  to  hope,"  he  says,  "that  there  are 
and  have  been  a  few  names  in  various  parts  of  the  Colony 
who  are  sincerely  seeking  the  Lord  and  groping  after  relig- 
ion in  the  communion  of  the  Church  of  England."  "Had 
the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  been  solemnly  and  faithfully 
preached  in  the  Established  Church,  I  am  persuaded  there 
would  have  been  few  Dissenters  in  these  parts  of  Virginia, 
for  their  first  objections  were  not  against  the  peculiar  rites 
and  ceremonies  of  that  Church,  much  less  against  her  excel- 
lent Articles,  but  against  the  general  strain  of  the  doctrines 
delivered  from  the  pulpit,  in  which  these  Articles  were  op- 
posed, or  (which  was  the  more  common  case)  not  mentioned 
at  all,  so  that  at  first  they  were  not  properly  dissenters  from 
the  original  constitution  of  the  Church  of  England,  but  the 
most  strict  adherents  to  it,  and  only  dissented  from  those 
who  had  forsaken  it." 

That  there  was  at  this  time  not  only  defective  preaching, 
but,  as  might  be  expected,  most  evil  living  among  the  clergy, 
is  evident  from  a  petition  of  the  clergy  themselves  to  the 
legislature  asking  an  increase  of  salary,  saying  "that  the 
small  encouragement  given  to  clergymen  is  a  reason  why  so 
few  come  into  this  Colony  from  the  Universities,  and  that 
so  many  who  are  a  disgrace  to  the  ministry  find  opportuni- 
ties to  fill  the  parishes."  It  is  a  well-established  fact  that 
some  who  were  discarded  from  the  English  Church  yet  ob- 
tained livings  in  Virginia.  Such  being  the  case,  who  can 
question  for  a  moment  the  entire  accuracy  of  the  account 
both  of  the  preaching  and  living  of  the  clergy  of  his  da}',  as 
given  by  the  faithful  and  zealous  Mr.  Jarrett?  and  who 
could  blame  him  for  the  encouragement  afforded  to  the  dis- 
ciples of  Mr.  Wesley,  at  a  time  when  neither  he  nor  they 
thought  there  could  be  a  separation  from  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land? Dissent,  from  various  causes,  was  now  spreading 
through  the  Commonwealth;  dissatisfaction  with  the  moth- 
er-country and  the  Mother-Church  was  increasing,  and  the 
Episcopal  clergy  losing  more  and  more  the  favour  of  God 


•±10  The  Episcopal  Church 

and  man,  when  this  devoted  minister,  almost  alone  in  preach- 
ing and  living  according  to  the  doctrine,  discipline  and 
worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  was  glad  to 
avail  himself  of  any  aid  in  the  good  work  he  was  endeavoring 
to  perform.  For  the  time,  however,  his  efforts  were  una- 
vailing. The  war  of  the  Revolution  was  approaching,  and 
with  it  the  downfall  of  the  Church.  Many  circumstances 
contributed  to  this  event.  The  opposition  to  the  Dissenters 
in  times  past  had  embittered  their  minds  against  the  declin- 
ing Establishment.  The  attachment  of  some  few  of  the  cler- 
gy to  the  cause  of  the  king  subjected  the  Church  itself  to 
suspicion,  and  gave  further  occasion  to  its  enemies  to  seek 
its  destruction.  The  dispute  about  Church  property  now 
came  on,  and,  for  twenty-seven  years,  was  waged  with  bit- 
terness and  violence.  At  the  commencement  of  the  War  of 
the  Revolution,  Virginia  had  ninety-one  clergymen,  officiat- 
ing in  one  hundred  and  sixty-four  churches  and  chapels;  at 
its  close,  only  twenty-eight  ministers  were  found  labouring 
in  the  less  desolate  parishes  of  the  State.  Whither  numbers 
of  them  had  fled,  and  to  what  secular  pursuits  some  of  them 
had  betaken  themselves,  it  is  not  in  our  power  to  state.  Had 
they  been  faithful  shepherds,  they  would  not  have  thus 
deserted  their  flocks. 

We  come  now  to  the  efforts  of  the  more  faithful  to 
strengthen  the  things  that  remained  but  were  ready  to  die. 
In  common  with  some  other  dioceses,  the  Church  in  Virginia 
resolved  on  an  effort  to  obtain  consecration  from  abroad  for 
a  Bishop  who  might  complete  her  imperfect  organization. 
A  very  worthy  man,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Griffith,  was  selected  for 
the  purpose;  but  so  depressed  was  her  condition,  so  little 
zeal  was  found  in  her  members,  that,  though  for  three  suc- 
cessive  years  calls  were  made  upon  the  parishes  for  funds 
to  defray  his  expenses  to  England,  only  twenty-eight  pounds 
were  raised,  a  sum  altogether  insufficient  for  the  purpose, 
so  that  the  effort  on  his  part  was  abandoned  through  pover- 
ty and  domestic  affliction.  Even  at  a  subsequent  period, 
when  renewed  efforts,  prompted  by  shame  at  past  failures 


in  West  Virginia.  -All 

and  a  sense  of  duty  to  the  Church,  were  made  to  secure  what 
was  necessary  for  Bishop  Madison's  consecration,  a  sufficien- 
cy, even  with  some  foreign  aid,  was  not  obtained  to  pay  all 
i  lie  necessary  expenses  of  the  voyage.  The  object,  however, 
was  accomplished,  and  at  the  end  of  almost  two  hundred 
ye  ns  from  the  establishment  of  a  most  imperfect  Church  in 
Virginia  a  Bishop  was  obtained.  But  she  was  too  far  gone, 
;iii(l  there  were  too  many  opposing  difficulties,  for  her  re- 
vival  ar  that  time.  From  the  addresses  of  Bishop  Madison 
ii  the  Episcopalians  of  Virginia,  it  will  be  seen  that  he  en- 
tered on  his  duties  with  no  little  zeal  and  with  very  just 
views  of  the  kind  of  men  and  measures  necessary  for  the 
work  of  revival.  He  plainly  admits  the  want  of  zeal  and 
fidelity  in  many  of  the  ministers  as  one  of  the  causes  of  the 
low  condition  of  the  Church,  and  that  the  contrary  quali- 
fications were  indispensable  to  her  resuscitation.  He  made 
an  ineffectual  effort  at  bringing  back  into  the  bosom  of  the 
<  'hurch  the  followers  of  Mr.  Wesley,  for  they  had  now  en- 
tirely separated  from  her.  After  a  few  partial  visitations 
of  the  Diocese,  his  hopes  of  the  revival  of  the  Church  evident- 
ly sunk;  and  the  duties  of  the  College  of  William  and  Mary, 
of  which  he  was  President,  requiring  his  attention  during 
the  greater  part  of  the  year,  at  the  Convention  of  1805  he 
.ailed  for  a  Suffragan  or  Assistant  Bishop.  The  subject  was 
referred  to  the  next  year's  Convention,  but  no  such  meeting 
was  held,  nor  was  there  another  until  after  his  death.  For 
seven  years  it  seemed  as  if  the  worst  hopes  of  her  enemies 
and  the  most  painful  fears  of  her  friends  were  about  to  be 
realized  in  her  entire  destruction.  In  the  General  Convention 
of  the  Church,  held  in  the  city  of  New  Haven  in  1811,  there 
was  no  representation  nor  any  report  whatever  from  Vir- 
ginia. The  following  entry  is  found  on  the  journal: — "They 
fear,  indeed,  than  the  Church  in  Virginia  is  from  various 
causes  so  depressed,  that  there  is  danger  of  her  total  ruin, 
unless  great  exertions,  favored  by  the  blessing  of  Providence, 
are  employed  to  raise  her." 

Mv  earliest  recollections  of  the  Church  are  derived  from 


412  The  Episcopal  Church 

visits,  while  vet  a  child,  to  the  Old  Stone  Chapel  iu  Fred- 
erick county,  (then  the  back-woods  of  Virginia,)  either  on 
horseback,  behind  my  father,  or  with  my  mother  and  the 
children  in  my  grandmother's  English  chariot,  drawn  by 
four  work-horses  in  farming-gear, — richer  gear  having  fail- 
ed with  failing  fortunes.  Some  of  the  neighbors  went  in 
open  four-horse  plantation-wagons,  very  different  from  the 
vehicles  to  which  they  had  been  accustomed  in  Lower  Vir- 
ginia, whence  they  emigrated.  My  father  took  an  active 
part  in  the  erection  of  this  house,  which  was  about  seven 
miles  distant  from  his  residence.  It  was  here  that  I  offi- 
ciated during  the  first  twenty-five  years  of  my  ministry.  The 
congregation,  which  now  worships  in  a  larger  one  four  miles 
off,  makes  a  kind  of  pilgrimage  to  it  on  one  Sabbath  each 
summer.  It  is  still  used  for  services  in  behalf  of  colored 
persons,  and  on  funeral  occasions.  Near  it  lies  the  parish 
burying-ground,  wrhere  many  dear  friends  and  relatives  are 
interred,  and  where  I  hope  to  find  a  grave.  The  Kev.  Alex- 
ander Balmaine,  a  chaplain  in  the  United  States  Army  dur- 
ing the  War  of  the  Revolution,  and  who  was  married  to  a 
relative  of  Mr.  Madison,  one  of  the  Presidents  of  our  coun- 
try, was  the  minister  of  it  for  more  than  thirt}*  years,  dur- 
ing the  last  ten  or  twelve  of  which  I  was  associated  with 
him.  He  lived  in  Winchester,  and  preached  alternately 
there,  in  a  stone  church  of  about  the  same  size,  and  at  the 
chanel. 

There  was  a  small  wooden  church  very  near  the  chapel, 
which  was  built  before  the  war,  and  in  which  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Thruston  officiated.  The  Baptists  were,  in  his  day,  establishing 
themselves  in  this  part  of  the  Valley  of  Virginia.  With 
them,  it  is  said,  he  had  much  and  sharp  controversy.  On 
the  declaration  of  war  he  laid  aside  the  ministry  and  en- 
tered the  army,  attaining  before  the  close  of  it  to  the  rank 
of  Colonel,  by  which  title  he  was  known  to  the  end  of  his 
days.  About  twelve  miles  from  my  father's,  in  a  direction 
opposite  to  the  chapel,  there  was  another  small  log  church, 
in  which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mughlenburg,     afterwards     General 


in  West  Virginia.  413 

Mugklenburg,  occasionally  officiated.  He  was  the  minister 
of  the  adjoining-  parish  in  Shenandoah  county,  and  lived  at 
Woodstock.  He  also  exchanged  the  clerical  for  the  military 
profession  and  rose  to  the  rank  of  General.  Tradition  says 
that  his  last  sermon  was  preached  in  military  dress,  a  gown 
being  thrown  over  it,  and  that  he  either  chose  for  his  text 
or  introduced  into  bis  sermon  the  words  of  Ecclesiastes,  "To 
every  thing  there  is  a  season,  and  a  time  to  every  purpose 
under  the  heaven," — "a  time  of  war  and  a  time  of  peace," 
and  that,  the  sermon  being  over,  he  laid  aside  the  gown  and 
walked  forth  the  soldier  in  dress  and  office.  He  was  es- 
teemed a  very  upright  and  patriotic  man.  I  have  often  in 
my  younger  days,  and  indeed  after  my  entrance  upon  the  min- 
istry, seen  a  poor  old  lady  at  the  chapel  in  Frederick,  who 
sat  under  his  minstry  and  still  lived  near  his  log  church. 
Being  twenty  miles  off  from  the  chapel,  she  would  come  on 
horseback  either  to  Winchester  or  to  the  house  of  my  elder 
sister  over  night.  Her  visits  were  generally  on  communion- 
days,  and  she  always  partook  of  it  fasting.  She  spoke  well 
of  her  minister  as  one  who  was  faithful  to  his  duty,  for  he 
rode  twenty  miles  to  preach  to  a  few  poor  people  in  one  of 
the  poorest  parts  of  the  country.  My  next  recollections  of  the 
Church  are  in  the  person  of  my  teacher,  who  was  educated 
in  General  Washington's  Free  School  in  Alexandria,  and 
afterward  on  account  of  his  promising  talents  sent  to  Wil- 
liam and  Mary  College.  At  the  end  of  his  literary  course  he 
was  admitted  to  Deacons'  orders  by  Bishop  Madison.  A 
year  or  two  after  this  he  became  teacher  to  the  children  of 
those  few  families  who  composed  almost  the  whole  of  the 
chapel  congregation.  He  was  faithful  as  a  classical  teacher, 
heard  us  our  catechism  once  a  week,  and  for  some  time  open- 
ed  the  school  with  prayer.  He  officiated  also  for  a  period 
at  the  chapel  on  those  Sundays  which  Mr.  Balmaine  gave 
to  Winchester;  but,  his  habits  becoming  bad,  he  ceased  ever 
after  to  exercise  the  ministerial  office,  being  fully  conscious 
that  he  had  mistaken  his  calling.    He  left  no  posterity  to  be 


414  The  Episcopal  Church 

wounded  by  this  statement,  or   I  should  have  forborne  to 
make  it.* 

During  this  period  of  my  life  I  had  no  other  means  of  gain- 
ing a  knowledge  of  the  Church  and  her  clergy  than  from  my 
parents  at  home.  When  there  was  no  service  at  the  chapel 
or  we  were  prevented  from  going,  my  father  read  the  ser- 
vices and  a  sermon;  and  whenever  a  death  occurred  among 
the  servants  he  performed  the  burial  service  himself,  and 
read  Blair's  Sermon  on  Death  the  following  Sunday.*  Of 
the  character  and  conduct  of  the  old  clergy  generally  I  have 
often  heard  them  speak  in  terms  of  strong  condemnation. 
My  father,  when  a  young  man,  was  a  vestryman  in  Prince 
George  county,  Virginia,  but  resigned  his  place  rather  than 
consent  to  retain  an  unworthy  clergyman  in  the  parish.  Of 
two  clergymen,  however,  in  King  George  county, — the  Stew- 
arts,— I  have  heard  my  mother,  who  lived  for  some  time  un- 
der the  ministry  of  one  of  them,  speak  in  terms  of  high  com- 
mendation, as  exceptions  to  the  general  rule.  At  the  age 
of  seventeen  I  was  sent  to  Princeton  College,  where,  of 
course,  I  had  no  opportunities  of  acquiring  any  knowledge 
of  the  Church,  as  it  had  no  existence  there  at  that  time, 
though  it  was  while  there  that  I  formed  the  determination, 
at  the  instance  of  my  mother  and  elder  sister,  to  enter  the 


*Although  there  was  no  such  thing  as  family  prayers  at  that  day,  yet  was 
the  Catechism  taught  in  many  families  of  the  Church;  pincushions  to  the 
girls  and  trap-balls  to  the  boys  were  sometimes  given,  in  the  parish  of  Fred- 
erick, by  the  wife  of  the  old  parish  clerk,  as  a  reward  for  accuracy  in  say- 
ing it  to  the  minister.  My  mother  also  (as  was  the  case  with  many  others) 
made  her  children  get  and  repeat  some  of  the  hymns  of  the  Prayer  Book, 
especially  Bishop  Ken's,  for  morning  and  evening,,  and  repeat  some  short 
prayers  at  her  bedside.  In  my  father-in-law's  family  (Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  who 
has  often  been  seen  in  our  State  and  General  Conventions)  the  practice  of 
reading  the  Psalms,  as  arranged  in  the  Prayer  Book,  was  regularly  practiced 
each  day  by  the  females,  so  that  my  wife,  at  our  marriage,  could  repeat  nearly 
the  whole  book  of  Psalms.  Her  father  used  to  hear  his  children  the  Cate- 
chism every  Sunday  morning  before  breakfast;  and  on  the  one  after  our  mar- 
riage she  took  her  accustomed  place  at  the  head  of  six  or  eight  children,  and 
performed  her  part.  She  was  then  eighteen  years  of  age.  It  was  doubtless 
the  practice  of  repeating  the  Catechism,  reading  the  Psalms  and  other  Scrip- 
tures daily,  and  using  the  morning  service  on  Sundays  when  there  was  no 
public  worship,  which  kept  alive  the  knowledge  of,  and  attachment  to,  the 
Church  in  many  families  which  might  otherwise  have  been  lost  to  it.  Such 
families  were  found  to  be  most  effective  auxiliaries  in  its  resuscitation. 


in  West  Virginia.  415 

Episcopal  ministry,  as  they  perceived  from  my  letters  the 
serious  turn  of  my  mind.    I  ought  to  have  stated  above  that 
my  confirmation  took  place  at  a  very  early  period,  during 
the  first  and  only  visit  of  Bishop  Madison  to  this  part  of 
Virginia.     I  have  but  an  indistinct  recollection  of  his  hav- 
ing heard  some  of  us  the  Catechism  at  church,  and,  as  I 
suppose,   laying  his  hands   upon   us  in   confirmation   after- 
ward, perceiving  that  we  said  our  Catechism  well.     But  as 
to  both  of  them,  especially  the  latter,  I  have  relied  more 
on  the  testimony  of  older  persons  than  on  my  own  certain 
remembrance.     At     the  age  of     nineteen  or  a  few  months 
sooner  my  college  course  was  over.     Through  my  beloved 
relative  and  faithful  friend,  Mrs.  Custis  of  Arlington,  I  heard 
of  the  great  worth  of  the  Rev.  Walter  Addison,  of  Maryland, 
and  determined  to  prepare  for  the  ministry  at  his  house  and 
under  his  direction.     In  him  I  became  acquainted  with  one 
of  the  best  men  and  saw  one  of  the  purest  specimens  of 
the  ministerial  character.    Mr.  Addison  was  of  English  par- 
entage, and  born  to  large  landed  possessions  on  the  Mary- 
land side  of  the  Potomac  opposite  to  Alexandria.     He  also 
inherited  a  number  of  servants,     whom     he     emancipated. 
Through  mismanagement  his  other  property  wasted  away. 
But  the  God  whom  he  served  never  permitted  him  to  want, 
though  he  was  allowed  to  end  his  days  in  poverty.     It  re- 
quired but  little  to  serve  him,  for  he  was  a  man  of  content 
and  self-denial.     At  a  time  when  wine,  whiskey,  rum,  and 
brandy  were  so  commonly  and  freely  drunken  by  all,  espec- 
ially by  maDy  of  the  clergy  of  Virginia  and  Maryland,  he 
made  a  rule  never  to  drink  more  than  one  small  glass  of 
very  weak  toddy  at  dinner,  but  this  was  equal  to  total  ab- 
stinence now.    Wine  he  had  none.    He  was  faithful  and  bold 
in  reproving  vice  from  the  pulpit  and  elsewhere,  though  one 
of  the  meekest  of  men.    He  told  me  of  some  mistakes  into 
which  he  ran  in  his  earlier  days.     He  was  probably  one  of 
the  first  of  the  Episcopal  clergy  in  the  United  States  who 
denounced  what  are  called  fashionable  amusements.     Some 
years  before  my  acquaintance  with  him  he  published  a  small 


41(5  The  Episcopal  Church 

volume  against  balls,  theaters,  gambling,  and  horse-racing, 
adducing  some  high  authorities  from  the  Church  of  England. 
His  opposition  to  duelling  and  the  means  he  adopted  to  pre- 
vent it  made  him  for  a  number  of  years  very  notorious 
among  the  members  of  our  American  Congress.  Being  pas- 
tor of  the  church  in  Georgetown,  though  still  living  in  the 
country  at  the  time,  he  had  the  opportunity  of  exerting  him- 
self in  the  prevention  of  duels  on  several  occasions.  He  has 
often  detailed  to  me  the  circumstances  attending  those  ef- 
forts,— namely,  his  clothing  himself  with  a  civil  office,  in 
order  the  more  effectually  to  arrest  the  duellists  in  their 
attempts  to  find  some  favorable  place  for  the  combat,  his 
interview  with  Mr.  Jefferson,  when  he  had  reason  to  believe 
that  one  of  the  parties  was  in  the  President's  house,  his 
pursuit  after  them  on  horseback,  his  overtaking  them  just 
as  the  seconds  were  measuring  the  ground,  their  threaten- 
ing to  bind  him  to  a  tree  in  the  Arlington  forest  if  he  did 
not  desist  from  pursuit.  These  and  such  like  things  have 
I  heard  from  his  truthful  lips.  At  the  time  of  the  threaten- 
ed encounter  between  Mr.  John  Randolph  and  Mr.  Eppes, 
he  was  fully  prepared  to  prevent  it,  and  if  necessary  deposit 
one  or  both  of  them  in  a  place  of  confinement.  Mr.  Ran- 
dolph was  then  an  attendant  at  his  church  in  Georgetown, 
Eleven  o'clock  on  Sunday  morning  was  selected  for  the  com- 
bat, in  order,  as  was  believed,  to  evade  Mr.  Addison's  vig- 
ilance, as  it  was  supposed  he  would  then  be  at  his  post  of 
duty  in  the  house  of  God.  But  he  believed  that  his  post  of 
duty  on  that  day  was  elsewhere,  and  did  not  hesitate  about 
disappointing  the  congregation.  For  some  time  preceding 
the  appointed  hour  he  was  sejcreted  near  the  hotel  where 
Mr.  Randolph  boarded,  ready  to  arrest  him  should  he  leave 
the  house.  But  an  adjustment  of  the  difference  took  place 
about  that  time.  Mr.  Stanford,  a  worthy  member  from 
North  Carolina,  the  steady  and  judicious  friend  of  Randolph, 
was  doubtless  engaged  in  the  adjustment.  At  any  rate, 
he  knew  what  was  going  on  and  when  the  pacification  was 
effected.     He  knew  also  where  Mr.  Addison  was  and  what 


in  West  Virginia.  417 

lie  was  prepared  to  do.  He  it  was  who  informed  Mr.  Addi- 
son that  lie  might  go  with  a  quiet  conscience  to  his  Sabbath 
duties,  as  the  difficulty  was  settled.  This  i  had  from  the 
lips  of  Mr.  Stanford  himself,  with  whom  1  had  the  pleasure 
to  be  intimately  acquainted  for  many  years.  Mr.  Addison 
was  equally  opposed  to  strife  in  the  Christian  Church.  Al- 
though he  was  a  true  lover  of  our  own  and  most  passionately 
devoted  to  her  services,  yet  he  was  no  bigot,  but  embraced 
all  Christians  and  Churches  in  the  arms  of  his  wide-extend- 
ed charity.  The  unchurching  doctrine  he  utterly  rejected. 
Just  before  I  lived  with  him  an  Episcopal  paper  was  com- 
menced in  the  North  in  which  that  position  was  taken.  He 
either  subscribed  to  it,  or  it  was  sent  to  him;  but,  on  find- 
ing that  it  declared  all  other  minstries  invalid  and  all  other 
churches  out  of  the  covenant,  he  returned  the  paper  or  de- 
clined to  receive  it  any  longer.  He  loved  to  see  sinners  con- 
verted, by  whatsoever  instruments  God  might  employ.  There 
was  a  certain  place  in  the  corner  of  his  large  country  par- 
ish where  neither  he  nor  any  other  Episcopal  minister  had 
been  able  to  make  any  impression.  Some  Methodists  being 
there  and  desiring  to  build  a  church,  he  bid  them  God-speed 
and  furnished  some  pecuniary  or  other  assistance,  hoping 
that  they  might  do  what  he  had  not  been  able  to  do.  Such 
was  the  man' of  God  with  whom  it  was  my  privilege  to 
spend  some  happy  and  I  hope  not  unprofitable  months,  the 
period  of  my  stay  being  abridged  by  a  weakness  in  the  eyes, 
which  altogether  prevented  study.  He  lived  to  a  good  old 
age,  loving  all  men  and  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him.  Many 
of  his  last  years  were  spent  in  darkness,  but  not  of  the  soul. 
His  eyes  became  dim,  until  at  length  all  was  night  to  him. 
But  while  only  a  glimmering  of  light  remained,  he  rejoiced 
and  thanked  God  for  it  far  more  than  those  do  who  enjoy 
a  perfect  vision.  And  when  all  was  gone,  he  was  still  the 
happiest  and  most  grateful  of  all  the  happy  and  grateful 
ones  whom  I  have  ever  seen  or  known.  In  my  visits  to  the 
district  afterwards,  I  ever  felt  it  to  be  my  sacred  duty,  as  it 
was  my  high  happiness,  to  enter  his  humble  dwelling.     But 


418  The  Episcopal  Church 

this  was  never  done  without  bursts  of  feelings  and  of  tears 
on  both  sides. 

As  I  am  engaged  in  presenting  my  recollections  of  the  state 
of  things  in  the  Church  of  Virginia,  I  think  this  a  proper 
time  for  some  notice  of  the  character  of  the  sermons  which 
were  preached  and  the  books  which  were  read  among  the 
Episcopalians  of  Virginia.  This  was  the  period  when  the 
poet  Cowper  upbraided  the  clergy  of  the  English  Church 
with  substituting  morality  for  religion,  saying, — 

"How  oft,  when  Paul  had  served  us  with  a  text, 
Has  Plato,  Tully,  Epictetus  preached!" 

In  the  Church  of  Virginia,  with  the  exception  of  Mr.  Jar- 
ret  t  and  perhaps  a  few  others,  I  fear  the  preaching  had  for 
a  long  time  been  almost  entirely  of  the  moral  kind.  The 
books  most  in  use  were  Blair's  Sermons,  Sterne's  Works, 
The  Spectator,  The  Whole  Duty  of  Man,  sometimes  Tillot- 
son's  Sermons,  which  last  were  of  the  highest  grade  of  worth 
then  in  use.  But  Blair's  sermons,  on  account  of  their  ele- 
gant style  and  great  moderation  in  all  things,  were  most 
popular.  I  remember  that  when  either  of  my  sisters  would 
be  at  all  rude  or  noisy,  my  mother  would  threaten  them  with 
Blair's  Sermon  on  Gentleness. 

It  is  no  wonder  that  the  churches  were  deserted  and  the 
meeting-houses  filled.  But  the  time  had  come,  both  in  the 
English  and  American  Church,  for  a  blessed  change.  There 
is  something  interesting  in  the  history  of  one  of  the  ways 
in  which  it  was  introduced  into  the  Church  of  Virginia.  The 
family  of  Bishop  Porteus  was  Virginian — of  Gloucester  coun- 
ty— opposite  old  Yorktown,  the  residence  of  General  Nelson. 
It  is  not  certain  but  that  Bishop  Porteus  himself  was  born 
in  Virginia  and  carried  over  when  a  child  to  England  with 
his  emigrating  parents.  Porteus  became  a  tutor  in  the  Eton 
school,  and  when  General  Nelson  was  sent  to  England  for 
his  education  his  father  placed  him  under  the  care  of  Mr. 
Porteus.  When  Porteus  was  elevated  to  the  rank  of  a  Bishop 
he  did  not  forget  his  former  pupil  and  family,  but  sent  them 


in  West  Virginia.  419 

his  first  work,  a  volume  of  sermons,  which  were  a  great  im- 
provement on  the  sermons  of  that  day.  When  Mr.  Wilber- 
force,  with  whom  he  was  intimate,  published  his  celebrated 
evangelical  work,  "Practical  View  of  Christianity,"  this  was 
also  sent,  and  afterward  I  believe  the  Bishop's  Lectures  on 
the  Gospel  of  St.  Matthew,  which  were  an  improvement  on 
his  sermons.  A  beginning  of  more  evangelical  views  of 
Christian  doctrine  was  thus  made  in  one  of  the  best  and  most 
influential  families  of  Virginia. 

I  am  now  brought  to  the  period  of  my  ordination,  which 
introduced  me  to  some  things,  in  relation  to  the  Church  of 
Virginia,  not  without  a  painful  interest  to  the  lovers  of  true 
religion.  But,  before  speaking  of  some  circumstances  at- 
tendant on  my  ordination,  it  may  be  well  to  allude  to  a  cor- 
respondence between  Bishop  Madison  and  myself,  some 
months  before  that  event.  It  is  the  more  proper  so  to  do 
as  it  will  serve  to  correct  some  misunderstandings  which 
have  gone  abroad  with  respect  to  us  both,  and  which  have 
had  a  bearing  on  the  reputation  of  the  Virginia  Churchman- 
ship  of  that  day.  Passing  through  Philadelphia  a  year  or 
more  before  my  ordination,  and  staying  at  the  house  of  an 
Episcopal  clergyman,  I  heard  some  severe  strictures  on  one 
or  more  of  the  ministers  of  our  Church,  in  some  other  dio- 
cese or  dioceses,  for  violating  the  rubrics  of  the  Prayer  Book 
by  abridging  the  service.  It  was  designated  by  no  slighter 
term  than  perjury,  in  the  violation  of  solemn  ordination 
vows.  I  learned  afterward  that  such  charges  were  made 
elsewhere.  In  examining  the  Canons  of  the  Church  I  also 
found  one  which  seemed  positively  to  forbid,  under  any  cir- 
cumstances,  the  admission  into  an  Episcopal  pulpit  of  any 
minister  not  Episcopally  ordained.  I  was  aware  that  it 
was  impossible  to  use  the  whole  service  in  very  many  of 
the  places  where  I  might  be  called  to  officiate,  and  well  knew 
that  ministers  of  other  denominations  preached  in  many  of 
our  old  Episcopal  churches,  and,  indeed,  that  it  was  question- 


420  The  Episcopal  Church 

ed  whether  under  the  law  our  ministers  had  the  exclusive 
right  to  them.  I  also  saw  that  there  was  a  canon  forbidding 
servile  labor  to  the  clergy,  while  from  necessity — for  the 
support  of  a  young  family — I  was  then  taking  part  in  the 
labors  of  the  field,  which  in  Virginia  was  emphatically  servile 
labour.  Wishing  to  enter  the  ministry  with  a  good  conscience 
and  correct  understanding  of  my  ordination  vows,  I  wrote 
a  letter  of  inquiry  to  Bishop  Madison  on  these  several  points. 
To  this  I  received  a  very  sensible  reply,  nearly  all  of  which, 
I  think,  the  House  of  Bishops  and  the  Church  generally 
would  now  endorse,  though  there  would  have  been  some  de- 
murring in  former  times.  On  the  occasion  of  my  consecra- 
tion to  the  office  of  Bishop  it  was  objected  by  some  that 
Bishop  Madison  had  ordained  me  with  a  dispensation  from 
canonical  obedience.  Having  his  letter  with  me, — which 
the  reader  may  see — the  objection  was  not  urged.* 


*Dear  Sir:— I  received  your  letter  by  Mr.  Bracken,  and  approve  of  your 
conscientious  inquiries  respecting  certain  obligations  imposed  by  the  Canons. 
You  know  that  every  society  must  have  general  rules,  as  the  guides  of  con- 
duct for  its  members:  but  I  believe  the  Episcopal  Church  is  as  liberal  in 
that  respect  as  any  other  religious  society,  whatever.  The  subscription  re- 
quired of  the  candidate  is,  that  he  will  conform  to  the  discipline  and  worship 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States.  At  the  time  of  or- 
dination lie  promises  to  conform  to  the  Canons.  With  respect  to  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer,  an  adherence  is  required,  wherever  the  situation  of  the 
Church  will  permit;  it  happens,  however,  too  often  that  the  minister  must 
be  left  to  his  own  discretion,  particularly  on  occasions  when  it  may  be  nec- 
essary to  abridge  the  services,  or  when  there  may  be  no  Clerk,  &c.  No  oath 
is  administered  or  required,  and  that  adherence  to  the  book  only  is  expected 
which  may  tend  to  further  religion  and  good  order  in  a  religious  society:  for 
there  can  be  no  doubt  of  the  superiority  of  forms  of  prayer  for  public  worship. 
Before  sermon  many  ministers,  I  believe,  prefer  a  prayer  of  their  own,  and 
if  it  be  well  conceived  I  suppose  no  objection  would  be  made.  His  private 
prayer,  may  certainly  be  determined  by  himself.  With  respect  to  the  use  of 
our  Church  by  other  Societies,  the  general  rule  is  often  dispensed  with,  espec- 
ially if  the  party  wishing  the  use  will  assist  in  the  preservation  of  the  build- 
ing, or  if  the  preacher  be  of  known  respectable  character.  Too  often,  in- 
deed, our  Churches  are  now  used  entirely  by  other  sects.  The  Canon  could 
never  intend  that  a  minister  should  be  prevented  from  following  any  occu- 
pation which  was  creditable.  Hence  the  practice  of  physic,  &c,  is  not  deemed 
Inconsistent  with  the  ministerial  profession,  nor,  I  conceive,  any  other  business 
which  is  free  from  a  kind  of  public  odium.  It  would  be  unfit  for  a  minister 
to  keep  a  tavern  or  grogshop,  &c,  but  certainly  not  to  follow  any  occupa- 
tion where  good  may  result  both  to  the  community  and  to  the  individual. 
The  honest  discharge  of  clerical  duties,  with  a  life  preaching  by  example,  are, 
in  reality,   the  principal  requisites;   when   these  are  manifested,   and  the  piety 


in  West  Virginia.  421 

In  the  month  of  February,  1811,  I  proceeded  on  horseback 
to  Williamsburg,  about  two  hundred  miles,  and  on  Sunday, 
the  24th, — a  clear,  cold  morning, — was  ordained.  My  exam- 
ination took  place  at  the  Bishop's,  before  breakfast, — Dr. 
Bracken  and  himself   conducting  it.     It   was  very   brief. 

On  our  way  to  the  old  church  the  Bishop  and  myself  met 
a  number  of  students  with  guns  on  their  shoulders  and  dogs 
at  their  sides,  attracted  by  the  frosty  morning,  which  was 
favourable  to  the  chase;  and  at  the  same  time  one  of  the 
citizens  was  filling  his  ice-house.  On  arriving  at.  the  church 
we  found  it  in  a  wretched  condition,  with  broken  windows 
and  a  gloomy,  comfortless  aspect.  The  congregation  which 
assembled  consisted  of  two  ladies  and  about  fifteen  gentle- 
men, nearly  all  of  whom  were  relatives  or  acquaintances. 
The  morning  service  being  over,  the  ordination  and  commun- 
ion were  administered,  and  then  I  was  put  into  the  pulpit 
to  preach,  there  being  no  ordination  sermon.  The  religious 
condition  of  the  College  and  of  the  place  may  easily  and  just- 
ly be  inferred  from  the  above.  I  was  informed  that  not  long 
before  this  two  questions  were  discussed  in  a  literary  society 
of  the  College: — First,  Whether  there  be  a  God?  Secondly, 
Whether  the  Christian  religion  had  been  injurious  or  bene- 
ficial to  mankind?  Infidelity,  indeed,  was  then  rife  in  the 
State,  and  the  College  of  William  and  Mary  was  regarded 
as  the  hotbed  of  French  politics  and  religion.  I  can  truly 
say,  that  then,  and  for  some  years  alter,  in  every  educated 
young  man  of  Virginia  whom  I  met,  I  expected  to  find  a  skep- 


:\nd  good   behavior  of  the  minister  cannot   be  questioned,   he   need   not  appre- 
hend the  rigor  <>f  Canons,  or  any  other  spiritual  authority. 
1   am,   sir,  yours   very   respectfully, 
October    Jo.    two.  j.    MADISON. 

Remarks.—  Some  years  after  my  entrance  on  the  ministry.  I  was  convers- 
ing on  the  subject  of  dispensing  with  the  regular  service  in  preaching  to 
the  servants  in  their  quarters,  with  one  of  our  nmst  eminent  ministers,  when 
he  maintained,  and  I  doubl  not,  most  conscientiously,  that  I  had  no  right 
to  open  my  lips  in  preaching  to  them,  without  tirst  using  the  service  accord- 
inn-  to  the  rubric.  A  very  greal  change  has  recently  come  over  the  minds 
of  many  of  our  clergy  on  tiiis  subject,  judging  from  some  tilings  soon  in  our 
religions  papers,  in  which  more  latltudinarlan  views  are  taken  than  I  ever 
remember    to    have  heard  of  formerly. 


422  The  Episcopal  Church 

tic,  if  not  an  avowed  unbeliever.  I  left  Williamsburg,  as  may 
well  be  imagined,  with  sad  feelings  of  discouragement.  My 
next  Sabbath  was  spent  in  Richmond,  where  the  condition 
of  things  was  little  better.  Although  there  was  a  church  in 
the  older  part  of  the  town,  it  was  never  used  but  on  com- 
munion-days. The  place  of  worship  was  an  apartment  in  the 
Capitol,  which  held  a  few  hundred  persons  at  most,  and  as 
the  Presbyterians  had  no  church  at  all  in  Richmond  at  that 
time,  the  use  of  the  room  was  divided  between  them  and  the 
Episcopalians,  each  having  service  every  other  Sabbath 
morning,  and  no  oftener.  Even  two  years  after  this,  being 
in  Richmond  on  a  communion-Sunday,  I  assisted  the  Rector, 
Dr.  Buchanan,  in  the  old  Church,  when  only  two  gentlemen 
and  a  few  ladies  communed.  One  of  these  gentlemen,  the 
elder  son  of  Judge  Marshall,  was  a  resident  in  the  upper 
country. 

Before  proceeding  further  in  the  narrative  of  such  circum- 
stances as  may  tend  to  throw  light  on  the  condition  of  the 
Church  in  Virginia,  I  will,  at  the  risk  of  being  charged  with 
even  more  of  egotism  than  has  already  been  displayed,  make 
a  few  remarks,  which,  I  think,  are  necessary  to  a  right  under- 
standing of  the  whole  subject  I  have  taken  in  hand.  So  low 
and  hopeless  was  the  state  of  the  Church  at  this  time — the 
time  of  my  ordination — but  a  few  of  the  old  clergy  even  at- 
tempting to  carry  on  the  work — only  one  person  for  a  long 
time  having  been  ordained  by  Bishop  Madison,  and  he  from 
a  distance,  and  a  most  unworthy  one — it  created  surprise, 
and  was  a  matter  of  much  conversation,  when  it  was  under- 
stood that  a  young  Virginian  had  entered  the  ministry  of 
the  Episcopal  Church.  Even  some  years  after  this,  when 
I  applied  to  Judge  Marshall  for  a  subscription  to  our  The- 
ological Seminary,  though  he  gave  with  his  accustomed  lib- 
erality, he  could  not  refrain  from  saying,  that  it  was  a  hope- 
less undertaking,  and  that  it  was  almost  unkind  to  induce 
young  Virginians  to  enter  the  Episcopal  ministry,  the 
Church  being  too  far  gone  ever  to  be  revived.  Such  was  the 
general  impression  among  friends  and  foes.    I  had,  however, 


in  West  Virginia.  423 

throughout  the  State  many  most  respectable  and  influential 
relatives,  some  still  rich,  others  of  fallen  fortunes,  both  on 
my  father's  and  mother's  side,  who  were  still  attached  to 
the  Church.  My  parents,  too,  were  very  popular  persons, 
and  had  many  friends  and  acquaintances  throughout  Vir- 
ginia, who  still  lingered  around  the  old  Church.  These 
things  caused  my  ordination  to  excite  a  greater  interest,  and 
created  a  partiality  in  behalf  of  my  future  ministry.  But 
still  there  were  many  who  thought  it  so  strange  a  proceed- 
ing, that  they  were  ready  to  accept,  as  a  probable  mode  of 
accounting  for  it,  an  opinion  expressed  by  one  or  more  and 
soon  put  in  circulation,  that  there  was  something  unsound 
in  mind  or  eccentric  in  character,  at  any  rate  a  want  of  good 
common  sense,  or  I  could  not  make  such  a  mistake  as  to  at- 
tach myself  to  the  fallen  and  desperate  fortunes  of  the  old 
Church.  Some  strange  speeches  of  this  kind  were  made. 
Nor  were  they  or  their  effects  confined  to  Virginia,  or  to 
that  time.  I  am  not  sure  that  their  influence  has  ceased  to 
the  present  day.  One  good,  however,  resulted  from  them, 
namely,  that  certain  views  of  religion  and  certain  modes  of 
life  adopted  by  me  and  contrary  to  what  were  supposed  to 
be  the  doctrines  of  the  Episcopal  Church — certainly,  con- 
trary to  the  sentiments  and  practice  of  the  people — were  as- 
cribed \o  this  natural  defect,  and  kindly  dealt  with,  instead 
of  awakening  hostility  which,  under  other  circumstances, 
might  have  been  exhibited.  Certain  it  is  "that  my  ministry, 
from  the  first,  was  received  with  favour  which  neither  my 
imperfect  theological  education  Dor  my  most  unfinished  ser- 
mons nor  any  thing  else  about  me  were  entitled  to.  Under 
such  favour,  1  commenced  my  ministry  in  the  spring  of  1811, 
in  Frederick  county,  as  assistant  to  Mr.  Balmaine,  in  the 
two  congregations  belonging  to  his  charge,  while  living  and 
labouring  on  a  small  farm,  and  having  no  design  or  wish  to 
go  elsewhere.  But  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  I  consented  to 
the  very     urgent  solicitations  of     the  vestrv  of  old  Christ 


424  The  Episcopal  Church 

Church,  Alexandria,  to  take  charge  of  it,  with  the  privilege 
of  spending  a  portion  of  the  year  in  Frederick  and  not  entire- 
ly relinquishing  my  engagements  there. 

After  three  unworthy  ministers,  the  next  in  order  of 
time  past  was  the  good  Dr.  Griffith  of  whom  I  have  already 
spoken,  as  the  first  Bishop-elect  of  Virginia,  but  who  was 
prevented  by  poverty  from  going  to  England  for  consecra- 
tion. His  predecessor  was  Lord  Bryan  Fairfax,  of  whom  I 
have  something  to  say  in  another  place.  He  was  a  pure 
and  conscientious  man,  the  friend  and  neighbour  of  General 
Washington,  and  a  true  Englishman.  He  attempted,  in  a 
series  of  private  letters,  which  one  of  his  children  showed 
me  and  which  have  since  been  published,  to  dissuade 
Washington  from  engaging  in  or  pursuing  the  war.  Gen- 
eral Washington  dealt  very  tenderly  with  him  in  his  replies, 
knowing  how  conscientious  he  was,  and  being  much  attach- 
ed to  him  and  the  elder  Lord  Fairfax  with  whom  he  had  lived. 
There  was  associated  with  Mr.  Fairfax  the  Rev.  Mr.  Page, 
who  afterward  moved  to  Shepherdstown,  and  of  whom  I 
have  heard  that  venerable  old  lady,  Mrs.  Shepherd,  speak 
in  the  highest  terms  as  an  evangelical  man  of  the  school  of 
Whitefield. 

A  few  remarks  on  my  ministry  during  the  two  years  of 
its  exercise  in  Alexandria  may  serve  to  cast  some  light  on 
the  progress  of  the  Church  in  Virginia  from  that  time.  1st. 
The  old  Virginia  custom  of  private  baptisms,  christening- 
cake,  and  merriment,  had  prevailed  in  Alexandria.  The 
ground,  however,  was  now  taken  that  the  rubric  was  entirely 
opposed  to  this  and  that  the  whole  meaning  and  design  of  the 
sacred  rite  forbade  it  and  that  it  could  not  be  continued. 
There  were  demurrings  and  refusals  for  a  time,  but  a  little 
decision  with  kind  persuasion  completely  triumphed,  as  they 
did  afterward  at  a  later  period  both  in  Norfolk  and  Peters- 
burg, where  private  baptisms  were  made  to  give  place  to 
public  ones,  when  I  had  the  temporary  charge  of  these  two 
congregations,   peculiar   circumstances    inducing   me   to   un- 


in  West  Virginia.  425 

dertake  it.  2dly.  The  Gospel,  it  is  to  be  feared,  had  not 
been  clearly  preached  in  times  past.  It  was  now  attempted; 
and,  though  most  imperfectly  done  as  to  style  and  manner, 
God's  blessing  was  granted.  The  services  were  wrell  attend- 
ed. Many  were  added  to  the  Church  of  such  as  gave  good 
proof  afterward  that  they  would  be  of  those  who  should  be 
saved.  A  goodly  number  of  the  members  of  Congress  often 
came  down  on  Sunday  morning  to  attend  the  church,  among 
whom  were  Mr.  John  Randolph  and  Dr.  Milnor,  with  both 
of  whom  1  became  then  and  thiis  acquainted.  In  the  mind 
of  the  latter  there  was  at  that  time  going  on  the  great 
change  whose  abundant  fruits  have  so  blessed  mankind.  3d. 
It  was  during  my  stay  in  Alexandria  that  I  procured  from 
the  library  of  Mr.  Custis,  of  Arlington,  the  folio  edition  of 
Bishop  Wilson's  works,  which  had  been  presented  to  General 
Washington  by  the  son  of  Bishop  Wilson,  and  which  works 
bad  been  recommended  to  me  by  Bishop  Madison.  By  the 
help  of  Mr.  Edward  McGuire,  who,  for  more  than  forty-two 
years,  has  been  the  faithful  and  successful  minister  of  the 
Church  in  Fredericksburg,  and  who  was  then  preparing  for 
the  ministry  with  me,  I  selected  from  the  various  parts  of 
that  large  book,  a  small  volume  of  private  and  family  prayers, 
which  have  gone  through  three  editions,  and  which,  being 
freely  circulated  among  the  families  of  Virginia,  contributed 
greatly  to  introduce  what  was  indeed  a  novelty  in  that  day 
— the  practice  of  family  worship.*  It  was  during  my  short 
slav  in  Alexandria  th.it  the  Rev.  William  Wilmer  assumed 


*  Many  of  the  sentences  or  petitions,  making  up  these  family  devotions,  are  taken 
from  short  prayers  found  either  before  or  after  the  printed  sermons  of  Bishop  Wil- 
son, and  no  doubt  were  used  by  him  in  the  pulpit.  They  were  evidently  adapted 
to  sermons.  Such  we  know  to  have  been  the  case  with  many  if  not  all  of  the 
English  clergy,  for  a  long  time.  Specimens  of  the  same  may  be  seen  in  connection 
with  a  few  of  the  homilies.  Such  is  the  practice  of  some  of  the  English  clergy  to 
this  day,  as  I  know  from  having  heard  them  while  on  a  visit  to  England  a  few 
years  since.  It  is  well  known  that  Bishop  White  did  at  one  time,  after  the  exam- 
ple of  English  Bishops  and  clergy,  prepare  and  us^  such  prayers  after  his  sermons. 
Some  of  the  Virginia  clergy  have  done  the  same  occasionally,  and  for  it  they  have 
been  denounced  as  transgressors  of  the  law,  and  no  Churchmen.  I  sincerely  wish 
that  SO  good  a  practice  were  generally  adopted  anil  that  ministers  would  care- 
ull.v  prepare,  either  in  writing  or  otherwise,  a  prayer  suitable  to  the  sermon.  The 
collects  might  sometimes  be  found  admirably  adapted,  hut  not  always. 


426  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

the  charge  of  St.  Paul's  congregation,  and  at  the  close  of 
my  ministry  there  that  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris  took  charge 
of  Christ  Church.  These  beloved  brothers,  coming  from 
Maryland  with  those  views  of  the  Gospel  and  the  Church 
which  the  evangelical  clergy  and  laity  of  England  were  then 
so  zealously  and  successfully  propagating  there,  contributed 
most  effectually  to  the  promotion  of  the  same  in  Virginia, 
and  to  them  is  justly  due  much  of  the  subsequent  character 
and  success  of  the  Church  in  Virginia,  as  is  well  known  to 
all  of  their  day.  I  cannot  take  leave  of  Alexandria  without 
referring  to  my  admission  to  priests'  orders,  which  took  place 
there  a  year  or  two  after  this,  and  which  were  conferred  on 
me  by  Bishop  Clagget,  of  Maryland,  our  faithful  brother  the 
Rev.  Simon  Wilmer  preaching  on  the  occasion.  Bishop  Clag- 
get, so  far  as  I  know  and  believe,  entertained  sound  views 
of  the  Gospel  and  was  a  truly  pious  man.  There  was  much 
of  the  Englishman  about  him,  I  presume,  from  his  wearing 
the  mitre,  and  his  mode  of  examining  me,  that  conforming 
so  much  to  the  character  of  the  English  University  exam- 
inations.* Beside  a  number  of  hard  questions  in  the  meta- 
physics of  divinity,  which  I  was  by  no  means  well  prepared 
to  answer,  but  which  he  kindly  answered  for  me,  he  re- 
quested that  I  would,  in  compliance  with  an  old  English 
canon,  which  had  been,  I  think,  incorporated  somewhere  into 
our  requisitions,  give  him  an  account  of  my  faith  in  the  Latin 
tongue.  Although  I  was  pretty  well  versed  in  the  Latin 
language,  yet,  being  unused  to  speak  it,  I  begged  him  to  ex- 
cuse me.  He  then  said  I  could  take  pen  and  paper  and  write 
it  down  in    his  presence;    but  he  was    kind  enough  to    ex- 

*  A  singular  circumstance  occurred  about  this  time  in  connection  with  Bishop 
Claggett's  consecration  of  old  St.  Paul's  Church,  Alexandria.  Putting  on  his  robes 
and  his  mitre  at  some  distance  from  the  Church,  he  had  to  go  along  the  street  to 
reach  it.  This  attracted  the  attention  of  a  number  of  boys  and  others,  who  ran 
after  and  alongside  of  him,  admiring  his  peculiar  dress  and  gigantic  stature.  His 
voice  was  as  extraordinary  for  strength  and  ungovernableness  as  was  his  stature 
for  size,  and  as  he  entered  the  door  of  the  church  where  the  people  were  in  silence 
awaiting,  and  the  first  words  of  the  service  burst  forth  from  his  lips  in  his  most 
peculiar. manner,  ;i  young  bidy,  turning  around  suddenly  and  seeing  his  huge  form 
and  uncommon  appearance,  was  so  convulsed  that  she  was  obliged  to  be  taken  out 
of  the  house. 


in  West  Virginia.  427 

cuse  from  that  also,  and  determined  to  ordain  me  with  all 
my  deficiencies,  Aery  much  as  some  other  bishops  do  in  this 
day. 

On  leaving  Alexandria  1  returned  to  my  little  farm  in 
Frederick  and  to  the  tending,  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  Bal- 
maine,  of  the  two  small  flocks  at  the  chapel  and  in  Winches- 
ter. During  all  the  time  of  that  joint  rectorship  I  bestowed 
.a  considerable  portion  of  my  labours  on  five  or  six  counties 
around,  which  were  either  destitute  of  ministers  or  very 
partially  served.  The  continual  presence  of  Mr.  Balmaine 
in  Winchester,  and  the  lay-reading  of  my  excellent  father- 
in-law,  Mr.  Philip  Nelson,  at  the  chapel,  enabled  me  to  do 
This.  In  my  absence  from  the  chapel,  the  excellent  sermons 
of  Gisborne  and  Bradley  and  Jarrett  were  delivered  by  one 
of  the  best  of  readers,  from  its  pulpit.  I  was  happy  to  be 
able,  during  my  visit  to  England  some  years  since,  to  com- 
municate to  the  two  former  the  fact  that  they  had  thus,  with- 
out knowing  it,  preached  so  often  and  so  acceptably  in  my 
pulpit  in  America.  Huch  was  the  scarcity  of  ministers  and 
churches  around,  that  my  chapel  services  were  attended  by 
families  living  at  the  distance  of  twelve  and  fifteen  miles. 
Then;  are  now  seven  churches,  with  regular  services  by  six 
ministers,  within  that  district  to  which  I  was  a  debtor  for 
all  pulpit  and  parochial  ministration.  My  connection  with 
Mr.  Balmaine  was  most  pleasant  and  harmonious.  He  was 
one  of  the  most  simple  and  single-hearted  of  men.  Himself 
and  his  excellent  partner  were  the  friends  of  the  poor,  and 
indeed  of  all,  and  were  beloved  by  all  who  knew  them.  They 
had  no  children,  and  having  some  property,  as  well  as  a  few 
hundred  dollars  rent  for  the  glebe,  might  have  lived  in  a 
little  style  and  self-indulgence,  but  they  were  economical  and 
self-denying  in  all  things,  that  they  might  have  something 
for  the  poor  and  for  the  promotion  of  pious  objects.  They 
did  not  even  keep  fire  in  their  chamber  during  the  coldest 
weather  of  winter.  They  had  one  family  of  servants,  who 
were  to  them  as  children.  As  children  they  inherited,  and 
some  si  ill  live  in,  the  old  mansion. 


428  The  Episcopal  Church 

Some  of  the  most  eloquent  extempore  effusions  I  ever 
heard  were  from  his  lips,  while  standing  in  the  chancel  on 
sacramental  occasions,  when  he  referred  with  tears  to  past 
errors  and  sought  to  make  amends,  by  thus  testifying  to 
evangelical  doctrine  and  holy  living.  In  the  spring  of  1812, 
Bishop  Madison  died.  And  as  Dr.  Buchannon,  of  Richmond, 
was  the  Secretary  to  the  last  Convention,  which  was  held 
seven  years  before.  Dr.  Wilmer  and  myself  united  in  a  request 
that  he  would  call  a  special  one  in  May.  At  that  Convention 
fourteen  clergymen  and  fourteen  laymen  assembled.  It  re- 
sulted in  the  election  of  Dr.  Bracken  as  successor  to  Bishop 
Madison;  not,  however,  without  opposition  by  some  among 
us.  Another  Convention  was  held  in  the  following  spring, 
at  which  only  seven  clergymen  attended.  To  that  Conven- 
tion Dr.  Bracken  sent  in  his  resignation.  Our  deliberations 
were  conducted  in  one  of  the  committee-rooms  of  the  Capi- 
tol, sitting  around  a  table.  There  was  nothing  to  encourage 
us  to  meet  again,  and  but  for  that  which  I  shall  soon  mention, 
I  believe  such  profitless  and  discouraging  efforts  would  soon 
have  ceased.  I  well  remember,  that  having  just  read  Scott's 
"Lay  of  the  Last  Minstrel,"  as  I  took  my  solitary  way  home- 
ward on  horseback,  I  found  myself  continually  saying,  in  re- 
lation to  the  Church  of  Virginia,  in  the  words  of  the  elvish 
page,  "Lost — lost — lost;"  and  never  expected  to  cross  the 
mountains  again  on  such  an  errand.  But  in  the  course  of 
that  year,  or  in  the  early  part  of  the  following,  it  was  sug- 
gested to  Messrs.  Wilmer  and  Norris,  that  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Moore,  of  New  York,  was  the  man  to  raise  up  the  Church  in 
Virginia.  Mr.  D.  had  become  acquainted  with  Dr.  Moore 
ar  a  recent  General  Convention,  heard  him  eloquently  advo- 
cate the  introduction  of  more  hymns  into  the  Prayer  Book, 
and  preach  the  Gospel  with  zeal  and  power  in  several  large 
churches.  Dr.  Wilmer  and  myself  entered  into  a  correspond- 
ence with  Dr.  Moore,  which  lead  to  his  election  at  the  next 
Convention.  Some  objections,  however,  were  privately  made 
to  Dr.  Moore.  It  was  said  that  Bishop  ITobart  had  com- 
plaints against  him  for  some  irregularities  in  carrying  on 


in  West  Virginia.  429 

the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  that  lie  was  somewhat  Meth- 
odistical.  It  so  happened,  however,  that  Bishop  Hobart  had 
written  a  most  favourable  letter  concerning  Dr.  Moore  to 
some  one  present,  which  being  shown,  all  opposition  was 
silenced  and  he  was  unanimously  elected  as  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese,  and  immediately  after,  or  perhaps  before,  as  Rector 
of  the  Monumental  Church,  which  had  been  reared  on  the 
ruins  of  the  Richmond  Theatre.  Bishop  Moore  was  conse- 
crated in  May  of  1814,  aad  entered  on  his  duties  in  the  sum- 
mer of  that  year.  Our  organization  was  now  complete,  but 
on  a  diminutive  scale.  Besides  the  few  older  clergy,  who 
had  almost  given  up  in  despair,  there  were  only  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Wilmer  and  Norris,  in  Alexandria,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lem- 
mon,  who  had  just  come  to  Fauquier,  Mr.  Edward  McGuire, 
acting  as  lay-reader  in  Fredericksburg,  (preferred  by  the  peo- 
ple in  that  capacity  to  another  importation  from  abroad,) 
and  the  one  who  makes  this  record.  But  from  this  time  forth 
,i  favorable  change  commenced.  Hope  sprung  up  in  the  bo- 
soms of  many  hitherto  desponding.  Bishop  Moore  had  some 
fine  qualifications  for  the  work  of  revival.  His  venerable 
form,  his  melodious  voice,  his  popular  preaching,  his  evan- 
gelical doctrine,  his  amiable  disposition,  his  fund  of  anec- 
dote in  private,  and  his  love  for  the  Church,  all  contributed 
to  make  him  popular  and  successful,  so  far  as  he  was  able 
to  visit  and  put  forth  effort.  His  parochial  engagements 
and  bodily  infirmities  prevented  his  visiting  many  parts  of 
the  Diocese.  He  never  crossed  the  Allegheny  Mountains, 
although  he  sometimes  visited  North  Carolina,  which  then 
had  no  Bishop.  In  the  spring  of  1815,  the  first  Convention 
under  his  Episcopate  assembled  in  Richmond.  It  must  be 
evident  to  all,  from  the  account  given  of  the  past  history  of 
the  Church  in  Virginia,  that  much  prejudice  must  have  exist- 
ed against  it,  and  that  the  reputation  of  bofh  clergy  and  peo- 
ple for  true  piety  must  have  been  low,  and  that  it  was  most 
proper  to  take  some  early  occasion  of  setting  forth  the  prin- 
ciples on  which  it  was  proposed  to  attempt  its  resuscitation. 
The  last  Convention,  which  was  held  under  Bishop  Madison, 


430  The  Episcopal  Church 

and  which  was  followed  by  an  intermission  of  seven  years, 
had  prepared  the  way  for  this,  by  declaring  the  necessity  of 
a  reform  in  the  manners  of  both  clergy  and  laity  and  by 
establishing  rules  for  the  trial  of  both.  Wherefore,  among 
the  first  things  which  engaged  the  consideration  of  the  Con- 
A-ention  of  1815,  was  the  establishing  a  code  of  discipline. 
The  Diocese  of  Maryland,  from  which  two  of  our  brethren, 
the  Eev.  Messrs.  Wilmer  and  Norris,  came,  had  already  been 
engaged  in  the  same  work,  and  we  did  little  else  than  cop> 
the  regulations  there  adopted. 

But  the  opposition  indeed  was  such  at  this  and  the  ensuing 
Convention,  that  we  had  to  content  ourselves  with  renewing 
the  general  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  1805,  under 
Bishop  Madison.  In  two  years  after  this,  however,  in  the 
Convention  held  in  Winchester,  when  the  number  of  the 
clergy  and  the  piety  of  the  laymen  had  increased,  the  subject 
was  again  brought  up,  and  the  condemnation  of  those  things 
which  brought  reproach  on  the  Church  was  extended  to  the- 
atres, horse-racing  and  public  balls,  by  an  overwhelming  ma- 
jority. The  same  has  been  renewed  and  enforced  at  a  more 
recent  one.  The  Church  now  began  to  move  on  with  more 
rapid  strides.  In  looking  over  the  list  of  the  clergy  who  were 
added  to  our  ranks  in  the  few  following  years  we  see  the 
names  of  such  men  as  Hawley,  Horrell,  the  two  Aliens,  the 
Lowes,  Bavenscroft,  Smith,  now  Bishop  of  Kentucky,  Wing- 
field,  the  elder  Armstrong,  of  Wheeling;  Charles  Page,  Keith, 
Lippett  Alexander  Jones,  Cobbs,  George  Smith,  William  Lee, 
John  Grammar,  J.  P.  McGuire,  Brooke,  the  Jacksons  and 
others.  The  itinerant  labours  of  some  of  them  deserve  spec- 
ial notice.  Benjamin  Allen's  labours  in  the  Valley  of  Vir- 
ginia; Charles  Page's  in  the  counties  of  Amherst,  Nelson,  &c; 
Mr.  Cobb's  in  Bedford  and  the  counties  round  about;  William 
Lee's  in  Amelia,  Goochland,  Powhatan  and  others;  Mr.  Cram- 
mer's in  Dinwiddie,  Brunswick,  Greenville,  Surry  and  Prince 
George,  and  J.  P.  McGuire's  between  the  Rappahannock  and 
James  Rivers,  were  such  as  few  professedly  itinerant  preach- 
ers ever  surpass.     Without  such  self-denying  labours,     the 


in  West  Virginia.  431 

Church  could  never  have  been  revived  in  these  places.  The 
faithful  and  zealous  men,  whom  I  have  enumerated  above, 
were  accompanied  and  have  been  followed  by  other  faithful 
ones,  too  numerous  to  mention. 

Theological   Seminary. 

It  is  time  that  I  should  now  advert  to  the  origin  and  prog- 
ress of  one  great  instrument  of  the  Church's  prosperity  in 
Virginia — the  Theological  Seminary  at  Alexandria.  As 
Bishop  Moore  was  about  leaving  New  York  for  Virginia,  in 
the  summer  of  1814,  Dr.  Augustine  Smith,  a  native  of  Vir- 
ginia, who  had  been  for  some  years  Professor  in  a  Medical 
School  in  New  York  and  who  was  then  about  to  take  charge 
of  William  and  Mary  College,  met  him  in  the  street  and  pro- 
posed that  the  Church  in  Virginia  should  establish  a  Theo- 
logical Professorship  in  Williamsburg,  and  thus  make  the 
College,  what  its  royal  patrons  designed,  a  School  of  the 
Prophets.  Bishop  Moore  encouraged  the  proposal,  and  a 
deputation  of  one  of  the  Professors  was  sent  to  the  Conven- 
tion of  1815  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  the  plan.  The  Con- 
vention approved  it,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Keith  became  the  min- 
ister of  the  Episcopal  congregation  in  Williamsburg,  and  was 
prepared  to  instruct  any  candidates  for  the  ministry  who 
might  be  sent  there.  During  a  stay  of  two  years  only  one 
presented  himself.  On  various  accounts  Williamsburg  was 
found  to  be  an  unsuitable  place.  The  Convention  of  Virginia 
had  appointed  Colonel  Edward  Colston  and  myself  a  com- 
mittee to  correspond  with  the  Bishop  of  Maryland  and  some 
leading  laymen  in  North  Carolina,  proposing  a  union  with 
Virginia  in  the  establishment  and  management  of  the  Semi- 
nary at;  Williamsburg.  From  North  Carolina  we  received 
no  answer.  From  the  Bishop  of  Maryland*  we  receiv- 
ed a  prompt  and  decided  refusal,  accompanied  with 
such  severe  strictures  on  the  religion  and  morals  of  Virginia 
that  wo  did  not  present  it  to  the  Convention,  but  only  report- 
ed our  failure.    Williamsburg  especially  was  objected  to  on 

*Bishop  Kemp. 


432  The  Episcopal  Church 

account  of  its  infidelity  as  altogether  unlit  to  be  the  seat  of 
such  an  institution.  Those  of  us  who  were  engaged  in  the  re- 
suscitation of  the  Church  were  also  said  to  be  extravagant  in 
some  of  our  notions,  as  is  apt  to  be  the  case  with  those  who 
in  flying  from  one  extreme  rush  into  the  other.  There  was 
much  in  the  letter  but  too  true  of  the  laity  and  clergy,  both 
of  Maryland  and  Virginia,  in  that  and  past  days.  Having 
failed  in  our  experiment  at  Williamsburg,  we  determined  to 
make  trial  of  it  in  Alexandria,  by  the  help  of  our  Education 
Society — Dr.  Keith,  Dr.  Wilmer  and  Mr.  Norris  being  the 
Professors.  The  General  Theological  Seminary  was  now  get- 
ting under  way,  and  its  friends  were  afraid  of  some  interfer- 
ence with  its  prosperity.  The  ground  was  taken  that  this 
was  the  institution  of  the  Church,  and  its  claims  paramount 
to  all  others.  Most  threatening  letters  were  addressed  to 
Bishop  Moore,  calling  upon  him  as  a  Bishop  of  the  General 
Church,  bound  to  guard  its  unity,  to  interpose  and  prevent 
the  establishment  of  the  Seminary  at  Alexandria.  Happily 
for  us,  Mr.  Kohn  had  bequeathed  a  large  fund  for  the  General 
Seminary  in  New  York,  where  it  was  located  when  the  will 
was  written;  but,  meantime,  it  had  been  removed  to  New 
Haven,  and  it  was  contended  that  it  could  not  inherit  a  legacy 
which  was  given  to  an  institution  in  New  York.  Bishop  Ho- 
bart  now  took  the  field  in  favour  of  Diocesan  Seminaries  and 
wrote  a  pamphlet  on  the  subject,  claiming  the  legacy  for  one 
to  be  established  in  New  York,  under  Diocesan  rule.  A  Gen- 
eral Convention  was  called  to  settle  the  question,  and  it  was 
compromised  by  restoring  the  General  Seminary  to  New 
York,  on  certain  terms,  which,  as  it  was  foreseen  and  predict- 
ed, made  it  and  has  continued  it,  virtually,  a  New  York  Semi- 
nary. But  we  heard  no  more  after  that  of  the  schismatical 
character  of  the  Virginia  Seminar}-,  nor  have  we  since  that 
time  heard  any  other  objections  of  the  kind  to  those  estab- 
lished in  Ohio,  Kentucky,  Illinois  and  Connecticut.  Our  Sem- 
inary continued  for  several  years  in  the  town  of  Alexandria, 
until  we  raised  sufficient  funds  to  purchase  its  present  site 


THEOLOGICAL    SEMINARY — FRONT    VIEW 


THEOLOGICAL    SKMLVARY    (FROM   CAMPUS). 


.*•: 


EPISCOPAL   HIGH    SCHOOL.    NKAR    ALEXANDRIA,  VA. 


in  West  Virginia.  433 

and  erect  some  of  its  buildings.  We  are  indebted  to  the  zeal 
of  Mr.  John  Nelson,  of  Mecklenburg,  for  the  first  moneys  col- 
lected for  that  purpose.  He  visited  a  considerable  part  of  the 
State,  and  raised  a  handsome  contribution  to  it.  In  the  year 
1828  I  took  my  turn,  and  visited  a  still  larger  portion  of  the 
State,  realizing  a  greater  amount.  Other  calls  have  at  suc- 
cessive periods  been  made,  and  always  with  success.  An  at- 
tempt to  raise  an  Episcopal  fund  for  a  time  interfered  with 
and  postponed  this,  but  it  was  soon  evident  that  this  was  the 
favourite  with  the  people,  and  the  other  was  relinquished. 

Clerical  Associations. 

Next  in  the  order  of  time,  and  agreeably  to  a  recommenda- 
tion in  one  of  the  Conventions  in  Bishop  Madison's  time, 
comes  the  establishment  of  Clerical  Associations.  The  first 
of  these  was  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  consisting  of  the  min- 
isters of  Berkeley,  Jefferson  and  Frederick — Dr.  Balmaine, 
Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Enoch  Lowe,  Mr.  Brian  and  myself — 
Benjamin  Smith,  now  Bishop  Smith,  coming  among  us  soon 
after.  We  assembled  quarterly  in  each  other's  parishes; 
preaching  for  several  days  and  nights;  having  meetings 
among  ourselves,  and  at  private  houses,  for  special  prayer; 
taking  up  collections  for  missionaries  to  the  western  part  of 
Virginia.  The  two  first  who  went  to  Virginia  beyond  the 
Alleghanies — the  Rev.  Charles  Page  and  William  Lee — were 
sent  out  by  our  Society.  These  Associations  were  attended 
by  much  good  and  no  evil,  so  far  as  I  know  and  believe.  I 
have  ever  encouraged  them  since  entering  the  Episcopate,  and 
Bishop  Moore  did  the  same  before  and  after  that  time,  as  be- 
ing most  important  auxiliaries  to  the  Bishops,  especially  in 
large  dioceses.  I  regard  it  as  an  evil  omen,  when  ministers, 
favourably  situated,  are  averse  to  such  means  of  their  own 
and  their  people's  improvement,  though  I  do  not  mean  to  say 
that  there  are  not  some  good  and  pious  men  who  regard  them 
in  a  different  light. 


434  The  Episcopal  Church 

Our  Conventions  Come  Next. 

For  the  first  few  years  after  our  reorganization  our  Con- 
ventions were  not  only  small  as  to  numbers,  but  sad  and 
gloomy  in  character,  attracting  no  attention.  A  succession 
of  the  rainy  seasons  in  May  attended  them  for  so  many  years 
that  the  two  were  closely  associated  in  the  public  mind.  For 
some  years  they  were  held  in  Richmond;  but  the  proverbial 
and  profuse  hospitality  of  that  place  was  not  then  generally 
afforded  them.  For  the  most  part,  both  clerical  and  lay  dele- 
gates were  to  be  seen  only  at  the  taverns,  and  but  few  religi- 
ous services  were  held.  The  Convention  at  Fredericksburg — 
the  first  after  the  system  of  rotation  commenced — was  kindly 
and  hospitably  entertained,  and  from  that  time  onward  they 
became  not  only  delightful  to  the  clergy  and  laity  composing 
them,  but  attractive  to  others.  To  understand  aright  the 
history  of  such  large  assemblies  as  our  Conventions  attract, 
and  the  reasons  which  justify  our  encouragement  of  them  by 
making  religious  exercises  so  large  a  part  of  their  doings,  it 
must  be  stated  that  not  only  are  the  Virginians  a  people 
given  to  visiting,  but  that  the  Episcopalians  are  peculiarly  so 
by  reason  of  the  fact  that,  for  the  most;  part,  they  have 
sprung  from  a  comparatively  few  families,  who,  by  marriages 
and  intermarriages,  though  scattered  all  over  the  State,  make 
up  one  great  family  of  tenderly-attached  relatives,  who  are 
always  pleased  at  a  good  excuse,  if  the  ability  allows,  to  as- 
semble together.  The  bond  of  Christian  fellowship  and  of 
Church  feeling  also  is  very  strong,  even  where  the  other  is 
not,  as  well  as  where  it  is.  Hospitality  also  is  a  strong  prin- 
ciple with  them,  and  it  is  easier  here  than  in  most  places  to 
throw  open  the  doors  and  welcome  all  who  will  come  in  on 
such  occasions.  A  more  innocent  mode — nay,  a  more  religi- 
ous mode — of  gratifying  the  social  feeling  cannot  be  than 
that  of  meeting  together  at  our  Conventions;  and  an  impera- 
tive duty  rests  on  the  ministers  to  afford  the  people  the  most 
frequent  and  edifying  services  in  their  power,  so  that  thej 
may  take  up  the  song  of  God's  ancient  people,  when  going  by 


in  West  Virginia.  435 

Divine  command  to  the  great  feasts  of  His  own  appointment: 

"Oh!    'twas  a  joyful  sound  to  hear 

The  tribes  devoutly  say. 
Up,  Israel!   to  the  temple  haste, 

And  keep  the  festal  day." 

Sometimes  they  have  been  most  edifying,  as  well  as  joyful 
occasions.  The  presence  of  God  has  been  felt.  The  word 
preached  has  been  attended  with  great  power.  Many  have 
remembered  them  as  the  means  of  their  awakening,  and  many 
as  the  channels  of  more  grace  to  their  already  converted 
souls.  Long  may  they  continue  to  be  thus  used.  Even  if  some 
dioceses  are  so  small,  or  the  conveyances  so  convenient  and 
rapid,  that  a  few  hours  or  at  most  a  day  can  bring  them  all 
to  the  place  of  meeting,  and  a  very  short  time  may  suffice  for 
legislation  and  business,  let  it  be  remembered  how  very  large 
are  the  dimensions  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  how  difficult 
and  tedious  the  journey  of  many  of  its  members  to  the  Con- 
vention, and  it  will  be  felt  and  acknowledged  that  to  meet  on 
mere  business  for  a  few  hours  or  a  day  would  not  be  suffi- 
cient to  induce  and  remunerate  the  attendance  of  either 
clergy  or  laity. 

The  Requiring  of  Lay  Delegates  to  be  Communicants. 

We  have  already  spoken  of  the  measures  adopted  for  the 
purification  of  the  Church  from  evil-livers,  among  both  clergy 
and  laity,  by  the  passage  of  wholesome  canons.  At  three  suc- 
cessive periods  wras  this  done,  opposition  being  made  each 
time,  and  six  Conventions  in  all  being  in  part  occupied  in  the 
discussion  and  contest.  We  now  refer  to  the  method  adopted, 
after  a  considerable  time  had  elapsed,  for  the  purification 
of  our  Conventions  from  unworthy  lay  delegates,  by  requir- 
ing that  they  be  in  full  communion  with  the  Church,  and  not 
merely  baptized  members  or  professed  friends,  whether  bap- 
tized or  not.  No  law,  either  of  the  General  or  State  Conven- 
tions, forbade  an  infidel  or  the  most  immoral  man  from  being 
the  deputy  from  a  parish  in  the  Diocesan  Convention,  al- 
though questions  might  come  before  them  touching  the  Creed 


436  The  Episcopal  Church 

and  Articles  and  worship  of  the  Church,  or  the  trial  of 
bishops,  clergy  and  laymen.  The  strange  anomaly  of  persons 
legislating  for  others  and  not  being  themselves  subject  to 
such  legislation  was  allowed  in  the  Church,  when  it  would 
have  been  resisted  in  any  and  every  other  society.  The  con- 
sequence resulted,  that,  although  there  was  a  great  improve- 
ment in  the  general  character  of  the  Church  and  the  respec- 
tability of  the  lay  delegation  to  our  Conventions,  we  were 
still  distressed  and  mortified  at  the  occasional  appearance  of 
one  or  more  unworthy  members,  who  were  a  scandal  to  the 
Church,  the  scandal  being  the  greater  because  of  the  number 
of  attendants.  The  frequenters  of  the  race-ground  and  the 
card-table  and  the  lovers  of  the  intoxicating  cup  sometimes 
found  their  way  through  this  unguarded  door  into  the  legis- 
lative hall.  It  was  proposed  to  close  it;  but  strenuous  oppo- 
sition was  made  by  some,  as  to  a  measure  assailing  individual 
and  congregational  rights.  It  was  discussed  for  three  suc- 
cessive years,  and  though  a  considerable  majority  was  always 
ready  to  pass  the  proposed  canon,  that  majority  yielded  so 
far  to  the  minority  as  to  allow  of  delay  and  further  consid- 
eration, which  only  resulted  in  the  final  passage  of  it  by  in- 
creased and  overwhelming  numbers.  An  incident  occurred, 
during  one  of  the  discussions,  showing  how  the  consciences 
of  even  those  who  are  not  in  full  communion  with  the  Church 
approve  of  wholesome  legislation  and  discipline.  A  worthy 
clergyman,  who  was  opposing  the  canon,  referred  to  his  own 
lay  delegate  as  a  proof  of  what  excellent  men  might  be  sent 
to  the  Convention,  who  were  nevertheless  not  communicants. 
When  he  was  seated,  the  lay  delegate,  a  very  humble  and 
good  man,  who  had  never  spoken  before  in  Convention,  rose 
and  expressed  his  entire  dissent  from  his  minister,  and,  as  it 
was  proposed  to  postpone  the  question  until  the  next  day. 
begged  that  there  might  be  no  delay,  as  he  should  sleep  more 
quietly  that  night  after  having  given  his  vote  in  favour  of  so 
necessary  a  regulation.  He  lived  to  appear  in  our  body  once 
more  in  full  communion  with  the  Church.  We  have  never, 
since  the  adoption  of  this  rule,  had  cause  to  repent  of  our 


ix  West  Virginia.  4^7 

legislation,  or  to  blush  for  the  scandal  cast  upon  us  by  un- 
worthy members. 

Policy  of   the  Bishops  and  Clergy  of  Virginia  in  Regard  to  Tracta- 

rianism. 

At  an  early  period  Bishop  Moore  called  the  attention  of  the 
clergy  and  laity  of  Virginia  to  this  heretical  and  Romish 
movement,  when  it  overhung  our  horizon  only  as  a  cloud  no 
larger  than  a  man's  hand.  But  it  was  a  black  and  portentous 
one.  The  Convention  in  Norfolk,  with  a  few  exceptions, 
agreed  with  him  in  the  propriety  of  warning  against  the  giv- 
ing of  any  encouragement  to  the  circulation  of  the  insidious 
tracts.  At  the  meeting  in  Alexandria,  the  following  year, 
when  they  had  been  circulated  through  the  land,  having  al- 
ready done  much  evil  in  our  Mother-Church,  a  call  was  made 
upon  all  to  expose  and  condemn  the  false  doctrines  thereof. 
The  Bishops  and  Ministers  did  their  duty  in  sounding  the 
alarm,  and  the  faithful  Professors  of  our  Seminary  did  theirs. 
The  consequence  is  that  the  Church  of  Virginia  has  been  pre- 
served from  the  ill  effects  of  the  erroneous  and  strange  doc- 
trines taught  by  that  school. 

The  Use  of  the  Liturgy  and  Vestments  of  Virginia. 

From  what  has  been  said  in  the  foregoing  pages  as  to  the 
deplorable  condition  of  the  Church  in  Virginia,  it  may  well 
be  imagined  that  its  liturgical  services  were  often  very  im- 
perfectly performed.  In  truth,  the  responsive  parts  were 
almost  entirely  confined  to  the  clerk,  who,  in  a  loud  voice, 
sung  or  drawled  them  out.  As  to  the  psalmody,  it  is  believed 
that  the  Hundredth  Psalm,  to  the  tune  of  Old  Hundred,  was 
so  generally  used  as  the  signal  of  the  Service  began,  that  it 
was  regarded  as  the  law  of  the  Church.  A  case  has  been  men- 
tioned to  me  by  good  authority,  where  a  new  minister,  haying 
varied  from  the  established  custom,  gave  out  a  different 
psalm;  but  the  clerk,  disregarding  it.  sung  as  usual  the  Hun- 
dredth. So  unaccustomed  were  the  people  to  join  in  the  Ser- 
vice, that  when  I  took  charge  of  the  congregation  in  Alexan- 


438  The  Episcopal  Church 

dria  in  1811  I  tried  in  rain  to  introduce  the  practice,  until  I 
fell  on  the  expedient  of  making  the  children,  who  in  large 
numbers  came  weekly  to  my  house  to  be  catechized,  go  over 
certain  parts  of  the  Service  and  the  Psalms  with  me,  and, 
after  having  thus  trained  them,  on  a  certain  Sabbath  directed 
them  to  respond  heartily  and  loudly  in  the  midst  of  the  grown 
ones.  They  did  their  part  well,  and  complete  success  soon 
attended  the  plan.  Throughout  the  State,  when  not  only  the 
friends  of  the  Church  were  rapidly  diminishing  and  Prayer 
Books  were  very  scarce,  but  even  clerks  were  hard  to  be  got- 
ten, I  presume  that  the  Services  were  very  irregularly  per- 
formed. 1  knew  of  an  instance  where  the  clergyman  did  not 
even  take  a  Prayer  Book  into  the  pulpit,  but,  committing  to 
memory  some  of  the  principal  prayers  of  the  Morning  Ser- 
vice, used  them  in  the  pulpit  before  sermon,  after  the  manner 
of  other  denominations.  I  am  unable  to  say  whether  it  ever 
was,  or  had  been  for  a  long  time,  the  habit  of  any  or  of  many 
of  the  ministers  to  use  what  is  called  the  full  Service,  com- 
bining what  all  acknowledge  to  have  been  originally  the  three 
distinct  parts  of  the  old  English  Cathedral  Service,  and  used 
separately  at  different  portions  of  the  day,  namely,  the  Morn- 
ing Service  proper,  the  Litany,  the  Ante-Communion  Service, 
and  which,  without  law,  were  gradually  blended  into  one,  for 
the  convenience  of  those  who  preferred  one  long  to  three 
short  services.  The  probability  is,  that  in  a  Church  without 
a  head  and  anything  like  discipline,  the  practice  may  have 
been  very  various,  according  to  the  consciences,  tastes  and 
convenience  of  those  who  officiated.  The  practice  of  those 
who  engaged  in  the  resuscitation  of  the  Church  in  Virginia, 
was  to  use  the  two  former  portions  of  the  Liturgy — the  Morn- 
ing Service  and  Litany — and  to  omit  the  Ante-Communion 
Service,  except  on  communion  days.  This  was  introduced 
among  us  by  the  brethren  who  came  from  Maryland,  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Wilmer,  Norris  and  Lemmon,  who  doubtless  believed  that 
it  was  according  to  the  design  of  those  who  arranged  the 
American  Prayer  Book.     They  quoted  as  authority  the  de- 


in  West  Virginia.  439 

claration  and  practice  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  who,  as  may  be 
seen  in  the  journals  of  our  earliest  General  Convention,  took 
a  leading  part  in  the  changes  of  the  Prayer  Book.  Dr.  Smith, 
after  leaving  Philadelphia,  settled  in  Chestertown,  Md.,  where 
it  was  declared  he  never  used  the  Ante-Communion  Service. 
Dr.  Wilmer  was  one  of  his  successors,  and  said  that  it  was 
also  affirmed  that  Dr.  Smith  avowed  himself  to  have  been  the 
author  of  one  or  more  of  the  Rubrics,  on  the  meaning  and  de- 
sign of  which  rested  the  question  of  obligation  to  use  the 
Ante-Communion  Service  every  Sabbath,  and  that  he  had  in 
view  the  permission  to  leave  it  optional  with  the  Minister. 
I  am  aware  that  Bishop  White  has  expressed  a  different  opin- 
ion, and  that  his  practice  was  otherwise,  nor  do  I  purpose  to 
discuss  the  question  or  take  sides,  but  only  to  state  the  au- 
thority on  which  the  Virginia  custom  was  advocated.  Neither 
do  I  mean  to  appropriate  this  custom  exclusively  to  Virginia 
and  a  part  of  Maryland.  In  other  parts  of  the  land  there 
were  those  who  adopted  it.  I  had  it  from  the  lips  of  Bishop 
Hobart  himself,  that  a  portion  of  the  clergy  of  New  York 
omitted  that  part  of  the  Service,  and,  as  I  shall  show  here- 
after, it  was  this  fact  which  had  much  to  do  with  his  proposi- 
tion to  abridge  the  Service  in  other  parts,  in  order  the  more 
easily  to  enforce  the  use  of  this  favourite  portion.  The  Bishop 
acknowledged  to  me  that  the  Virginia  clergy  were  not  the 
only  transgressors  in  this  respect.  This  much  I  can  say,  that 
if  they  did  err  in  the  understanding  of  the  rubric,  they  made 
amends  for  the  abridgment  of  the  Service  by  seeking  to  per- 
form what  was  used  in  a  more  animated  manner,  and  to  in- 
troduce a  warm  and  zealous  response  among  the  people,  and 
also  by  more  lengthened,  animated  and  evangelical  discourses 
from  the  pulpit.  Nor  was  there  any  attempt  to  enforce  upon 
all  the  practice  thus  commenced.  From  the  first,  every  Min- 
ister has  been  allowed  the  free  exercise  of  his  conscience  and 
judgment  in  regard  to  it.  For  a  time  Bishop  Moore,  who  had 
been  accustomed  to  the  fuller  service  in  the  city  of  New  York, 
was  disposed  to  urge  the  same  upon  the  clergy  of  Virginia, 
but,  after  some  observation  and  experience,  became  satisfied 


440  The  Episcopal  Church 

that  it  was  best  to  leave  it  to  the  discretion  of  each  Minister, 
and,  though  in  his  own  parish  he  always  used  it,  never  re- 
quired the  same  in  his  visits  to  others. 

As  to  the  vestments,  the  same  liberty  and  the  same  variety 
has  ever  existed  in  the  Church  of  Virginia,  without  interrup- 
tion to  its  harmony.  It  is  well  known  that  the  controversy 
in  our  Mother-Church  concerning  the  use  of  the  surplice  was 
a  long  and  bitter  and  most  injurious  one;  was,  indeed,  con- 
sidered by  some  of  her  ablest  Bishops  and  Clergy  as  that 
which  was  the  main  point  which  caused  the  final  secession; 
that  if  the  obligation  to  use  it  had  been  removed,  the  Church 
would,  for  at  least  a  much  longer  period,  have  been  undivid- 
ed. Various  attempts  were  made  to  abolish  the  canon  or 
rubric  enforcing  it,  but  it  was  thought  improper  to  humour 
the  dissenters  by  so  doing,  and  alleged  that  if  this  were  done 
other  demands  would  be  made.  At  the  revision  of  the  Prayer 
Book  by  our  American  fathers,  this  and  other  changes,  which 
had  long  been  desired  by  many  in  England,  and  still  are,  were 
at  once  made,  and  the  dress  of  the  clergy  left  to  their  own 
good  sense,  it  being  only  required  that  it  should  be  decent. 
I  believe  it  has  never  been  attempted  but  once  to  renew  the 
law  enforcing  clerical  habits.  Soon  after  I  entered  the  House 
of  Bishops  some  one  in  the  other  House  proposed  such  a 
canon.  A  warm  but  short  discussion  ensued,  which  ended  in. 
the  withdrawal  of  what  found  but  little  favour.  During  the 
discussion  the  subject  was  mentioned  among  the  Bishops, 
who  seemed  all  opposed  to  it,  and  one  of  whom,  more  dis- 
posed, perhaps,  to  such  things  than  any  other,  cried  out,  "De 
minimis  non  curat  lex."  That  the  old  clergy  of  Virginia  should 
have  been  very  uniform  and  particular  in  the  use  of  the  cleri- 
cal vestments  is  most  improbable,  from  the  structure  of  the 
churches  and  the  location  of  their  vestry-rooms.  The  vestry- 
rooms  formed  no  part  of  the  old  churches,  but  were  separate 
places  in  the  yard  or  neighbourhood,  sometimes  a  mile  or  two 
off.  They  were  designed  for  civil,  as  well  as  religious  pur- 
poses, and  were  located  for  the  convenience  of  the  vestrymen, 
who  levied  taxes  and  attended  to  all  the  secular,  as  well  as 


in  West  Virginia.  441 

ecclesiastical  business  of  the  parish.  The  setting  apart  some 
portion  of  the  old  churches  as  robing  or  vestry-rooms  is  quite 
a  modern  thing,  and  it  is  not  at  all  probable  that  the  minis- 
ters would  have  gone  backward  and  forward  between  the  pul- 
pits and  the  former  vestry-roonis  in  the  churchyards,  to 
change  their  garments.  The  clergy  of  Virginia,  from  the  first 
efforts  at  resuscitating  the  Church,  have  been  charged  by 
some  with  being  too  indifferent  to  clerical  garments;  nor 
have  they  been  very  careful  to  repel  the  charge,  thinking  it 
better  to  err  in  this  way  than  in  the  opposite.  Bishop  Hobart 
once  taunted  me  with  this,  though  at  the  same  time  he 
acknowledged  that  there  were  times  and  places  when  it 
would  be  folly  to  think  of  using  the  clerical  garments,  saying, 
that  in  his  visitations,  especially  to  Western  New  York,  he 
sometimes  dispensed  not  only  with  the  Episcopal  robes  but 
even  with  the  black  gown.  The  Bishops  of  Virginia  have 
sometimes  been  condemned  for  not  requiring  the  candidates 
to  be  dressed  in  surplices  at  the  time  of  their  admission  to 
deacons'  orders,  although  there  is  no  canon  or  rubric  looking 
to  such  a  thing.  They  are  at  least  as  good  Churchmen,  in 
this  respect,  as  the  English  Bishops.  When  in  England,  some 
years  since,  I  witnessed  the  ordination  of  fifty  deacons,  by 
the  present  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  in  Durham  Cathedral, 
not  one  of  whom  was  surpliced;  some  of  them,  as  well  as  I 
remember,  having  on  their  college  gowns,  answering  to  our 
black  gowns,  and  others  only  their  common  garments. 
There  is,  I  think,  less  disposition  to  form  and  parade  there 
than  is  sometimes  seen  in  our  own  country.  I  only  add  that 
Bishop  Moore,  in  his  visitations,  always  took  his  seat  in  the 
chancel  in  his  ordinary  dress,  except  when  about  to  perform 
some  official  act,  and  thus  addressed  the  congregation  after 
the  sermon.  I  have  seen  no  cause  to  depart  from  his  exam- 
ple. 

Glebes  and  Salaries  Withdrawn. 

It  has  been  made  a  matter  of  great  compiaint  against  the 
Legislature  of  Virginia,  that  it  should  not  only  have  with- 


442  The  Episcopal  Church 

drawn  the  stipend  of  sixteen  thousand-weight  of  tobacco  from 
the  clergy,  but  also  have  seized  upon  the  glebes.  I  do  not  mean 
to  enter  upon  the  discussion  of  the  legality  of  that  act,  or  of 
the  motives  of  those  who  petitioned  for  it.  Doubtless  there 
were  many  who  sincerely  thought  that  it  was  both  legal  and 
right,  and  that  they  were  doing  God  and  religion  a  service 
by  it.  I  hesitate  not,  however,  to  express  the  opinion,  in  which 
I  have  been  and  am  sustained  by  many  of  the  best  friends 
of  the  Church  then  and  ever  since,  that  nothing  could  have 
been  more  injurious  to  the  cause  of  true  religion  in  the  Epis- 
copal Church,  or  to  its  growth  in  any  way,  than  the  contin- 
uance of  either  stipend  or  glebes.  Many  clergymen  of  the 
most  unworthy  character  would  have  been  continued  among 
us,  and  such  a  revival  as  we  have  seen  have  never  taken  place. 
As  it  was,  together  with  the  glebes  and  salaries  evil  minis- 
ters disappeared  and  made  room  for  a  new  and  different  kind. 
Even  in  cases  where,  from  some  peculiarity  in  the  manner  in 
which  the  glebes  were  first  gotten  and  the  tenure  by  which 
they  were  held,  the  law  could  not  alienate  them  from  the 
parish,  they  have  been,  I  believe  without  an  exception,  a 
drawback  to  the  temporal  and  spiritual  prosperity  of  the  con- 
gregations, by  relaxing  the  efforts  of  the  people  to  support 
the  ministry  and  making  them  to  rely  on  the  uncertain  prof- 
its of  their  contested  or  pillaged  lands.  The  prejudices  ex- 
cited against  the  Church  by  the  long  contest  for  them  were 
almost  overwhelming  to  her  hopes,  and  a  successful  termi- 
nation of  that  contest  might  have  been  utterly  fatal  to  them 
for  a  long  period  of  time.  Not  merely  have  the  pious  mem- 
bers of  the  Church  taken  this  view  of  the  subject,  since  the 
revival  of  it  under  other  auspices,  but  many  of  those  who  pre- 
ferred the  Church  at  that  day,  for  other  reasons  than  her 
evangelical  doctrine  and  worship,  saw  that  it  was  best  that 
she  be  thrown  upon  her  own  resources.  I  had  a  conversa- 
tion many  years  since  with  Mr.  Madison,  soon  after  he  ceas- 
ed to  be  President  of  the  United  States,  in  which  I  became 
assured  of  this.  He  himself  took  an  active  part  in  promot- 
ing the  act  for  the  putting  down  the  establishment  of  the 


in  West  Virginia.  443 

Episcopal  Church,  while  his  relative  was  Bishop  of  it  and 
all  his  family  connection  attached  to  it.  lie  mentioned  an 
anecdote  illustrative  of  the  preference  of  many  for  it  who 
still  advocated  the  repeal  of  all  its  peculiar  privileges.  I 
give  his  own  words.  At  a  time  when  lobby  members  were 
sent  by  some  of  the  other  denominations  to  urge  the  repeal 
of  all  laws  favoring  the  Episcopal  Church,  one,  an  elder  of  a 
Church,  came  from  near  Hampton,  wto  pursued  his  work 
with  greaJt  fearlessness  and  prudence.  An  old  fashioned  Epis- 
copal  gentleman,  of  the  true  Federal  politics,  with  a  three- 
cornered  hat,  powdered  hair,  long  queue,  and  white  top- 
boots,  perceived  him  approaching  very  cautiously  one  day, 
as  if  afraid  though  desirous  to  speak.  Whereupon  he  en- 
couraged the  elder  to  come  forward,  saying  that  he  was  al- 
ready with  him,  that  he  was  clear  for  giving  all  a  fair  chance, 
that  there  were  many  roads  to  heaven,  and  he  was  in  favour 
of  letting  every  man  take  his  own  way;  but  he  was  sure  of 
one  thing,  that  no  t/mtleman  would  choose  any  but  the  Epis- 
copal. Although  I  am  far  from  assenting  to  the  conclusion 
that  no  gentleman  are  to  be  found  in  other  denominations,  or 
that  there  were  none  in  Virginia  at  that  time  who  had  be- 
come alienated  from  the  Episcopal  and  attached  to  other 
churches,  yet  it  cannot  be  denied  that  the  more  educated  and 
refined  were  generally  averse  to  any  but  the  Episcopal 
Church,  while  many,  of  whom  the  above-mentioned  was  a  fair 
representative,  were  in  favour  of  equal  privilege.-;  to  all.* 
It  may  be  well  here  to  state,  what  will  more  fully  appear 
when  we  come  to  speak  of  the  old  glebes  and  churches  in 
a  subsequent  number,  that  the  character  of  the  laymen  of 
Virginia  for  morals  and  religion  was  in  general  greatly  in 
advance  of  that  of  the  clergy.    The  latter,  for  the  most  part, 

*  Mr.  Madison's  mother  was  a  pious  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church.    She  Bred 
with  him,  but  was  of  such  feeble  health  that  she  eould  n©1  attend  public  warship 

for  many  of  lier  latter  years.  On  this  account,  as  doubtles  from  a  genera]  principle 
of  hospitality.  Mr.  Madison,  who  was    very  regular  in  hi-,  attendance  at    worship, 

which,  during  his  day,  was  held  at  the  court-house  In  Orange  comity,  there  being 
no  church  for  seme  time,  always  invited  our  minlters  to  his  house,  where  they  ad- 
ministered the  Lord's  Supper  to  his  venerable  mother. 


444  The  Episcopal  Church 

were  the  refuse  or  more  indifferent  of  the  English,  Irish,  and 
Scottish  Episcopal  Churches,  who  could  not  find  promotion 
and  employment  at  home.  The  former  were  natives  of  the 
soil  and  descendants  of  respectable  ancestors  who  migrated 
at  an  early  period.  For  high  and  honourable  character  and 
a  due  appreciation  of  what  was  required  in  ministers  of  the 
Gospel  there  were  numerous  influential  laymen  who  would 
favourably  compare  with  those  of  any  part  of  the  land.  Some 
of  the  vestries,  as  their  records  painfully  show,  did  what 
they  could  to  displace  unworthy  ministers,  though  they  of- 
ten failed,  through  defect  of  law.  In  order  to  avoid  the  dan- 
ger of  having  evil  ministers  fastened  upon  them,  as  well 
as  from  the  scarcity  of  ministers,  they  made  much  use  of 
lay-readers  as  substitutes.  In  some  instances,  as  will  be  seen, 
such  readers  were  very  successful  in  strengthening  the 
things  which  remained  after  the  Church  was  deprived  of  her 
possessions  and  privileges  and  the  clergy  had  abandoned 
their  charges.  The  reading  of  the  Service  and  sermons  in 
private  families,  which  contributed  so  much  to  the  preserva- 
tion of  an  attachment  to  the  Church  in  the  same,  was  doubt- 
less promoted  by  the  practice  of  lay-reading.  Those  whom 
Providence  raised  up  to  resuscitate  the  fallen  Church  of 
Virginia  can  testify  to  the  fact  that  the  families  who  descend- 
ed from  the  above-mentioned  have  been  their  most  effect- 
ive supports.  Existing  in  greater  or  less  numbers  through- 
out the  State,  they  have  been  the  first  to  originate  meas- 
ures for  the  revival  of  the  Church,  and  the  most  active  and 
liberal  ever  since  in  the  support  of  her  ministers.  More 
intelligent  and  devoted  Churchmen,  more  hospitable  and 
warm-hearted  friends  of  the  clergy,  can  nowhere  be  found. 
And  when  in  the  providence  of  God  they  are  called  on  to 
leave  their  ancient  homes  and  form  new  settlements  in  the 
distant  South  and  West,  none  are  more  active  and  reliable  in 
transplanting  the  Church  of  their  Fathers. 

Some  Reflections  Growing  Out  of  the  Foregoing  Pages. 
The  desertions  from  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia  on 


in  West  Virginia.  445 

the  part  of  many  who  were  awakened  to  a  deeper  sense  of 
religion,  the  violent  opposition  made  to  it,  the  persevering 
and  successful  efforts  for  its  downfall,  the  advantage  taken 
by  politicians  for  promoting  their  objects,  the  abandonment 
of  their  charges  by  far  the  greater  part  of  the  ministers  so 
soon  as  their  salaries  were  withdrawn  and  when  only  unprof- 
itable glebes  remained  to  them,  are  events  in  history  which 
must  have  resulted  from  some    powerful  cause  or  causes. 
The  leading  one  must  be  found  in  the  irreligious  character 
and  defective  preaching  of  the  clergy,  operating  more  or 
less  on  the  laity,  for-  it  will  always  be,  in  some  degree,  "like 
priest  like  people."    The  ignorance,  superstition,  and  corrup- 
tion of  the  Romish  clergy  and  people,  invited  that  grand  as- 
sault of  the  great  enemy  of  God  and  man  upon  the  Christian 
Church  and  religion  in  Europe,  by  the  agency  of  Voltaire 
and  his  host  of  followers,  which  led  to  the  French  Revolu- 
tion with  all  its  horrors.    It  is  not  wonderful  that  the  same 
great  foe  and  his  active  agents  should  have  turned  their  at- 
tention to  the  Church  and  people  of  Virginia,  in  their  then 
most  irreligious  state,  and  made  an  effective  assault  upon 
them.     Infidelity  became  rife  in  Virginia,  perhaps  beyond 
any  other  portion  of  the  land.     The  clergy,  for  the  most 
part,   were  a  laughing-stock  or  objects  of  disgust.     Some 
that  feared  God  and  desired  to  save  their  souls  felt  bound 
to  desert  them.     Persecution  followed,   and  that   only  in- 
creased defection.     Infidels  rejoiced  at  the  sight,  and  poli- 
ticians made  their  use  of  the  unhappy  state  of  things.    The 
(lunch  fell.     There  was  no  Episcopal  head  to  direct  and 
govern  either  clergj'  or  people.     No  discipline  could  be  ex- 
erted over  either.     It  is  not  surprising,  that  many  should 
think  it  was  deserted  of  God  as  well  as  of  man.     Such  a 
view  has  been  taken  of  it  by  some  ever  since,  and  most  dil- 
igently and  successfully  urged  to  our  injury.    Although  our 
present  condition  ought  to  be  sufficient  proof  that  the  Epis- 
copal church  itself  is  not  an  offence  unto  God, — while  at  one 
time  it  came  under  his  displeasure  by  reason  of  the  nnwor- 


446  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

thiness  of  many  of  its  ministers  and  members, — vet  it  may  be 
well  to  advert,  not  in  a  spirit  of  retaliation  but  in  love  of 
truth  and  justice,  to  some  facts,  showing  that  the  Episco- 
pal Church  is  not  the  only  one  in  our  land  which  lias  had 
its  unworthy  ministers  and  members,  and  been  of  course 
so  far  an  object  of  the  Divine  displeasure.  The  history  of 
the  whole  Christian  Church,  as  one  of  our  opponents  has 
said,  is  the  "history  of  declensions  and  revivals."'  The  Baptist 
Church  in  Virginia,  which  took  the  lead  in  dissent,  and  was 
the  chief  object  of  persecution  by  the  magistrates  and  the 
most  violent  and  persevering  afterward  in  seeking  the  down- 
fall of  the  Establishment,  was  the  first  to  betray  signs  of 
great  declension  in  both  ministers  and  people.  The  Rev. 
Robert  Sample,  in  his  History  of  the  Baptists  of  Virginia, 
is  faithful  in  acknowledging  this.  He  informs  us  that,  at 
an  early  period  Kentucky  and  the  Western  country  took  off 
many  of  their  ministers  in  pursuit  of  gain.  Some  of  these 
ministers  had  dishonored  the  profession.  "With  some  few 
exceptions,"  he  says,  "the  declension  (among  the  people) 
was  general  throughout  the  State.  The  love  of  many  waxed 
cold.  Some  of  the  watchmen  fell,  others  stumbled,  and 
many  slumbered  at  their  posts.  Iniquity  greatly  abounded." 
At  another  time  he  says,  'The  great  revival  had  now  sub- 
sided, and  the  axe  was  laid  at  the  root  of  the  tree.  Many 
barren  and  fruitless  trees  were  already  cut  down.  In  many 
of  the  churches  the  number  excluded  surpassed  the  number 
received."  Again,  he  speaks  of  the  undue  dwelling  on  some 
highly  Calvinistic  doctrines.  "Truth  is  often  injured  by  an  un- 
suitable application  of  its  parts.  Strong  meat  should  not  be 
given  but  to  men.  To  preach  the  deep,  mysterious  doctrines 
of  grace  upon  all  occasions,  and  before  all  sorts  of  people, 
is  the  sure  way  to  preach  them  out  of  the  parts."  Again,  he 
says,  in  the  same  connection,  "Unguardedness  respecting 
preachers,  in  various  ways,  but  especially  as  to  impostors, 
has  injured  the  Baptists  in  many  parts,  but  in  none  more 
than  on  the  Eastern  Shore,  They  have  probably  suffered 
more  by  impostors  than  any  other  people  in  Virginia."    He 


in  West  Virginia.  447 

then  mentions  several  sad  instances  of  shameful  miscon- 
duct, adding  others  afterward.  I  am  also  compelled  in  hon- 
est truth  to  say,  that  at  a  later  period,  many  others  coming 
within  my  own  knowledge  and  observation  must  be  united 
to  the  above;  but  I  am  also  rejoiced  to  declare,  from  the 
same  knowledge,  that  the  character  of  the  ministry  of  that 
denomination  for  piety  and  ability,  and  no  doubt  that  of  the 
people  with  it,  has  been  most  manifestly  improving  for  many 
years.  1  trust  that  with  the  acknowledged  improvement 
of  our  own,  there  will  be  an  increased  disposition  to  forget 
all  former  animosities,  to  think  and  speak  charitably  of 
each  other,  and  only  strive  which  shall  most  promote  the 
common  cause  of  true  religion. 

Leaving  my  own  State  and  Diocese,  I  proceed  to  speak  of 
some  at  a  distance  who  have  experienced  like  declension 
from  the  true  faith  and  practice.  Col.  Byrd,  of  Virginia,  in 
his  "Westover  Manuscripts,''  concerning  a  tour  through  the 
State  in  the  year  1733,  speaking  of  the  Pilgrim  Fathers  of 
New  England,  says,  "Though  these  people  may  be  ridiculed 
for  some  Pharisaical  peculiarities  in  their  worship  and  be- 
havior, yet  they  were  very  useful  subjects,  as  being  frugal 
and  industrious,  giving  no  scandal  or  bad  example,  at  least 
by  any  open  and  public  vices.  By  which  excellent  qualities 
they  had  much  the  advantage  of  the  Southern  colony,  who 
thought  their  being  members  of  the  Established  Church  suf- 
ficient to  sanctify  very  loose  and  profligate  morals.  For  this 
reason  New  England  improved  much  faster  than  Virginia." 
Strict,  however,  as  were  the  morals,  and  evangelical  as  were 
the  doctrines,  of  the  Pilgrim  Fathers  of  New  England,  the 
time  of  declension  in  both  came  on.  We  may  trace  the  de- 
clension in  doctrine  to  that  which  was  the  Mother-Church 
to  many  of  them,— the  Church  of  Scotland.  The  moralizing 
system  began  there,  as  it  had  done  in  the  English  Church, 
i  remember  to  have  heard  Mr.  Balmaine— once  a  member 
of  that  Church— often  compare  together  the  moralizing  and 
evangelical  parties  of  his  early  days,— now  a  hundred  years 
ago.     Dr.  Blair  and  Mr.  Walker  were  the  representatives 


448  The  Episcopal  Church 

of  the  two  parties,  though  associate  ministers  in  the  same 
church  in  Edinburgh.  He  had  heard  them  both.  The  more 
worldly  and  fashionable  delighted  in  the  sermons  of  Dr. 
Blair,  who  preached  in  the  morning.  The  more  zealous  and 
evangelical  attended  in  greater  numbers  the  services  of  Dr. 
Walker,  who  preached  in  the  afternoon.  Dr.  Witherspoon 
also,  former  President  of  Princeton  College,  has,  in  his  work 
entitled  "Characteristics,"  exercised  his  unsurpassed  wit  as 
well  as  pious  zeal  in  portraying  the  two  parties, — the  one, 
(•ailing  itself  the  "Moderate  Party,"  which  he  charges  with 
being  "fierce  for  moderation"  and  zealous  in  nothing  else. 
The  same  soon  began  to  exist  in  New  England.  Low  views 
of  the  qualification  for  baptisms,  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  the 
ministry,  gradually  crept  in.  The  moralizing  system  took 
the  place  of  the  evangelical.  The  distinctive  principles  of 
the  Gospel  were  kept  back,  and  thus  the  way  was  prepared 
for  the  Unitarian  heresy.  The  morals  also  of  the  Church, 
as  might  be  expected,  began  to  fail.  The  labours  and  preach- 
ing of  Edwards  and  others  and  the  great  revival  under  them 
did  much  to  arrest  the  downward  tendency;  but  the  evil 
went  on.  The  love  of  pleasure  in  the  young  and  of  strong 
drink  in  both  young  and  old  increased  in  many  places.  Dea- 
cons and  elders  sold  rum  by  wholesale,  and  other  members 
by  retail.  Nor  did  the  clergy  lift  up  their  voices  in  solemn 
warnings,  as  they  should  have  done,  but  very  many  freely 
used  the  intoxicating  draught.  That  aged  and  venerable 
man,  the  Rev.  Leonard  Woods,  of  Andover,  states  that  at 
a  particular  period  previous  to  the  temperance  reforma- 
tion he  was  able  to  count  nearly  forty  ministers  of  the  Gos- 
pel, none  of  whom  resided  at  a  very  great  distance,  who 
were  either  drunkards  or  so  far  addicted  to  intemperate 
drinking,  that  their  reputation  and  usefulness  were  very 
greatly  injured  if  not  utterly  ruined.  He  mentions  an  ordi- 
nation at  which  he  was  present,  and  at  which  he  was  pained 
to  see  two  aged  ministers  literally  drunk  and  a  third  inde- 
cently excited  by  strong  drink.  "These  disgusting  and  appall- 
ing facts,"  says  this  most  esteemed  minister  of  the  Gospel,  "I 


in  West  Virginia.  449 

could  wish  might  be  concealed.  But  they  wore  made  public 
by  the  guilty  persons;  and  I  have  thought  it  just  and  proper 
to  mention  them,  in  order  1o  show  how  much  we  owe  to  a 
compassionate  God  for  the  great  deliverance  he  hath 
wrought."  (The  Ninth  Report  of  the  American  Temperance 
Society,  as  quoted  in  the  Temperance  Prize  Essay,  "Bac- 
chus," pp.  79,  80;  edition  of  1840.)  To  this  I  add  a  testimony 
of  my  own.  About  thirty-five  or  thirty-six  years  ago,  T 
devoted  some  time  to  the  service  of  the  Colonization  Soci- 
ety, forming  the  first  auxiliaries  and  selecting  the  first  col- 
onists in  some  of  the  larger  cities  of  the  Union,  North  and 
South.  Of  course,  I  mingled  freely  with  ministers  and  mem- 
bers of  different  denominations  and  had  opportunity  of 
knowing  what  I  now  affirm, — namely,  that  many  ministers 
of  respectable  standing,  and  not  confined  to  any  one  denomi- 
nation, were  in  the  habit  of  using  themselves  and  offering  to 
others  who  visited  them,  not  merely  at  the  hour  of  dinner, 
but  long  before,  brandy  and  other  drinks.  I  have  special 
reference  to  one  large  city,  where,  in  a  few  years,  the  evil 
effects  were  seen  and  felt,  in  the  reproach  brought  on  sev- 
eral denominations  by  the  partial  if  not  total  fall  of  some  of 
their  chief  leaders.  In  proof  of  the  prevalence  of  such  a  ruin- 
ous habit  I  mention  the  fact,  that  in  a  funeral  sermonpreached 
about  that  time  over  a  deceased  minster,  and  published  to 
the  world,  it  was  mentioned  to  his  praise  that  such  was  his 
hospitality  that  he  never  permitted  even  a  morning  visit 
to  be  paid  him  without  ottering  wine  and  other  refreshments. 
How  thankful  we  should  be  to  God  for  the  great  change 
which  He  has  caused  to  take  place  in  the  hospitalities  of 
our  day!  As  for  myself,  I  can  never  hear  without  pain,  a 
slighting  remark  made  by  any  one,  especially  by  a  minister, 
and  more  especially  by  one  of  our  own  Church,  concerning 
that  society  which  1  believe  God  has  raised  up  in  our  land, 
as  one  instrument  by  which  so  much  has  been  done  for  the 
diminution  of  this  great  evil. 


450  The  Episcopal  Church 

Concluding  Remarks. 

Having  thus  presented  a  brief  sketch  of  some  of  the  most 
interesting  incidents  in  the  past  history  of  the  Church  of 
Virginia,  let  us  with  deep  humility  and  lively  gratitude  com- 
pare together  our  past  and  present  condition,  saying,  "'What 
hath  God  wrought!"    Toward  the  close  of  two  hundred  years 
after  its  first  establishment  there  were  nearly  one  hundred 
ministers  and  one  hundred  and  sixty  churches,  and  then  in 
seven  years  after  only  a  few  faint-hearted  ones  serving  in 
the  few   remaining  and   almost   deserted   sanctuaries;   now 
again,  after  the  labours  of  less  than  half  a  century,   our 
hundred  minsters  are  restored  and  more  than  one  hundred 
and  seventy  churches  are  open  for  the  people  of  God.     For 
two  hundred  years  not  a  Bishop  ever  visited  the  diocese, 
and  even  after  one  was  sent  only  a  few  ministrations  were 
performed;  now,  two  Bishops  have  full  employment  in  vis- 
iting two  hundred  churches  or  stations.     Jt  was  for  years 
found  impracticable  to  raise  sufficient  funds  for  the  conse- 
cration of  one  Bishop;  now,  funds  are  raised  for  the  annual 
support  of  two,  independent  of  parochial  charges.     It  was 
once  proposed,  in  a  declining  state  of  the  Church,  but  in  vain. 
to  raise  funds  for  the  education  of  only  two  candidates  for 
the  ministry;  now,  numbers  are  annually  receiving  prepar- 
atory instruction  at  our  Seminary.     Formerly  we  were  en- 
tirely dependent  on  foreign  parts  for  our  supply  of  clergy- 
men, insufficient  as  to  numbers  and  worse  as  to  character; 
now,  by  the  blessing  of  God  on  our  Seminary,  we  are  enabled 
to  send  forth  to  the  decayed  churches  of  Greece,  or  to  the 
heathen  of  Asia  and  Africa,  a  goodly  number   of  faithful 
and  zealous  missionaries  of  the  cross.    Formerly,  and  for  at 
least  a  century,  numbers   were   deserting  our   communion, 
as  that  which  had  deserted  God,  and  was  deserted  of  God; 
now,  for  the  last   forty  years,  either  themselves   or   their 
children  or  children's  children  have  in  considerable  numbers 
been  returning  to  our  fold,  as  to  one  which  God  himself  was 
keeping  and  blessing.    Whereas  once  almost  all  men  thought 


in  West  Virginia.  451 

and  spoke  ill  of  our  clergy  and  communicants  as  devoid  of 
piety,  now,  only  those  who  are  misinformed,  or  most  preju- 
diced, refuse  to  acknowledge  that  through  God's  grace  there 
is  at  least  as  large  an  amount  of  true  piety  in  both  minis- 
ters and  people  as  is  to  be  found  in  those  of  any  other  de- 
nomination. AYhereas  once  we  had  for  many  years  no  Con- 
ventions and  then  for  some  years  a  few  faint-hearted  minis- 
ters and  people  meeting  together,  now,  what  numbers  of 
clergy  and  laity  delight  to  assemble,  not  for  the  dry  busi- 
ness of  legislation  only,  or  for  religious  controversy,  but 
chiefly  for  the  blessed  privilege  of  joining  hearts  and  voices 
in  the  sweet  exercises  of  God's  word  and  worship,  and  thus 
becoming  knit  together  in  love!  Thus  graciously  hath  God 
dealt  with  us.  Out  of  gratitude  to  him,  and  that  we  may 
continue  to  enjoy  his  smiles,  it  becomes  us  ever  to  bear  in 
mind  by  wThat  means  this  hath  been  done;  how  our  Jacob 
arouse,  when  he  was  not  only  so  small,  but  crushed  to  the 
earth,  trodden  under  foot  of  man,  after  having  been  betray- 
ed by  friends  and  dishonoured  by  the  very  minsters  of  God 
who  were  appointed  to  defend  him.  In  the  character,  habits, 
views,  and  history  of  the  man  whom  God  sent  to  us  from  a 
distance  to  be  our  head  and  leader  in  this  work,  and  in  the 
views  of  those,  whether  from  our  own  State  or  elsewhere, 
who  entered  into  the  service,  may  be  seen  the  religious  prin- 
ciples and  methods  of  action  by  which,  under  God,  the 
change  has  been  effected;  and  it  need  not  he  said  how  en- 
tirely different  they  were  from  those  by  which  the  disgrace 
and  downfall  of  the  Church  had  been  wrought.  Of  the  effi- 
cacy  of  these  means  we  are  the  more  convinced  from  the 
peculiar  and  very  great  difticulties  to  be  surmounted,  which 
have  nevertheless  in  a  great  measure  been  surmounted.  We 
are  persuaded  that  in  no  part  of  our  own  land  were  there 
such  strong  prejudices  and  such  violent  oppositions  to  be 
overcome  as  in  Virginia,  in  consequence  of  the  former  char- 
acter of  the  Episcopal  clergy,  and  the  long  and  bitter  strife 
which  had  existed  between  the  Church  and  those  who  had 


452  The  Episcopal  Church 

left  its  pale,  which  latter  were  never  satisfied  until  the  down- 
fall of  the  former  was  accomplished. 

Let  me  briefly  recapitulate  the  means  used.  Bishop 
Moore,  in  his  previous  correspondence,  and  his  first  sermon 
and  address,  declared  his  determination  to  preach  as  he 
had  ever  done,  when  God  so  greatly  blessed  his  niinistiw,  the 
giovions  doctrines  of  grace,  instead  of  a  mere  morality,  such 
as  many  of  the  English  clergy  had  once  preached,  and  such  as 
had  been  but  too  common  in  Virginia.  The  young  clergy, 
who  engaged  in  the  revival  of  the  Church  of  Virginia,  took 
the  same  resolve  and  made  the  great  theme  of  their  preach- 
ing "Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified,"  on  the  ground  of  a  to- 
tal apostasy  from  God  on  the  part  of  man  which  required 
such  a  sacrifice,  as  well  as  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
in  order  to  meetness  for  the  joys  of  Heaven.  But  they  did 
not  turn  this  grace  of  God  into  licentiousness  and  think  that 
either  priest  or  people-  might  indulge  in  sin.  Among  the 
first  acts  of  the  earlier  Conventions,  it  was  at  once  set  forth 
before  the  world  that  the  revival  of  the  Church  was  to  be 
undertaken  on  principles  entirely  different  from  those  which 
had  hitherto  prevailed,  and  under  the  influence  of  which  re- 
ligion had  been  so  much  dishonoured.  It  was  plainly  de- 
clared that  there  was  need  of  discipline,  both  for  clergy 
and  laity,  and  canons  were  provided  for  the  exercise  of  the 
same.  Not  merely  were  grosser  vices  stigmatized,  but  what 
by  some  were  considered  the  innocent  amusements  of  the 
world  and  which  the  clergy  themselves  had  advocated  and 
practiced  were  condemned  as  inconsistent  with  the  charac- 
ter of  a  Christian  professor. 

Baptism,  by  which  we  renounce  the  pomps  and  vanities 
of  the  world  as  well  as  the  sinful  lusts  of  the  flesh,  and 
which  had  been  customarily  celebrated  in  private,  directly 
in  opposition  to  the  rubric  and  often  amidst  ungodly  festiv- 
ities, was  now  isought  to  be  performed  only  in  the  house  of 
God,  and  with  pious  sponsors  instead  of  thoughtless  and 
irreligious  ones.  Candidates  for  confirmation,  instead  of 
being  presented  because  they  had  reached  a  certain  age  and 


in  West  Virginia.  453 

could  repeat  the  Catechism,  were  told  what  a  solemn  vow, 
promise  and  profession  they  were  about  to  make,  and  that  it 
was  none  other  than  an  immediate  introduction  with  full 
qualifications  to  the  Lord's  Supper.  Of  course  very  different 
views  of  the  Lord's  Supper  and  of  the  conduct  of  communi- 
cants were  inculcated,  and  the  ministers  bound,  by  express 
canon,  to  converse  with  each  one  before  admitting  for  the 
first  time  to  the  Lord's  Supper.  Thus  were  the  whole  tone 
and  standard  of  religion  changed,  to  the  dissatisfaction  and 
complaint,  it  is  true,  of  some  of  the  old  members  of  the 
Church,  and  not  without  the  condemnation  of  some  from 
abroad.  In  due  time,  the  important  measure,  requiring  that 
all  who  enter  our  Convention  to  legislate  for  Christians  and 
Christian  ministers  should  themselves  be  Christian  profes- 
sors, was  adopted,  though  there  were  those  at  home  who 
feared  the  attempt,  and  those  abroad  who  prophesied  evil 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  encourage  disaffection  at  home.  But 
God  was  with  us  and  has  granted  most  entire  success. 

As  to  the  manner  of  exciting  zeal  in  Christians  and  awa- 
kening interest  in  those  who  were  not,  it  was  thought  that 
no  better  example  could  be  followed  than  that  of  the  apos- 
tles, who  preached  not  only  in  the  temple  and  synagogues, 
but  from  house  to  house,  as  occasion  required  and  opportuni- 
ty offered.  As  to  the  manner  of  preaching,  written  ser- 
mons were  generally  preferred  in  the  pulpit,  while  extem- 
poraneous exhortations  were  often  resorted  to  in  smaller 
assemblies.  Withoul  slighting  the  excellent  prayers  of  our 
Liturgy,  there  were  many  occasions,  both  in  private  fami- 
lies and  in  social  meetings,  when  extemporaneous  peti- 
tions seemed  edifying  both  to  the  pastor  and  his  flock.  As 
to  the  great  benevolent  and  religious  institutions  of  the  age, 
our  ministers  felt  that  they  were  doing  well  to  encourage 
their  people  to  a  lively  participation  in  them.  The  Mission- 
ary and  Bible  Societies,  the  Colonization  and  Temperance 
Societies,  received  their  most  cordial  support,  and 
they  considered  it  a  subject  of  devout  thankfulness  to 
God  if  their  congregations  took  a  deep  interest  in  the  same. 


454  The  Episcopal  Church 

To  provoke  each  other  and  their  congregations  to  zeal  in 
all  good  works,  and  especially  to  awaken  the  careless  to  a 
sense  of  their  lost  condition,  the  ministers  would  meet  to- 
gether occasionally,  and  for  several  successive  days  make 
full  trial  of  prayer  and  the  word,  expecting  the  blessing  pro- 
mised to  two  or  three  who  come  together  and  ask  somewhat 
of  God. 

To  these  I  will  only  add  a  few  words  as  to  the  spirit 
cherished  and  the  course  pursued  toward  our  Christian 
brethren  who  walk  not  with  us  in  all  things  of  Church  order 
and  worship.  Long  and  bitter  was  the  strife  that  subsisted 
between  them  and  our  fathers,  violent  the  prejudices  that 
raged  against  us,  and  it  would  have  been  easy  to  enter  on 
the  work  of  revival  in  the  spirit  of  retaliation  and  fierce 
opposition.  But  would  it  have  been  right,  and  as  our  Mas- 
ter would  have  had  us  do?  Oui'  forefathers  had  done  reli- 
gion much  and  them  some  wrong,  God  made  use  of  them 
for  good.  Many  of  them  were  doubtless  most  sincere  in  their 
fear  of  us  and  opposition  to  us.  It  became  us  rather  to 
win  them  over  by  love,  and  secure  their  esteem,  by  living 
and  preaching  differently  from  our  predecessors.  Such  was 
the  conciliatory  course  pursued  by  our  deceased  father  in 
God,  and  followed  by  those  who  perceived  the  good  effects  of 
his  example,  and  most  happy  was  the  effect  of  the  same. 
But  while  we  have  reason,  at  thought  of  our  present  by  com- 
parison with  our  past  condition,  to  exclaim,  "What  hath 
God  done!"  "to  thank  him  and  take  courage,"  yet  should 
we  beware  of  boasting,  or  of  supposing  that  all  is  done,  or 
that  what  remains  will  certainly  and  easily  be  done.  I 
consider  it  as  the  great  error  of  many  in  our  Church,  that 
we  are  too  much  given  to  boasting,  too  apt  to  overrate  our 
own  successes,  and  calculate  too  largely  on  far  greater, 
while  underrating  the  present  or  probable  future  successes- 
of  others.  God  will,  in  His  own  way,  correct  uis,  if  we 
be  guilty  of  presumption.  Our  Jacob  is  still  small,  and  it 
becomes  us  now,  ais  of  old,  to  ask,  By  whom  shall  he  arise? 
Much  is  yet  to  be  done,  and  there  are  many  difficulties  in 


in  West  Virginia.  455 

the  way.     Though  we  have  a  goodly  number  of  ministers, 
yet  there  are  by  no  means  enough  to  carry  on  the  work  of 
enlargement  as  we  could  wish,  and  as  the  door  seems  open- 
ing to  us.    Although  we  have  many  churches,  yet  how  many 
of  the  congregations  are  small  and  not  rapidly  increasing, 
being  still  unable  to  afford  even  a  moderate  support  to  the 
ministry!     Many  are  the  discouragements  which  meet  us  in 
our  efforts  to  sustain  some  of  the  old  and  to  raise  up  new 
congregations.     Among  the   most   painful   is   the   difficulty 
of  attaching  the  poor  of  this  world  to  our  communion.    When 
our  Lord  was  on  earth  he  gave,  as  one  of  the  signs  of  his 
heavenly   descent,   the   blessed   fact   that   "to   the   poor  the 
Gospel  is  preached,"  and  "the  common  people,"  it  is  written, 
"heard  him  gladly," — "the  multitudes  followed  him."     Sin  h 
should  be  our  constant  endeavour;  and  if,  from  the  causes 
alluded  to  in  the  past  history  of  our  Church,  one  description 
of  the  poor  of  Virginia  have  been  almost  entirely  alienated 
from  us,  let  us  rejoice  to  know  that  there  is  another  descrip- 
tion not  less  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  Heaven,  who,  if  we  are 
kind  to  them  and  will  take  due  pains  to   win  them  over, 
may  more  easily  be  led  to  come  under  the  faithful  preaching 
of  the   word.     The  poor  servants  will,   if  we  persevere  in 
our  labours  of  love  toward  them,  and  be  to  them  what  God's 
faithful   pastors   in   every   age   have   been   to    the   poor,   be 
benefitted  by  our  ministry,  and  may — if  we  will,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  their  owners,  attend  to  them  betimes,  as  we  do  to 
onr   own  children — become   regular  and   pious   members  of 
our  communion.    But  whether  we  think  of  the  rich  or  of  the 
poor,  or  of  those  of  any  and  every  condition  and  character 
among  us,  with  the  hope  of  converting  them  to  Christ   and 
attaching  them  to  the  communion  of  our  Church,  we  need 
not  expect  much  success  without  great   zeal   and  diligence, 
such  as  was  put  forth  in  our  first  efforts  for  its  resuscita- 
tion.    Our  State  is  not  one  of  those  whose  population  is 
rapidly  increasing,  in  which  flourishing  villages  are  spring- 
ing up  in  every  direction  calling  for  neat  churches  to  fill 
up  the  measure  of  their  beauty  and  excellency,  and  where 


456  The  Episcopal  Church 

the  support  of  the  ministry  is  sure,  so  that  our  Zion  must 
needs  lengthen  her  cords  and  strengthen  her  stakes.  Very 
different  is  it  with  us  now,  has  it  been  for  many  years,  and 
will  it  in  all  probability  be  for  many  years  to  come.  It  is 
only  by  patient  perseverence  in  well-doing  that  we  can  hope 
to  make  advances  in  the  establishment  of  our  Church.  Much 
self-denial  and  enduring  of  hardship  and  abounding  in  la- 
bours and  itinerant  zeal  and  contentedness  with  a  little  of 
this  world's  goods,  on  the  part  of  many  of  our  minsters, 
are  indispensable  to  the  growth  of  the  Church  in  Virginia 
much  beyond  her  present  attainment.  Without  these  things 
she  may,  except  in  the  towns,  continue  stationary,  or  even 
retrograde  in  some  places,  during  years  to  come. 

To  the  foregoing  I  only  add  that  in  the  summer  of  x829 
I  was  consecrated  Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia,  and  con- 
tinued to  perform  the  duties  of  that  office  until,  by  the  death 
of  Bishop  Moore,  in  1841,  I  succeeded  to  the  place  which  he 
occupied.  During  all  that  time,  I  can  with  truth  say  that 
not  the  slightest  circumstance  ever  occurred  to  interrupt 
for  a  moment  a  most  harmonious  and  pleasant  relation  be- 
tween us.  Bishop  Johns  was  consecrated  Assistant  Bishop 
in  the  fall  of  1842;  and  I  can  as  truly  say  that  thus  for  ihe 
same  harmony  has  existed,  and  I  feel  confident  that  it  will 
exist  until  death  or  some  other  circumstance  shall  dissolve 
the  connection.  Such  is  the  extent  of  the  Diocese,  and  such 
was  the  difficulty  of  traversing  it,  that,  for  the  first  twelve 
or  thirteen  years,  I  was  engaged  in  visitation  during  eight 
months  of  each  year,  travelling  over  large  portions  of  it 
on  horseback,  or  in  an  open  one-horse  carriage.  During  the 
latter  period,  six  months  suffice  for  such  duties  as  devolved 
upon  me,  and  these  could  not  possibly  be  performed  but  for 
the  greatly-improved  modes  of  conveyance.  1  need  not  add. 
what  is  so  well  known,  that  they  are  most  imperfectly  per- 
formed. 

It  is  right  that  something  should  be  said  here  about  the 
Parish  of  James  City,  because  it  was  the  landing-place  of 
our  first  forefathers — the  seat  of  the  first  civil  and  religious 


w  West  Virginia.  4."»j 

establishment  on  the  shores  of  Xorth  America.  It  dates  its 
beginning  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago.  But  it 
found  a  place  in  the  hearts  of  pious  and  philanthropic  men 
at  a  still  earlier  period,  and  we  must  go  back  to  that  period 
with  our  preparatory  remarks.  We  are  greatly  mistaken, 
if  we  suppose  that  the  missionary  spirit,  after  slumbering 
from  the  early  ages,  was  aroused  to  life  and  action  only  with- 
in the  last  hundred  years.  Instances  may  be  shown,  in 
which  Kings  and  Queenis  of  our  mother-country  and  Church, 
moved  to  it  by  the  pious  zeal  of  Bishops  and  other  ministers, 
have  commanded,  that  together  with  the  sword  and  artil- 
ery  of  war.  and  the  implements  of  commerce  and  husbandry, 
the  sword  of  the  Spirit  and  the  trumpet  of  the  Gospel  should 
be  sent,  with  armies  and  navies  and  colonists,  to  the  unciv- 
ilized nations  of  the  earth.  I  confine  my  references  to  what 
the  religious  principle  has  done  in  behalf  of  the  Colony  of 
Virginia. 

The  domestic  troubles  of  the  English  State  and  Church, 
the  controversies  with  Romanists,  Puritans,  and  other  dis- 
affected bodies,  delayed  and  hindered  any  great  schemes  for 
Christian  colonization  and  missionary  enterprise,  just  as 
civil  wars  prevent  foreign  aggressions  and  conquests.  To 
the  Rev.  Richard  Hakluyt  the  chief  praise  is  due,  for  stir- 
ring up  the  mind^  of  Christian  statesmen  and  people  to  the 
duty  of  finding  out  barbarous  countries,  in  order  to  their 
conversion  to  the  Christian  faith.  To  his  friend,  Sir  Philip 
Sydney,  he  dedicates  his  first  collection  of  voyages  and  dis- 
coveries, in  1570.  In  157S,  he  republishes  Peter  Marivr's 
history  of  the  New  World,  with  a  preface  dedicating  it  to 
Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  together  with  another  work  on  Florida, 
in  which  he  urges  him  to  persevere  in  the  good  work  he  had 
begun  in  Virginia.*  In  both  of  them  he  urges  Sir  Walter 
to  prosecute  the  work  from  the  only  true  motive  and  design, 
the  extension  of  Christ's  religion, — "The  glorie  of  God,  and 

•  In  the  year  1588,  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  gave  E100  tor  the  propagation  of  <  hriH- 
tlanlty  In  Virginia. 


458  The  Episcopal  Church 

the  saving  of  the  soules  of  the  poor  and  blinded  infidels." 
The  numerous  volumes  collected  and  published  by  this  la- 
borious and  zealous  man  on  this  subject  have  come  down  to 
our  da.y,  and  are  a  most  valuable  depository  of  missionary 
information.  After  holding  various  preferments,  he  settled 
down  as  Prebendary  of  Westminster,  and  continued  till  his 
death  in  1616,  to  watch  over  the  infant  Colony  of  Virginia. 
The  honour  of  being  buried  in  Westminster  Abbey  was  con- 
ferred on  this  man  of  a  large  soul.  It  deserves  to  be  mention- 
ed, that  he  not  only  by  his  pen  and  the  press  urged  on  the 
Christian  colonization  of  Virginia,  but  sought  and  obtained 
the  honour  of  being  one  of  those  to  whom  Virginia  was  con- 
signed, by  letters-patent  from  King  James,  that  he  might 
the  more  effectually  labour  for  her  welfare.  To  his  exer- 
tions the  expeditions  in  1603,  and  again  in  1605,  may  in  a 
great  measure  be  ascribed.  The  language  used  by  the  King, 
in  the  terms  of  the  patent  for  Virginia,  in  1606,  shows  also 
the  religious  character  of  the  movement.  One  design  was, 
that  "so  noble  a  work  may,  by  the  Providence  of  God,  here- 
after tend  to  the  glorie  of  his  divine  majestie,  in  propagat- 
ing of  Christian  religion  to  such  people  as  sit  in  darkness 
and  miserable  ignorance  of  the  true  knowledge  and  worship 
of  God,  and  ina}r  in  time  bring  the  infidels  and  savages  (liv- 
ing in  those  parts)  to  human  civility  and  quiet  government." 
Another  evidence  of  the  operation  of  the  religious  feeling 
in  those  who  first  engaged  in  the  settlement  of  Virginia 
may  be  seen  in  what  one  writes,  who  weni  out  with  Wey- 
mouth in  1605,  in  regard  to  a  proposal  of  some  of  the  na- 
tives, that  "the  company  would  push  their  discoveries  fur- 
ther." It  was  declined,  he  says,  on  this  ground: — "We  would 
•  not  hazard  so  hopefull  a  businesse  as  this  was,  either  for 
our  private  or  particular  ends,  being  more  regairdful  of  a 
public  goode,  and  promulgating  God's  holy  Church,  by  plant- 
ing Christianity,  which  was  the  interest  of  our  adventurers 
as  well  as  ours."* 

»  In  the  instructions  of  the  King,  in  1606,  it  was  enjoined,  that  "all  persons 
should  kindly  treat  the  savages  and  heathen  people  in  these  parts,  and  use  all  pro- 
per means  to  draw  them  to  the  true  service  and  knowledge  of  God." 


in  West  Virginia.  459 

In  the  following  year,  December,  1606,  the  first  little 
colony  came  to  Virginia,  bringing  with  it  the  first  minister 
of  James  City,  the  Eev.  Robert  Hunt.  Mr.  Wingfield,  the 
first  President  of  the  Colony,  gives  the  following  account 
of  his  appointment: — 'Tor  my  first  worke,  which  was  to 
make  right  choice  of  a  spiritual  pastor,  I  appeal  to  my  Lord 
of  Canterbury, — his  grace, — who  gave  me  very  gracious  au- 
dience in  my  request.  And  the  world  knoweth  whom  I  took 
with  me,  truely  a  man,  in  my  opinion,  not  any  waie  to  be 
touched  with  the  rebellious  humour  of  a  papist  spirit,  nor 
blemished  with  the  least  suspicion  of  a  factious  schismatic." 
In  a  narrative,  kept  by  Stukeley  and  others,  it  is  written, 
"On  the  19th  of  December,  1606,  we  set  sail  from  Blackwell, 
but  by  unprosperous  winds  were  kept  six  weeks  in  sight  of 
England;  all  which  time  Mr.  Hunt,  our  preacher,  was  so 
weake  and  sicke  that  few  expected  his  recovery.  Yet  al- 
though we  were  but  twenty  miles  from  his  habitation,  (the 
time  we  were  in  the  Downes,)  and  notwithstanding  the 
stormy  weather,  nor  the  scandalous  speeches  of  some  few, 
little  better  than  atheists,  of  the  greatest  rank  among  us, 
suggested  against  him,  all  this  could  never  force  him  s>o 
much  as  a  seeming  desire  to  leave  the  businesse,  but  prefer- 
red the  service  of  God,  in  so  good  a  voyage,  before  any  af- 
fection to  contest  with  his  godless  foes,  whose  disastrous 
designs,  could  they  have  prevailed,  had  even  then  overthrown 
the  businesse,  so  many  discontents  did  there  arise,  had  he 
not  only  with  the  water  of  patience  and  his  godly  exhorta- 
tions, but  chiefly  by  his  devoted  example,  quenched  those 
flames  of  envy  and  distention."*  It  is  very  certain,  that 
notwithstanding  the  piety  which  prompted  the  expedition, 
and  the  devotion  of  Mr.  Hunt  and  some  others  who  embarked 
in  that  vessel,  there  was  a  considerable  proportion  of  most 


♦The  Log  church  first  erected  was  burned  down  the  following  winter,  with 
many  other  houses.  Mr.  Hunt  lost  alt  his  books  ami  .-very  thing  else  but 
the  clothes  on  his  hack.  "Yet  none  ever  saw  him  repine  at  his  loss."'  "Upon 
any  alarm  he  was  as  ready  at  defence  as  any.  ami  till  he  could  not  speak 
he  never  ceased  to  his  utmost  to  animate  us  constantly  to  persist.— whose  soul, 
questionless,  is  with  God."— Captain  Smith's  History  of  Virginia. 


•460  The  Episcopal  Church 

unworthy  materials  on  board,  as  shown  by  their  opposi- 
tion to  Hunt  and  Captain  Smith,  two  men  who  seemed  to 
know  no  fear,  but  that  of  God.  The  future  conduct  of  the 
larger  portion  of  the  Colonists,  after  their  arrival,  too  well 
established  this  fact.  The  company  in  England  appears  to 
have  apprehended  something  of  this,  from  their  instruc- 
tions, in  which  they  say  to  the  Colonists  at  their  departure, 
that  "the  way  to  prosper  and  have  success  was  to  make 
themselves  all  of  one  mind,  for  their  own  and  their  country's 
good;  and  to  serve  and  fear  God,  the  giver  of  all  goodness, 
since  every  plantation  which  he  did  not  plant  would  certain- 
ly be  rooted  out."  Although  Captain  Smith  was  appointed 
one  of  the  Council  of  the  Company,  a  violent  opposition  was 
made  to  his  having  a  seat  on  their  arrival.  "Many,"  it  is 
said  in  the  narrative  already  quoted,  "were  the  mischiefs 
which  daily  sprung  from  their  ignorant  yet  ambitious  spir- 
its; but  the  good  doctrine  and  exhortation  of  our  preacher, 
Mr.  Hunt,  reconciled  them,  and  caused  Captain  Smith  to  be 
admitted  of  the  Council."  The  next  day,  the  Holy  Com- 
munion was.  for  the  first  time,  administered  in  Virginia. 
The  number  composing  the  first  congregation  at  James- 
town was  one  hundred  and  four  or  five.  "A  circumstance," 
says  the  Kev.  Mr.  Anderson,  author  of  three  most  laborious 
and  interesting  volumes  on  the  Colonial  Churches,  "is  men- 
tioned in  President  Wingfield's  manuscript,  which  I  cannot 
find  recorded  elsewhere,  which  shows,  in  a  very  remarkable 
manner,  the  careful  and  pious  reverence  manifested  by  the 
Colonists  for  the  due  celebration  of  Christ's  holy  ordinance, 
in  their  sad  extremity."  He  says  that  when  "the  common 
store  of  oil,  sack,  vinegar,  and  aqua-vitae,  were  all  spent, 
saving  two  gallons  of  each,  the  sack  was  reserved  for  the 
communion-table."' ■ 

In  proof  of  the  religious  character  of  Captain  Smith,  as 
a  part  of  the  history  of  James  City  Parish,  I  quote  the  fol- 
lowing account  of  the  first  place  of  worship  in  the  same, 
in  a  pamphlet  published  in  1631,  by  Mr.  Smith,  some  years 


in  West  Virginia.  461 

after  his  History  of  Virginia,  and  entitled,  "Advertisements 
for  the  unexperienced  planters  of  New  England,  or  else- 
where, &c."  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Anderson's  labours  we  are 
indebted  for  the  revival  of  this  pamphlet. 

"Now,  because  I  have  spoken  so  much  for  the  body,  give 
me  leave  to  say  somewhat  of  the  soul;  and  the  rather,  be- 
cause I  have  been  demanded  by  so  many,  how  we  began 
to  preach  the  Gospel  in  Virginia,  and  by  what  authority, 
what  churches  we  had,  our  order  of  service,  and  maintenance 
for  our  ministers;  therefore  I  think  it  not  amiss  to  satisfie 
their  demands,  it  being  the  mother  of  all  our  Plantations, 
entreating  pride  to  spare  laughter,  to  understand  her  sim- 
ple beginnings  and  proceedings.  When  I  went  first  to  Vir- 
ginia, I  well  remember,  we  did  hang  an  awning  (which  is 
an  old  sail)  to  three  or  four  trees,  to  shadow  us  from  the 
sun;  our  walls  were  rails  of  wood,  our  seats  unhewed  trees, 
till  we  cut  planks,  our  pulpit  a  bar  of  wood  nailed  to  two 
neighbouring  trees;  in  foul  weather  we  shifted  into  an  ola 
rotten  tent,  for  we  had  few  better,  and  this  came  by  way 
of  adventure  for  new.  This  was  our  church,  till  we  built 
a  homely  thing  like  a  barn,  set  upon  crotchetts,  covered 
with  rafts,  sedge,  and  earth,  so  was  also  the  walls.  The 
best  of  our  houses  were  of  the  like  curiosity,  but  the  most 
part  far  much  worse  workmanship,  that  could  neither  well 
defend  wind  nor  rain,  yet  we  had  daily  Common  Prayer  morn- 
ing and  evening,  every  Sunday  two  sermons,  and  every  three 
months  the  holy  communion,  till  our  minister  died,  (the 
Kev.  Sir.  Hunt.)  But  (after  that)  our  prayers  daily  with  an 
homily  on  Sundays,  we  continued  two  or  three  years  after, 
till  more  preachers  came,  and  surely  God  did  most  merciful- 
ly hear  us,  till  the  continual  inundations  of  mistaking  direc- 
tions, factions,  and  numbers  of  unprovided  libertines  near 
consumed  us  all,  as  the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness."  "Not- 
withstanding, (he  says,)  out  of  the  relicks  of  our  mercies, 
time  and  experience  had  brought  that  country  to  a  great 


462  The  Episcopal  Church 

happiness,  had  they  not  so  much  doated  on  their  Tobacco, 
on  whose  furnish  foundations  there  is  small  stability." 

Of  the  piety  of  Captain  Smith  we  have  evidence,  in  the 
account  given  of  the  survey  o*f  Virginia,  when  he  and  his 
valiant  comrades  fell  into  so  many  perils  among  the  In- 
dians. "Our  order  was  daily  to  have  prayer  with  a  psalm, 
at  which  solemnity  the  poor  savages  much  wondered."  On 
Smith's  return  to  Jamestown,  notwithstanding  all  former 
opposition,  such  were  his  merits  and  such  its  difficulties,  that 
the  Council  elected  him  President  of  the  Colony;  and  the 
first  thing  done  was  to  repair  the  church,  which,  during  his 
absence  among  the  Indians,  had,  with  other  houses,  been 
destroyed  by  fire.  Characteristic,  and  evincive  of  piety  in 
him,  is  the  statement  of  it: — "Now  the  building  of  the  pal- 
ace was  stayed  as  a  thing  needless,  and  the  church  was  re- 
paired." 

Vestries. 

In  the  history  of  the  vestries  we  may  fairly  trace  the  or- 
igin, not  only  of  that  religious  liberty  which  afterward  de- 
veloped itself  in  Virginia,  but  also  of  the  earl}7  and  deter- 
mined stand  taken  by  the  Episcopalians  of  Virginia  in  be- 
half of  civil  liberty.  The  vestries,  who  were  the  intelligence 
and  moral  strength  of  the  land,  had  been  trained  up  in  the 
defence  of  their  rights  against  Governors  and  Bishops,  Kings, 
Queens,  and  Cabinets.  They  had  been  slowly  fighting  the 
battles  of  the  Kevolution  for  a  hundred  and  fifty  years. 
Taxation  and  representation  were  only  other  words  for  sup- 
port and  election  of  ministers.    The  principle  was  the  same. 

It  is  not  wonderful,  therefore,  that  we  find  the  same  men 
who  took  the  lead  in  the  councils  and  armies  of  the  Rev- 
olution most  active  in  the  recorded  proceedings  of  the  ves- 
tries. Examine  the  vestry-books,  and  you  will  find  promi- 
nent there  the  names  of  Washington,  Peyton  Randolph,  Ed- 
mund Pendleton,  General  Nelson,  Governor  Page,  Colonel 
Bland,  Richard  Henry  Lee,  General  Wood,  Colonel  Harrison, 
George  Mason  and  hundreds  of  others  who  might  be  named 


in  West  Virginia.  463 

as  patriots  of  the  Revolution.  The  principle  for  which  ves- 
tries contended  was  correct. — viz.:  the  choice  of  their  min- 
isters. I  do  not  say  that  it  must  necessarily  be  by  annual 
election;  but  there  must  be  a  power  of  changing  ministers, 
for  sufficient  reasons.  The  Governors  and  the  clergy,  who 
came  from  England  did  not  understand  how  this  could  be, 
so  used  had  they  been  to  a  method  widely  different.  It  was 
reserved  for  the  Church  in  America  to  show  its  practicabil- 
ity, and  also  to  establish  something  yet  more  important,  and 
what  is  by  most  Englishmen  still  thought  a  doubtful  prob- 
lem,— the  voluntary  principle,  by  which  congregations  not 
only  choose  their  ministers  but  support  them  without  taxa- 
tion by  law.  It  may  be  wise  to  provide  some  check  to  the 
sudden  removal  of  ministers  by  the  caprice  of  vestries  and 
congregations,  as  is  the  case  in  the  Presbyterian  and  Episco- 
pal Churches,  where  some  leave  of  separation  is  required 
from  Presbyteries  and  Bishops;  but  neither  of  them  are  ever 
so  unwise  as  to  interpose  a  veto  where  it  is  evident  that 
there  is  sufficient  reason  for  separation,  whether  from  dis- 
satisfaction on  either  side,  or  from  both,  or  any  strong  con- 
sideration. The  people  have  it  in  their  power,  either  by 
withholding  support  or  attendance,  and  in  other  ways,  to 
secure  their  removal,  and  the  ministers  cannot  be  forced  to 
preach.  Either  party  have  an  inalienable  right  to  separate, 
unless  there  be  some  specific  bargain  to  the  contrary.  In 
one  denomination  in  our  land,  it  is  true  that  ministers  are 
appointed  to  their  stations  and  congregations  are  supplied 
l»y  iis  chief  officers;  but  it  must  be  remembered  that  this  is 
only  a  temporary  appointment, — for  a  year  or  two  at  most. 
I .ei  it  ever  be  attempted  to  make  it  an  appointment  for  life, 
or  even  a  long  term  of  years,  and  the  dissolution  of  that  So- 
ciety would  soon  take  place.  In  the  first  organization  of 
our  general  Church  in  this  country,  after  the  separation 
from  our  mother-country,  ;m  office  of  induction  was  adopteo, 
with  the  view  of  rendering  the  situation  of  the  clergy  more 
permanent;  but  such  was  the  opposition  to  it  from  Virginia 


464  The  Episcopal  Church 

and  some  other  States,  that  it  was  determined  it  should 
only  be  obligatory  on  those  States  which  chose  to  make  it  so. 
Very  few  instances  of  its  use  have  ever  occurred  in  the  Dio- 
cese of  Virginia.* 


*In  proof  of  what  is  said  as  to  vestrymen,  we  publish  the  following  list  of 
the  Convention  of  1776.  From  our  examination  of  the  old  vestry-books,  we  are 
confident  that  there  are  not  three  on  this  list  who  were  not  vestrymen  of  the 
Eiusco^al   Church. 

A  List  of  the  members  of  the  Convention  of  Virginia  which  began  its  sessions 
in  the  City  of  Williamsburg  on  Monday  the  sixth  of  May,  1776.  as  copied  from 
the  Journal:— 

Accomac— Southey  Simpson  and  Isaac  Smith,  Esquires;  Albermarle — Charles 
Lewis,  Esquire,  and  George  Gilmer  for  Tnomas  Jefterson,  Esquire;  Amelia- 
John  Tabb  and  John  Winn,  Esquires;  Augusta— Thomas  Lewis  and  Samuel 
McDowell,  Esquires;  West  Augusta— John  Harvie  and  Charles  Simms,  Esquires; 
Amherst— William  Cabell  and  Gabriel  Penn,  Esquires:  Bedford— John  Talbot 
and  Charles  Lynch,  Esquires;  Botetourt— John  Bowyer  and  Patrick  LockhartT 
Esquires;  Brunswick— Frederic  Maclin  and  Henry  Tazewell.  Esquires;  Buck- 
ingham—Charles Patteson  and  John  Cabell,  Esquires;  Berkeley— Robert  Ruth- 
erford and  William  Drew,  Esquires;  Caroline—the  Hon.  Edmund  Pendleton 
and  James  Taylor,  Esquires;  Charles  City— William  Acrill,  Esquire,  and  Sam- 
uel Harwood,  Esquire,  for  B.  Harrison,  Esquire:  Charlotte — Paul  Carrington 
and  Thomas  Read,  Esquires;  Chesterfield— Archibald  Cary  and  Benjamin  Wat- 
kins,  Esquires:  Culpeper— Henry  Field  and  French  Strother.  Esquires;  Cum- 
berland— John  Mayo  and  William  Fleming,  Esquires;  Dinwiddie— John  Ban- 
ister and  Boiling  Starke,  Esquires;  Dunmore — Abraham  Bird  and  John  Tipton, 
Esquires;  Elizabeth  City— Wilson  Miles  Cary  and  Henry  King,  Esquires:  Es- 
sex— Meriwether  Smith  and  James  Edmundson,  Esquires;  Fairfax — John  West, 
Jr.,  and  George  Mason,  Esquires;  Fauquier — Martin  Pickett  and  James  Scott, 
Esquires;  Frederick — James  Wood  and  Isaac  Zane,  Esquires;  Fincastle — Arthur 
Campbell  and  William  Russell,  Esquires;  Gloucester — Thoruas  Whiting  and 
Lewis  Burwell,  Esquires;  Goochland— John  Woodson  and  Thomas  M.  Ran- 
dolph, Esquires;  Halifax— Nathaniel  Terry  and  Micajah  Watkins,  Esquires; 
Hampshire— James  Mercer  and  Abraham  I-Iite,  Esquires;  Hanover— Patrick 
Henry  and  John  Syme,  Esquires;  Henrico— Nathaniel  Wilkinson  and  Richard 
Adams,  Esquires;  James  City— Robert  C.  Nicholas  and  William  Norvell,  Es- 
quires; Isle  of  Wight— John  S.  Wills  and  Charles  Fulgham,  Esquires:  King 
George — Joseph  Jones  and  William  Fitzhugh,  Esquires;  King  and  Queen — 
George  Brooke  and  William  Lyne,  Esquires;  King  William— William  Aylett 
and  Richard  Squire  Taylor,  Esquires;  Lancaster— James  Seldon  and  James 
Gordon,  Esquires;  Loudoun— Francis  Peyton  and  Josias  Clapham,  Esquires; 
Louisa— George  Meriwether  and  Thomas  Johnson,  Esquires;  Lunenburg— David 
Garland  and  Lodowick  Farmer,  Esquires:  Middlesex— Edmund  Berkeley  and 
James  Montague,  Esquires;  Mecklenburg— Joseph  Speed  and  Bennett  Goode, 
Esquires;  Nansemond— Willis  Riddick  and  William  Cowper,  Esquires:  New 
Kent— William  Clayton  and  Bartholomew  Dandridge,  Esquires:  Norfolk— James 
Holt  and  Thomas  Newton,  Esquires;  Northumberland— Rodham  Kenner  and 
John  Cralle,  Esquires;  Northampton — Nathaniel  L.  Savage  and  George  Savage, 
Esquires;  Orange — James  Madison  and  William  Moore,  Esquires;  Pittsylvania 
—Benjamin  Lankford  and  Robert  Williams,  Esquires;  Prince  Edward— Wil- 
liam Watts  and  William  Booker,  Esquires;  Prince  George— Richard  Bland  and 
Peter  Poythress,  Esquires;  Princess  Anne— William  Robinson  and  John 
Thoroughgood,  Esquires;  Prince  William— Cuthbert  Bullitt  and  Henry  Lee, 
Esquires  Richmond— Hudson  Muse  and   Charles  McCarty,   Esquires;   Southamp- 


in  West  Virginia .  465 

Some  thoughts  on  the  formation  of  the  Virginia  character, 
as  displayed  in  the  American  Revolution  and  previously, 
may  with  propriety  follow  after  the  history  of  the  Church 
and  College  at  Williamsburg,  and  the  foregoing  list  of  ves- 
trymen. As  London  and  the  Universities  were  in  one  sense 
England,  Paris  and  its  University  France,  so  Williamsburg, 
while  it  was  the  seat  of  Government,  and  the  College  of 
William  and  Mary,  were,  to  a  great  extent,  Virginia.  Here 
her  Governor  and  chief  officers  resided;  here  her  Council 
often  repaired  and  her  Burgesses  annually  met.  WTkat  was 
their  character?  Whence  did  their  ancestors  come,  ana 
who  were  they?  Happily  for  the  Colony,  they  were  not 
Lords,  or  their  eldest  sons,  and  therefore  beirs  of  lordship. 
With  one  or  two  exceptions,  none  such  ever  settled  in  Vir- 
ginia. Neither  were  they  in  any  great  numbers  the  ultra 
devotees  of  kings, — the  rich,  gay,  military,  Cavalier  adher- 
ents of  Charles  I., — or  the  non-juring  believers  in  the  divine 
right  of  kings,  in  the  days  of  Charles  II.  and  of  James  II. 
Some  of  all  these  there  were  in  the  Colony,  doubtless.  Some 
dainty  idlers,  with  a  little  high  blood,  came  over  with  Cap- 
tain Smith  at  first,  and  more  of  the  rich,  and  high-minded 
Cavaliers  after  the  execution  of  Charles  I.;  but  Virginia 
did  not  suit  them  well  enough  to  attract  and  retain  great 
numbers.  There  was  too  much  hard  work  to  be  done,  and  too 
much  independence,  even  from  the  first,  for  those  who  held 
the  doctrine  of  non-resistance  and  passive  obedience  to  kings 
and  others  in  authority,   to  make  Virginia  a  comfortable 

ton— Edwin  Gray  and  Henry  Taylor,  Esquires;  Spottsylvania— Mann  Page  and 
George  Thornton,  Esquires;  Stafford— Thomas  Ludwell  Lee  and  William  Brent, 
Esquires;  Surry— Allen  Cocke  and  Nicholas  Fulton,  Esquires;  Sussex— David 
Mason  and  Henry  Gee,  Esquires;  Warwick— William  Ilarwood  and  Richard 
Cary,  Esquires;  Westmoreland— Richard  Lee,  Esquire,  Richard  Henry  Lee, 
Esquire,  and  John  A.  Washington,  Esquire;*  York— Dudley  Digges,  Esquire, 
Thomas  Nelson,  Jr.,  Esquire,  and  William  Digges,  Esquire;  Jamestown— Cham- 
pion Travis,  Esquire;  Williamsburg— Edmund  Randolph,  Esquire,  for  George 
WTythe,  Esquire;  Norfolk  Borough— William  Uoscow  Wilson  Curie,  Esquire; 
College  of  William  and  Mary— John  Blair,   Esquire. 


♦John  A.  Washington  was  probably  the  alternate  of  R.  H.  Lee. 


466  The  Episcopal  (Jhuiich 

place  for  them  and  their  posterity.*  And  yet  we  must  not 
suppose  that  the  opposite  class — the  paupers,  the  ignorant, 
the  servile — formed  the  basis  of  the  larger  and  better  class 
of  the  Virginia  population,  when  it  began  to  develop  its 
character  at  the  Revolution,  and,  indeed,  long  before.  These 
did  not  (spring  up  into  great  men  in  a  day  or  a  night,  on 
touching  the  Virginia  soil.  Some  of  the  best  families  of 
England,  Ireland,  Scotland,  and  France,  formed  at  an  early 
period  a  large  part  of  that  basis.  Noblemen  and  their  el- 
der sons  did  not  come  over;  but  we  must  remember  how 
many  of  the  younger  sons  of  noblemen  were  educated  for 
the  bar,  for  the  medical  profession,  and  the  pulpit,  and  turn- 
ed adrift  on  the  world  to  seek  their  own  living,  without  any 
patrimony.  Some  of  those,  and  many  more  of  their  enter- 
prising descendants,  came  to  the  New  World,  especially  to 
Virginia,  in  search  of  fortune  and  honour,  and  found  them 
here.  Numbers  of  Virginia  families,  who  are  almost  asham- 
ed or  afraid  in  this  republican  age  to  own  it,  have  their  gen- 


*It  may  very  properly  be  called  a  mixed  basis  of  Cavaliers,  of  the  followers 
of  Cromwell  and  of  the  Pretender,  and  of  the  Huguenots,  when  persecuted 
and  forced  to  fly  for  refuge  to  other  lands;  and  also  of  many  respectable 
persons  at  other  times.  The  Test-Act,  or  subscriptions  required  of  the  vestry- 
men and  other  officers,  shows  that  no  encouragement  was  held  out,  either  to 
the  followers  of  Cromwell  or  of  the  Pretender,  to  expect  honours  and  offices 
in  Virginia.  They  always  required  allegiance  to  the  established  Government, 
except  during  the  temporary  usurpation  of  Cromwell.  After  the  establish- 
ment of  the  House  of  Hanover,  the  Stuart  Pretenders  and  their  followers 
were  denounced  in  these  test-  oaths.  Some  specimens  of  these  subscriptions, 
or  oaths,  are  presented  in  our  sketches.  So  that,  probably,  not  many  of 
either  extreme  came  to  Virginia,  where  they  were  thus  stigmatized  and  ex- 
cluded from  office  unless  on  condition  of  abjuring  their  principles.  Dr.  Hawks, 
in  his  History  of  the  Church  in  Virginia,  says  that  its  population  before  the 
protectorate  of  Cromwell  was  twenty  thousand;  after  the  restoration  of  mon- 
archy, thirty  thousand.  There  were  only  ten  thousand  added  in  ten  or  twelve 
years.  If  we  consider  how  many  of  this  number  were  from  natural  increase 
in  a  new  country,  how  many  not  of  the  Cavalier  cless  had  come  over,  and 
how  many  of  that  class  returned  on  the  accession  of  Charles  II.,  it  will  not 
leave  a  large  number  to  make  an  impression  on  the  Virginia  character.  Most 
of  those  Cavaliers  who,  by  their  birth  and  talents,  were  most  likely  to  make 
that  impression,  had  gone  to  Surinam.  Barbadoee,  Antigua,  and  the  Leeward 
Islands.  These  "were  to  be  men  of  the  first  rate,  who  wanted  not  money 
or  credit."  (See  Dr.  Hawk's  History,  page  2S4.)  After  the  restoration  of 
monarchy,  some  of  the  followers  of  Cromwell  came  over  to  Virginia,  but 
most  probably  in  much  smaller  numbers  than  the  Cavaliers  had  done,  as  they 
would  not  find  so  welcome  a  home,  for  the  loyalty  of  Virginia  at  that  time 
cannot  be  Questioned. 


in  West  Virginia.  4(57 

ealogical  trees,  or  traditionary  records,  by  which  they  can 
trace  their  line  to  some  of  the  most  ancient  families  in 
England,  Scotland,  Ireland,  and  to  the  Huguenots  of 
France.  Where  this  is  not  the  case,  still  they  can  derive 
their  origin  from  men  of  education,  either  in  law,  physic, 
or  divinity,  which  things  were  too  costly  in  the  old  coun- 
tries to  be  gotten  by  the  poorer  classes,  except  in  some  few 
instances  where  charity  was  afforded.  Ministers  could  not 
generally  be  ordained  without  degrees  from  Cambridge,  Ox- 
ford, Dublin,  or  Edinburgh.  Lawyers  studied  at  the  Tem- 
ple Bar  in  London;  physicians  at  Edinburgh.  For  a  long 
time  Virginia  was  dependent  for  all  these  professional 
characters  on  English  education.  Those  who  came  over 
to  this  country  poor,  and  ignorant,  and  dependent,  had  tew 
opportunities  of  elevating  themselves;  as  has  been  happily 
the  case  since  our  independence,  by  reason  of  the  multiplica- 
tion of  schools  and  colleges,  and  of  all  the  means  of  wealth 
which  are  now  open  to  us.  Sir  William  Berkeley  in  his  day 
rejoiced  that  there  was  not  a  free  school  or  printing-press 
in  Virginia,  and  hoped  it  might  be  so  for  a  hundred  years 
to  come;  and,  perhaps  it  was  not  mdch  otherwise  as  to 
schools.  In  the  year  1723,  the  Bishop  of  London  addressed 
a  circular  to  the  clergy  of  Virginia,  then  somewhat  over 
forty  in  number,  making  various  inquiries  as  to  the  condition 
of  things  in  the  parishes.  One  of  the  questions  was,  "Are 
there  any  schools  in  your  parish?"  The  answer,  with  two 
or  three  exceptions,  (and  those  in  favour  of  charity-schools,) 
was,  none.  Private  schools  at  rich  gentlemen's  houses, 
kept  perhaps  by  an  unmarried  clergyman  or  candidate  for 
Orders,  were  all  the  means  of  education  in  the  Colony,  and 
to  such  the  poor  had  no  access.  Another  question  was, 
"Is  there  any  parish  library?"  The  answer  invariably  was, 
none;  except  in  one  case,  where  the  minister  replied,  "we 
have  the  Book  of  Homilies,  the  Whole  Duty  of  Man,  and 
the  Singing  Psalms."     Such  were  the  answers  from  thirty 


468  The  Episcopal  Church 

clergymen,  whose  responses  I  have  before  me.*  Tf  ''knowl- 
edge be  power,"  Virginia  was,  up  to  that  time,  so  far  as 
the  poor  were  concerned,  but  a  barren  nursery  of  mighty 
men.  Would  that  it  had  been  otherwise,  both  for  Church 
and  State!  Education  was  confined  to  the  sons  of  those 
who,  being  educated  themselves,  and  appreciating  the  value 
of  it,  and  having  the  means,  employed  private  teachers  in 
their  families,  or  sent  their  sons  to  the  schools  in  England 
and  paid  for  them  with  their  tobacco.  Even  up  to  the  time 
of  the  Revolution  was  this  the  case  with  some.  General  Nel- 
son, several  of  the  Lees  and  Randolphs,  George  Gilmer,  my 
own  father  and  two  of  his  brothers,  and  many  besides  who 
might  be  mentioned,  just  got  back  in  time  to  prepare  for  the 
Revolutionary  struggle.  The  College  of  William  and  Mary, 
from  the  year  1700  and  onward,  did  something  toward  ed- 
ucating a  small  portion  of  the  youth  of  Virginia,  and  that 
was  all  until  Hampden  Sydney,  at  a  much  later  period,  was 
established.  But  let  any  one  look  at  the  published  cata- 
logue of  William  and  Mary,  and  see  how  few  were  educated 
there  from  1720  to  the  Revolution,  and  let  him  notice  who 
they  were.  Let  him  also  examine  whatever  lists  of  Bur- 
gesses, Henning's  volumes  and  the  Old  Virginia  almanacs 
furnish,  and  he  will  see  who  they  were  that  may  be  considered 
the  chief  men  of  Virginia.  I  have  been  recently  examining  an- 
other set  of  records  which  show  who  were  considered  her 
first  men.  I  allude  to  the  vestry  elections;  and  nine  times  in 
ten  we  are  confident  one  of  their  body  was  the  delegate. 
They  were  the  ruling  men  of  the  parishes, — the  men  of  prop- 
erty and  education.  As  we  have  said  before,  from  an  early 
period  they  were  in  training  for  the  Revolution,  by  the 
steady  and     ever-successful     struggle     with     Commissaries, 


♦Even  the  little  establishment  of  Huguenots  at  Manakiutown,  whose  compact 
■settlement  so  favoured  education,  and  whose  parentage  made  its  members 
to  desire  it,  was  so  destitute,  that  about  this  time  one  of  their  leading  men, 
a  Mr.  Sallie,  on  hearing  that  the  King  was  about  to  establish  a  colony  in 
Ireland  for  the  Huguenots,  addressed  him  a  letter  begging  permission  to  be 
united  to  it,  saying  that  there  was  no  school  among  them  where  their  chil- 
dren could  be  educated.  , 


in  West  Virginia.  469 

Governors,  Bishops  of  London,  and  the  Crown,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  calling  and  induction  of  ministers.  They  also 
spoke  through  the  House  of  Burgesses,  which  was  made  up 
of  themselves.  We  will  venture  to  affirm  that  very  few  of 
the  statesmen  of  the  Revolution  went  into  it  without  this 
training.  Even  Mr.  Jefferson,  and  Wythe,  who  did  not  con- 
ceal their  disbelief  of  Christianity,  took  their  parts  in  the 
duties  of  vestrymen,  the  one  in  Williamsburg,  the  other  in 
Albemarle;  for  they  wished  to  be  men  of  influence.  In 
some  of  the  communications  to  England,  the  vestries  are 
complained  of  by  the  clergy  as  the  aristocratic  bodies. — 
the  twelve  lords  or  masters  of  the  parishes;  and  they  did 
sometimes,  I  doubt  not,  rule  the  poor  clergy  with  a  rod  of 
iron;  but  they  were  not  the  men  to  truckle  to  George  III., 
Lord  North,  or  the  Parliament.  WTell  did  Mr.  Burke,  in  his 
celebrated  speech  on  American  affairs,  reply  to  some  who 
said  that  the  rich  slaveholders  of  the  South  would  not  stand 
a  war,  "that  they  were  entirely  mistaken;  for  that  those 
who  had  been  long  accustomed  to  command  were  the  last 
who  would  consent  to  obey."*  In  proof  of  my  position  that 
men  of  education,  and  that  gotten  chiefly  :n  Europe,  were 
the  ancestors  of  large  numbers  of  those  who  formed  at  a 
later  period  the  most  influential  class,  I  would  here  insert 
a  list  of  the  earlier  clergy  of  Virginia  which  I  got  from  •>ome 
ancient  documents,  (most  of  them  unpublished,)  and  this 
is  but  a  small  part  of  those  whose  names  are  lost  to  us  for- 
ever. Let  the  reader  compare  these  with  names  on  the  civil 
and  military  list  of  Virginia's  history,     and     he     must  ac- 


*In  all  that  we  say  on  this  subject,  concerning  the  patriots  of  the  Revolu- 
tion and  their  connection  with  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  especially  the  ves- 
tries, it  must  not  be  understood  as  excluding  from  their  fair  share  in  the 
assertion  of  the  liberties  of  the  country  these  of  ether  denominations.  The 
Baptists  as  a  body  soon  tendered  their  services,  and  were  accepted.  They, 
however,  were  mostly  descended  from  Episcopalians,  having  for  conscience' 
sake  separated  themselves  from  the  Established  Church  not  Ion?  before  the 
war.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  Presbyterians  in  Eastern  Virginia;  they 
were  not  numerous,  being  chiefly  in  Hanover,  Charlotte,  and  Prince  Edward, 
but  still  they  furnished  mosl  valuable  men  t<>  the  cause.  Those  of  Western 
Virginia,  as  well  as  the  Germans,  were  descended  from  European  ancestors 
who  were  net  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  They  also  were  forward  and  most 
effective  in  the  Revolution. 


470  The  Episcopal  Church 

knowledge  the  probability  at  least  of  consanguinity  between 
many  of  them.  I  begin  with  the  names  of  Bucke,  Whit  ta- 
ker, the  two  Williamses,  (names  still  common  in  Virginia,) 
Young,  Key,  Berkeley,  Hampton,  Richardson,  Teackle,  Cot- 
ton, Palmer,  Gordon,  the  Smiths,  Ware,  Doyley,  the  Bow- 
kers,  Saunders,  Holt,  Collier,  Wallace,  Walker,  the  Monroes, 
Slaughter,  Blair,  Anderson,  Ball,  the  Yateses,  Hall,  Latane, 
the  Roses,  the  Joneses,  Sharp,  Waggener,  the  Taylors,  Stith, 
Cox,  the  Brookes,  the  Robertsons,  the  Robinsons,  Collings, 
Baylie,  Bell,  Warden,  Debutts,  Forbes,  Marshall,  Preston, 
Goodwin,  Cargill,  Hughes,  the  Scotts,  the  Fontains  and 
Maurys,  the  Dawsons,  Ried,  White,  Campbell,  Graham,  the 
Thompsons,  Fraser,  Thacker,  Wilkinson,  the  Naviisons,  the 
Stewarts,  the  Dixons,  Webb,  Innis,  Warrington,  Cole,  Pur- 
die,  Marye,  Mackay,  Jackson,  Green,  McDonald,  Moncure, 
Keith,  Leland,  Craig,  Grayson,  Bland,  Manning,  Hamilton, 
Dick,  Clay,  Lyons.  Many  of  the  foregoing  belong  to  the  first 
century  of  our  existence  and  to  the  early  part  of  the  second. 
Many  of  the  families  of  Virginia  may  have  descended  from 
some  of  the  foregoing  without  knowing  it.  I  leave  it  to 
others  to  search  out  the  civil  list  of  Virginia  names,  in  or- 
der to  ascertain  as  far  as  practicable  how  many  of  their  an- 
cestors may  have  been  well  educated  doctors  and  lawyers,  or 
respectable  merchants  and  farmers,  when  first  coming  to  this 
country. 


in  West  Virginia.  471 


CHAPTER  VIM. 
Republication  from  Bishop  Meade's  Book  Continued.     Parishes. 


Counties   and    Parishes   of    Botetourt,    Rockingham,    Rockbridge, 
Greenbrier  and  Montgomery. 

When  Frederick  county  was  first  divided  from  Augusta, 
the  latter  was  left  with  all  of  Western  Virginia  beyond  the 
Alleghany  mountains,  then  extending  to  the  Pacific  Ocean, 
or  as  it  was  sometimes  said,  to  the  "waters  of  the  Missis- 
sippi." 

In  the  year  1769,  Botetourt  was  taken  from  Augusta,  and 
also  extended  westward  indefinitely.  At  a  subsequent  period 
Montgomery  was  taken  from  Botetourt.  But  in  the  year 
1777,  Rockingham,  till  then  a  part  of  Augusta,  and  Rock- 
bridge and  Greenbrier,  were  cut  off  from  Augusta,  Botetourt, 
and  Montgomery.  In  all  of  these,  parishes  were  also  estab- 
lished by  Act  of  Assembly.  What  was  done  in  them  after 
this  is  unknown.  In  Rockingham,  probably  before  its  sepa- 
ration from  Augusta,  there  were  as  may  be  seen  in  our  ar- 
ticle on  Augusta,  two  churches.  In  Rockbridge,  when  com- 
posed of  Augusta  and  Botetourt,  there  may  have  been  a 
church  or  churches,  but  I  have  obtained  no  information  of 
such.  Before  this  period  the  Presbyterians  had  made  set- 
tlements in  this  region,  especially  about  Lexington.  On 
none  of  our  lists  of  clergy  or  records  do  we  find  any  minis- 
ters belonging  to  Rockbridge  after  its  separation  from  Au- 
gusta, and  Botetourt.  In  Montgomery  and  Greenbrier  par- 
ishes and  counties,  we  presume  there  were  none.  In  Bote- 
tourt parish,  (for  all  the  new  parishes  were  called  by  the 


472  The  Episcopal  Church 

same  name  with  the  counties)  we  find  that  the  Rev.  Adam 
Smith  was  the  minister  in  the  years  1774  and  1776. 

Article  LXXI.  from  Bishop  Meade's  book.     Parishes  in  Frederick 

County. 

In  our  last  communication  we  had  reached  the  Blue 
Ridge, — the  great  dividing-line  between  Eastern  and  Western 
Virginia.  We  now  ascend  that  beautiful  range  of  mountains 
and  look  down  on  the  wide  and  extensive  valley  which  lies 
between  it  and  those  numerous  ones  which  hide  the  great 
Allegheny  from  our  view.  I  believe  it  is  generally  admitted 
that  this  valley  is  not  only  the  most  fertile  and  desirable 
portion  of  the  State,  but  also  the  most  picturesque  and 
beautiful.  But  it  is  not  our  province  to  descant  on  such 
themes.  We  may,  however,  be  permitted  to  declare  our  as- 
sent to  the  hypothesis  of  Mr.  Jefferson  and  others,  that  it 
was  once  a  great  lake  or  sea,  which  emptied  itself  through 
the  channel  formed  by  the  force  of  the  waters  at  Harper's 
Ferry,  leaving  immense  prairies  behind  to  be  covered  in 
due  time  with  heavy  forests,  some  of  which  our  eyes  now 
behold,  while  most  of  them  have  been  felled  by  the  hands 
of  our  forefathers.* 

Such  a  country  could  not  but  attract  the  attention  of  hardy 
and  adventurous  farmers.  The  first  who  entered  it  were 
from  Pennsylvania.  Crossing  the  Potomac  at  what  is  now 
called  Shepherdstown,  but  at  first  and  for  a  considerable 
time  Mecklenburg, — doubtless  after  some  town  or  place  in 
Germany, — they  there  made  a  settlement.  Prom  thence  em- 
igration proceeded  on  toward  Winchester,  Stephensburg,  or 


•It  is  a  true  tradition,  I  believe,  that  one  of  the  Carters,  who  at  an  early- 
period  took  up  or  purchased  a  large  tract  of  land  in  old  Frederick,  includ- 
ing all  that  which  now  belongs  to  the  Burwell  family,  and  extending  beyond 
and  along  the  Opequon  and  its  barren  hills  and  stunted  trees,  offered  to  one 
of  his  sons  the  choice  of  an  equal  portion  of  that  upon  the  Opequon  and 
of  that  fertile  prairie  lying  between  it  and  the  Shenandoah  River,  and  that 
the  former  was  preferred  because  of  the  timber,  which  was  visible,  though 
of  so  indifferent  a  character.  That  the  lower  and  richer  lands  of  this  part 
of  the  valley  were  once  prairie  in  the  days  of  our  forefathers  is  generally 
admitted.  Old  Mr.  Isaac  Hite,  of  Bellgrovc,  now  deceased,  informed  me 
that  his  father  often  spoke  of  the  land  about  the  White  Post  as  being,  in 
his  day,  covered  with  a  thicket  of  saplings. 


in  West  Virginia.  473 

Newtown,  Woodstock,  &c.  Joist  Hite,  the  ancestor  of  all 
the  Hites,  was  the  first  to  make  a  settlement  north  of  Win- 
chester, with  sixteen  families.  This  was  in  the  year  1732. 
His  descendants  of  that  name  became  active  members  of, 
or  friends  of,  the  Episcopal  Church.  Soon  after  this,  Pres- 
byterians of  Scotch  and  Irish  descent  began  to  settle  in  the 
valley.  In  the  year  1738,  a  number  from  Pennsylvania,  wish- 
ing to  add  themselves  to  those  already  settled,  sent,  through 
the  synod  of  Pennsylvania,  a  deputation  to  Governor  Gooch, 
of  Virginia,  "asking  all  liberty  of  conscience  and  of  worship- 
ping God  agreeably  to  the  principles  of  their  education." 
They  professed  the  utmost  loyalty  to  the  King,  and  promised 
"the  most  dutiful  submission  to  the  government  which  is 
placed  over  them."  The  Governor  assured  them  of  his  fa- 
vour, and  that  no  interruption  should  be  given  to  their  min- 
isters, if  they  should  "conform  themselves  to  the  rules  pre- 
scribed by  the  Act  of  Toleration  in  England."  It  was  the 
same  principle  which  had  been  acted  on  before  this  time  in 
Virginia,  and  continued  to  be  to  the  end  of  the  Colonial  Es- 
tablishment. Under  that  law,  any  number  of  persons,  of 
whatsoever  name,  might  ask  for  and  should  receive  a  li- 
cense for  some  place  of  meeting  where  they  might  worship 
after  their  own  way.  Even  during  the  preceding  century, 
the  first  of  our  settlements  in  Virginia,  the  Germans  on  the 
Rappahannock  and  the  French  Hugunots  on  James  River 
had  not  only  been  tolerated,  but  allowed  special  favours, 
such  as  grants  of  lands  and  freedom  from  taxes,  until  of 
their  own  accord  they  applied  to  be  admitted  into  union 
with  the  Established  Church  under  Episcopal  ministers, — 
finding  it  difficult  to  procure  any  of  their  own.  Other  de- 
nominations ;ils<>  were  allowed  licenses  for  places  of  worship, 
— whether  private  or  public  houses, — provided  they  sought 
and  used  them  in  compliance  with  the  true  intent  of  the  law. 
In  the  case  of  President  Davies,  about  the  middle  of  the 
last  century, — which  we  have  considered  when  speaking  of 
the  parish  in  Hanover, — seven  places  of  worship  wrere  licens- 


474  The  Episcopal  Church 

ed  for  him  before  the  Governor  declared  that  he  was  exceed- 
ing the  bounds  prescribed  by  the  spirit  and  intent  of  the 
law. 

With  these  general  observations  we  proceed  to  the  his- 
tory of  the  parish  of  Frederick.  The  materials  are  furnished 
by  the  Acts  of  Assembly  dating  back  to  the  year  1738,  to 
the  records  of  the  court  beginning  in  1744,  and  to  the  old 
vestry-book  going  back  to  the  year  1764,  and  some  papers  of 
an  earlier  date. 

In  the  year  1738,  the  Assembly,  in  consideration  of  tne 
increasing  number  of  settlers  in  the  valley,  determined  to  cut 
off  two  new  counties  and  parishes — West  Augusta  and  Fred- 
erick— from  Orange  county  and  parish,  which  latter  then 
took  in  all  Western  Virginia.  The  county  and  parish  of 
Frederick  embraced  all  that  is  now  Shenandoah,  with  a  part 
of  Page,  Warren,  Clarke,  Frederick,  Jefferson,  Berkeley, 
and  Hampshire.  Augusta  had  all  the  rest  to  the  utmost 
limits  of  Virginia,  wherever  they  were, — the  contest  with 
France  as  to  the  boundaries  not  being  then  settled.  The 
execution  of  the  Act,  however,  was  postponed  until  it  should 
be  made  to  appear  that  there  were  inhabitants  enough  for 
the  appointment  of  justices  of  the  peace,  &c.  In  the  year 
1744,  the  vestry  and  court  of  Frederick  county  were  organiz- 
ed and  in  action.  Of  the  vestry,  nothing  more  is  heard  after 
its  organization,  except  the  appointment  of  processioners  in 
1747,  until  the  year  1752,  when  an  Act  of  Assembly  was  pass- 
ed dissolving  it  and  ordering  a  new  election,  on  the  ground 
that  it  had  raised  more  than  fifteen  hundred  pounds  for  build- 
ing a  number  of  churches  which  were  unfinished  and  in  a 
ruinous  condition.  As  the  churches  of  that  day  and  in  this 
region  were  log-houses,  costing  only  from  thirty  to  forty  or 
fifty  pounds,  there  must  have  been  much  misspending  of 
money.  Who  those  vestrymen  were  does  not  appear.  Those 
chosen  in  their  place  were  the  following: — Thomas  Lord 
Fairfax,  Isaac  Perkins,  Gabriel  Jones,  John  Hite,  Thomas 
Swearingen,  Charles  Buck,  Robert  Lemmon,  John  Lindsey, 


in  West  Virginia.  475 

John  Ashby,  James  Cromley,  Lewis  Neil.  Thomas  Bryan 
Martin,  the  nephew  and  one  of  the  heirs  of  Lord  Fairfax, 
does  not  ever  appear  as  vestryman,  but  seems  to  have  been  an 
active  magistrate,  and  to  have  taken  a  considerable  part 
in  completing  McCoy's  Chapel,  on  the  road  from  Winchester 
to  Front  Koyal,  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  McCoys  and 
Cunningham  Chapel,  which  stood  near  the  spot  where  what 
has  been  long  called  the  Old  Chapel — near  the  Burwell  buri- 
al ground — still  stands.  Mr.  Edward  MeGuire  also  appears 
as  a  magistrate,  but  not  as  vestryman, — he  being  of  the 
Romish  Church.  He  was  the  ancestor  of  many  worthy  min- 
isters and  members  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of 
Virginia. 

To  McCoy's  and  Cunningham's  Chapel  are  to  be  added  two 
on  the  north  and  south  branches  of  Shenandoah,  whose  lo- 
cation cannot  now  be  ascertained,  one  in  Winchester,  one 
at  Bunker's  Hill,  called  Morgan's  Chapel,  of  which  we  shall 
speak  more  fully  hereafter,  perhaps  one  called  Wood's  Chap- 
el, between  Winchester  and  Charlestown,  and  one  at  Shep- 
herdstown,  then  called  Mecklenburg  Chapel.  All  these  were 
probably  begun,  and  some  of  them  sufficiently  completed  for 
use,  between  the  years  1740  and  1750.  In  J  768.  Mr.  Van 
Swearingen  received  one  hundred  and  forty  eight  pounds  for 
completing  a  new  church  at  Mecklenburg,  now  Shepherds- 
town.  In  the  year  1768,  Isaac  Hite  was  directed  to  contract 
for  a  church  at  Leith's — place  not  known — for  forty-nine 
pounds.  In  the  year  1771,  a  church  was  ordered  to  be  built 
near  Cedar  Creek  for  one  hundred  pounds;  whether  execut- 
ed or  not,  I  cannot  tell.  In  the  year  177l\  it  was  resolved  to 
build  a  church,  costing  two  hundred  and  fifty-two  pounds,  at 
Carney's  Spring,  near  Berryville,  on  land  given  by  Mr. 
Charles  Smith,  which  was  afterward  increased  to  four  hun- 
dred and  forty-nine  pounds,  and  a  contract  made  with  Mr. 
John  Neville,  father  of  General  Neville,  and  some  of  the 
materials  collected  on  the  spot.  In  the  following  year  it 
was  determined  to  build  it  at  Cunningham's  Chapel,  two  acres 


476  The  Episcopal  Church 

of  ground  being  given  by  Colonel  Hugh  Nelson,  of  York,  the 
then  owner  of  the  Burwell  tract,  and  the  materials  moved 
there.  Again  it  was  resolved  to  build  at  Carney's  Spring, 
and  the  materials  removed  a  second  time.  The  result  of  the 
controversy  was  that  no  such  Church  was  ever  built,  though 
the  money  was  in  hand.  The  war  soon  came  on,  and  at  the 
end  of  it  the  funds  were  delivered  into  the  hands  of  the  over- 
seers of  the  poor.  In  the  year  1762,  a  new  stone  church  was 
contracted  for  in  Winchester, — the  same  which  was  after- 
ward Isold  in  order  to  build  the  present  Church. 

Having  thus  brought  down  the  history  of  the  church-build- 
ings to  the  time  of  the  Revolution,  we  will  now  give  a  list 
of  the  lay  readers  and  vestrymen  from  the  year  1764,  when 
the  vestry-book  commences,  merely  premising  that  the  county 
and  parish  of  Frederick  were  in  1769  divided  into  the  counties 
of  Dunmore,  afterward  changed  to  Shenandoah,  Frederick, 
and  Berkeley,  and  into  the  parishes  of  Beckford,  Frederick, 
and  Norbone. 

Names  of  the  vestrymen  from  the  year  1764  until  the  year 
1780,  when  no  more  meetings  of  the  vestry  take  place  until 
1785: — Isaac  Hite,  John  Hite,  John  Greenleaf,  Thomas  Ruth- 
erford, James  Keith,  John  Neville,  Charles  Smith,  James 
Wood,  Jacob  Hite,  Thomas  Wadlington,  Burr  Harrison, 
Thomas  Swearingen,  Van  Swearingen,  Angus  McDonald, 
Philip  Bush,  Frederick  Conrad,  George  Rice,  Alexander 
White,  James  Barnett,  Marquis  Calmes,  John  McDonald,  Ed- 
ward Snickers,  Warner  Washington,  Joseph  Holmes,  Benja- 
min Sedwick,  Edmund  Taylor,  John  Smith,  Samuel  DowdaL 
Of  these,  Philip  Bush  aDd  some  others,  in  consequence  of 
some  unknown  difficulties,  resigned  in  the  year  1774,  though 
all  of  them  resumed  their  seats  except  Mr.  Bush.  Lord  Fair- 
fax in  the  year  1775  made  a  deed  to  Mr.  Bush,  Frederick  Con- 
rad and  others,  for  the  lot  on  which  the  Lutheran  Church 
stood,  though  Mr.  Conrad  continued  as  vestryman  until  the 
year  1780,  when  the  vestries  were  all  dissolved  by  Act  of  As- 
sembly.    James  Wood,  who  was  both  clerk  and  vestryman, 


in  West  Virginia.  477 

resigned  in  1777  and  entered  the  army.  He  rose  to  the  rank 
of  General,  and  was  afterward  Governor  of  the  State,  and 
represented  the  parish  two  years  in  Convention  while  Gov- 
ernor. James  Barnett  resigned  in  1773  and  joined  the  Bap- 
tists. 

The  lay  readers  during  all  this  period,  at  the  different  chap- 
els, were  John  Ruddell,  James  Barnett,  John  Barns,  Henry 
Nelson,  James  Graham,  Henry  Frencham,  Morgan  Morgan, 
John  James,  William  Dobson,  William  Howard,  John  Lloyd. 

The  Ministers  of  Frederick  Parish. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Gordon  was  the  first;  when  his  ministry  com- 
menced and  ended,  not  known.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Meldrum  comes 
next,  and  continues  until  17G5.  Between  him  and  the  vestry 
a  long  law-suit  was  carried  on,  which  terminated  in  his  fa- 
vour. The  vestry  applied  to  the  Legislature  for  relief,  and 
obtained  it.  Mr.  Sebastian  was  recommended  by  the  vestry 
to  the  Bishop  of  London  for  Orders  in  1766,  and  became  their 
minister,  but  after  two  years  removed  to  Northumberland 
county.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Thruston  became  the  minister  in  1768, 
binding  himself  to  preach  at  seven  places  scattered  over  the 
large  parish  of  Frederick,  Shepherdstown  being  one  of  them. 
Mr.  Thruston  was  a  native  of  Gloucester,  where  the  name 
still  abounds,  and  was  captain  of  the  militia  in  that  county. 
The  vestry  of  Petsworth  parish,  in  Gloucester,  recommended 
him  for  Orders,  and  he  was  their  minister  for  some  years  be- 
fore coming  to  Frederick.  He  laid  down  the  ministry  and 
entered  the  army  in  1777.  After  the  war  he  lived  at  Mount 
Zion,  in  Frederick.  In  his  latter  days  he  removed  to  the 
neighborhood  of  New  Orleans,  and,  it  is  said,  was  preparing 
to  take  some  part  in  defending  that  place  against  the  British 
when  they  were  defeated  by  General  Jackson.  He  was  the 
father  of  the  late  Judge  Thruston,  of  the  District  of  Colum- 
bia, and  the  ancestor  of  many  respectable  families  in  Vir- 
ginia and  elsewhere.  From  the  time  of  Colonel  Thruston's 
resignation  in  1777  to  the  year  17S5,  there  was  no  minister, 
so  far  as  we  can  ascertain.    In  the  year  1785,  a  vestry  was 


478  The  Episcopal  Church 

elected,  consisting  of  Colonel  R.  K.  Meade,  George  F.  Norton, 
churchwardens;  John  Thruston,  Edward  Smith,  Raleigh  Col- 
ston, Girard  Briscoe,  John  Milton,  Robert  Wood,  Major 
Thomas  Massey.  By  this  vestry  the  Rev.  Alexander  Ba!- 
maine  was  chosen  minister.  He  had  been  chaplain  in  the 
army  of  the  Revolution,  in  which  a  number  of  the  above-men- 
tioned vestrymen  had  served.  Mr.  Balmaine  was  born  in 
Scotland,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Edinburgh,  in  the  year 
1740,  was  educated  at  St.  Andrews  with  a  view  to  the  Pres- 
byterian ministry,  but  relinquished  the  design.  Himself  and 
his  brother,  who  was  a  lawyer,  were  warm  friends  of  the 
Colonists  in  the  Stamp  Act  difficulties,  and  became  so  ob- 
noxious on  that  account  to  the  loyalists  about  Edinburgh, 
that  they  thought  it  best  to  try  their  fortunes  elsewhere,  and 
moved  to  London,  where  they  became  acquainted  with  Mr. 
Arthur  Lee,  who  recommended  Mr.  Balmaine  to  the  family 
of  Richard  Henry  Lee,  as  private  tutor.  While  there,  he  pre- 
pared for  the  ministry  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  upon 
receiving  Orders  became  rector  of  Augusta  parish,  then  ex- 
tending to  the  Ohio  River,  and  including,  it  is  believed,  Pitts^ 
burg  itself,  for  he  paid  several  visits  to  the  Episcopalians  in 
that  place.  When  our  difficulties  commenced  with  England, 
true  to  his  principles  adopted  in  Scotland,  he  took  an  early 
and  active  part,  was  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  in 
Augusta,  and  drafted  the  resolution  adopted  by  that  com- 
mittee. Soon  after  this,  he  entered  the  Virginia  line  as  chap- 
lain, and  continued  so  until  the  very  close  of  the  war.  Mr. 
Balmaine  was  the  rector  of  the  parish  of  Frederick  until  his 
death.  I  was  his  assistant  during  a  number  of  the  last  years 
of  his  life. 

Article  LXXII.  from  Bishop  Meade's  book.     Parishes  in  Frederick 

County.— No.  2. 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Balmaine,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bryan  offi- 
ciated for  a  time  at  Winchester,  Bunker's  Hill  and  Wickliffe, 
in  the  capacity  of  assistant  to  myself,  for  a  few  years.  He 
was  followed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Robertson  as  assistant  in  Win- 


in  West  Virginia.  479 

Chester  alone.  After  a  few  years  he  resigned  and  went  on  a 
mission  to  Greece.  In  the  year  1827,  Christ  Church,  Win- 
chester, was  organized  into  a  separate  parish,  to  be  called 
the  parish  of  Frederick,  Winchester,  with  the  Rev.  J.  E.  Jack- 
son, minister.  Mr.  Jackson  was  one  of  three  worthy  brothers 
of  most  respectable  parentage  in  Tutbury,  England,  all  of 
whom  ministered  in  the  Church  of  Virginia  and  elsewhere  in 
this  country.  The  Rev.  J.  E.  Jackson  was  the  father  of  the 
Rev.  William  Jackson,  who  recently  died  so  enviable  a  death 
in  Norfolk.  He  was  a  most  diligent  and  faithful  pastor, 
preaching  the  true  doctrines  of  the  Gospel.  Under  his  careful 
supervision  the  present  excellent  church  and  parsonage  were 
built.  In  1812,  he  resigned  and  moved  to  Kentucky.  He  was 
succeeded  in  1842  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rooker,  who  resigned  in 
1847.  Its  present  rector,  the  Rev.  Cornelius  Walker,  succeed- 
ed Mr.  Rooker.  In  May,  18-34,  another  division  of  Frederick 
parish  took  place,  when  Wickliffe,  including  Berryville,  was 
organized.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Jackson  had  been  my  assistant  in 
that  part  of  the  parish  for  two  years  before  this.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Rice  had  preceded  him  in  that  capacity.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Shiraz  followed  Mr.  Jackson.  Its  next  was  the  Rev.  Richard 
Wilmer,  who  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Peterkin.  Its 
present,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Whittle.  This  parish  has  recently  been 
subdivided,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Powell,  who  was  disappointed 
during  the  last  year  in  going  to  China,  is  the  minister  of  that 
part  which  includes  Wickliffe  Church.  Another  offshoot  was 
also  made  from  Frederick  parish  many  years  since,  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Middletown,  where  a  parish  was  organized 
and  a  neat  brick  church  built  in  the  village,  under  the  aus- 
pices of  the  late  Strother  Jones,  the  families  of  Hites,  and 
others.  It  has  had  mainly  to  depend  on  the  occasional  ser- 
vices of  the  ministers  in  Winchester.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Bryant 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Irish  were  each  for  some  time  settled  among 
them,  and  in  none  of  our  congregations  have  more  zeal  and 
liberality  been  displayed,  according  to  numbers  and  means. 
Having  thus  spoken  of  the  five  different  divisions  of  Fred- 


480  The  Episcopal  Church 

erick  parish,  after  itself  had  been  reduced  by  Acts  of  Assem- 
bly, I  proceed  to  mention  the  new  churches  built  since  the 
Revolution,  in  addition  to  those  at  Winchester  and  Middle- 
town,  already  alluded  to.  Among  the  first  things  done  by  the 
vestry  of  Frederick,  after  its  reorganization  in  1787,  was  the 
adoption  of  measures  for  the  building  of  a  stone  chapel  where 
it  was  designed  to  erect  that  one  which  failed,  through  the 
disagreement  of  the  people  and  vestry,  just  before  the  Revo- 
lution,— viz.:  where  that  called  Cunningham's  Chapel  stood. 
The  land  having  now  come  into  possession  of  Colonel  Na- 
thaniel Burwell,  the  same  two  acres  for  a  church  and  bury- 
ing-ground,  which  were  offered  by  Colonel  Hugh  Nelson  be- 
fore the  war,  were  now  given  by  Colonel  Burwell,  and  the 
present  stone  chapel  ordered  to  be  built  in  1790.  At  what 
time  it  was  completed  does  not  appear,  but  probably  in  the 
same  year.  After  the  revival  of  our  Church  in  Virginia  com- 
menced, a  stone  church  was  built  at  Wickliffe,  Mr.  Tredwell 
Smith  and  General  Thomas  Parker  being  the  most  active 
agents.  A  strenuous  effort  was  made  to  have  it  a  free  church, 
which  I  earnestly  opposed,  and  offered  to  insure  from  else- 
where as  much  as  was  pledged  by  other  than  Episcopalians. 
It  was  ascertained  that  not  more  than  fifty  dollars,  out  of 
the  two  or  three  thousand  dollars  which  it  cost,  would  be 
subscribed  by  other  than  Episcopalians,  and  the  plan  was 
dropped.  This  church  was  badly  executed,  and  after  a  time 
the  present  excellent  one  of  brick  was  built  under  the  super- 
intendence of  Mr.  Jaqueline  Smith,  and  in  a  great  measure 
at  his  expense.  The  ground  on  which  it  stood  had  been  given 
by  the  family  of  Williams,  who,  with  their  ancestors  in  the 
Northern  Neck  of  Virginia,  had  ever  been  staunch  friends  of 
the  Church.  After  some  years  the  church  at  Berryville  was 
built  on  ground  given  by  Mr.  John  Taylor,  who  owned  the 
farm  of  which  it  was  a  part.  The  building  of  this  church  was 
delayed  for  some  years  by  the  attempt  to  have  it  placed  on 
some  basis  which  would  make  it  common  to  all  denomina- 
tions.   Effort  after  effort  was  made  to  effect  it  on  this  plan, 


in  West  Virginia.  481 

without  success.  At  length,  when  the  friends  of  the  scheme 
acknowledged  its  failure,  1  addressed  the  congregation  in 
favour  of  an  Episcopal  Church,  and  succeeded  at  once.  In 
the  year  1834,  it  was  found  that  the  old  chapel  was  too  small 
and  inconvenient  for  the  increasing  congregation,  and  it  waa 
therefore  determined  to  erect  another  and  larger  one,  in  a 
more  central  and  convenient  place,  in  the  vicinity  of  Mill- 
wood, on  ground  given  by  Mr.  George  Burwell,  of  Carter  Hall. 
Such,  however,  was  the  attachment  of  many  to  the  old  chapel 
that  funds  for  the  latter  could  not  be  obtained,  except  on 
condition  of  alternate  services  at  the  chapel.  From  year  to 
year  these  services  became  less  frequent,  until  at  length  they 
are  now  reduced  to  an  annual  pilgrimage,  on  some  summer 
Sabbath,  to  this  old  and  much-loved  spot,  except  when  ser- 
vices are  held  for  the  servants,  or  death  summons  the  neigh- 
bours to  add  one  more  to  the  tenants  of  the  graveyard.* 

My  remarks  on  the  old  parish  of  Frederick,  and  some  of 
its  branches,  will  be  brought  to  a  close  by  a  brief  reference 
to  a  spot  of  all  others  most  sacred  to  many  now  living  as  the 
depository  of  all  that  was  mortal  of  those  most  dear  to  us, — 
the  burying-ground  which  lies  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  on  which 
still  stands  the  old  stone  chapel.  Ever  since  its  appropria- 
tion to  this  purpose,  it  has  been  the  graveyard  of  rich  and 
poor,  bond  and  free,  those  who  lived  near  it,  and  the  stranger 
from  afar  who  died  near  it.  It  is  called  the  Burwell  grave- 
yard, not  merely  because  the  land  was  given  by  one  of  that 
name,  but  because  it  is  the  resting-place  of  a  far  greater 
number  bearing  that  name  than  any  other.  It  has  recently 
been  enlarged  and  a  portion  of  it  divided  into  lots  and  the 


♦The  following  are  the  names  of  the  Vestrymen  of  Frederick  parish  before 
the  division  of  it  took  place.  It  would  be  too  tedious  to  enumerate  all  those 
belonging;  to  the  sub-divisions  down  to  the  present  time.  In  addition  to  those 
already  mentioned  as  composing  the  first  vestry  after  the  war,  in  17S7,  are 
the  following: — John  Woodcock,  John  Peyton,  Edward  Smith.  Thomas  Byrd, 
Isaac  Hite.  Jr.,  Nathaniel  Burwell,  Warner  Washington,  Jr..  John  Page.  Gen- 
eral Thomas  Parker,  Robert  Page,  Matthew  Page,  Philip  Nelson,  Robert  Car- 
ter Burwell.  Fairfax  Washington,  Henry  St.  George  Tucker,  Alfred  Powell. 
George  Norris,  Philip  Burwell.  <;.  R.  Thompson,  Nathaniel  Burwell,  Jr..  Obed 
Walte,  Dabney  Carr,  Joseph  Baldwin,  Richard  Briarly,  Daniel  Lee,  William  P.. 
Page,    John    W.    Page,    Strother  Jones. 


482  The  Episcopal  Church 

whole  enclosed  with  a  strong  stone  wall.  The  vestry  have 
also  proposed  the  raising  and  vesting  in  stock  the  sum  of  one 
Thousand  dollars  for  the  perpetual  preservation  of  it  and  the 
old  chapel  which  overlooks  it.  Both  of  them  stand  in  the 
immediate  angle  of  two  public  and  much-frequented  roads, 
and  the  passing  traveller  may  see  old  and  venerable  trees 
overshadowing  many  tomitos,  younger  ones  of  perpetual  ver- 
dure more  recently  planted,  green  hillocks,  covered  with 
grass  and  ivy,  high  headstones  and  large  marble  slabs,  mark- 
ing the  place  of  interment  and  designating  the  names  of  those 
whose  remains  are  beneath,  and  now  and  then  a  pillar,  either 
for  young  or  old,  rising  above  the  other  memorials.  To  this 
place,  for  more  than  sixty  years,  have  I  been  travelling,  either 
borne  in  the  arms  of  others,  or  as  a  mourner,  or  as  officiating 
minister.  To  it,  at  no  distant  day,  I  expect  to  be  carried,  and 
from  it  I  hope  to  see  arise  the  bodies  of  some  of  the  truest 
saints  of  the  Lord,  unto  whom,  in  the  adjoining  temple,  I  was 
privileged  to  preach  the  blessed  Gospel  of  our  Lord  and  Sav- 
ious  Jesus  Christ. 

Article  LXXIII.  from   Bishop  Meade's  book.      Norbourne   Parish, 
Berkeley  County. — No.  I. 

This  parish  and  county  were,  by  Act  of  Assembly,  taken 
from  Frederick  in  the  year  of  1769, — just  after  the  comple- 
tion of  the  church  at  Mecklenburg,  or  Skepherdstown,  under 
the  superintendence  of  Mr.  Van  Swearingen.  A  small  church 
had  previously  stood  probably  on  the  same  spot.  By  his  will 
in  1776,  the  father  of  Mr.  Abraham  Shepherd — Mr.  Thomas 
Shepherd — directed  his  executor  to  deed  "a  lot  of  two  acres 
on  which  the  English  church  stood."  A  third  was  erected 
on  that  lot  many  years  since,  and  has  been  enlarged  of  late 
years  to  its  present  dimensions.  A  new,  larger,  and  more 
excellent  one  in  all  respects  is  now  far  advanced.  Without 
detracting  from  the  praise  due  to  many  who  have  contributed 
funds  and  efforts  to  the  last  two  churches,  we  must  ascribe 
the  first  of  them  chiefly  to  the  zeal,  perseverance  and  liber- 
ality of  that  true  friend  of  the  Church  in  her  darkest  days, 


in  West  Virginia.  483 

Mr.  Abraham  Shepherd,  and  its  enlargement  to  the  generous 
donation  of  eight  hundred  dollars  by  his  pious  widow;  and 
the  erection  of  the  fourth  to  the  gift  of  three  thousand  dol- 
lars by  one  of  his  sons,  while  other  members  of  the  family, 
and  the  parishioners  generally,  have  not  been  wanting  in 
their  contributions.  To  an  excellent  parsonage  for  the  min- 
ister they  also  contributed;  but  the  holy  woman,  the  aged 
mother,  excelled  them  and  all  others, — contributing  not  less 
than  one  thousand  dollars  to  it.  From  the  year  1813  to  the 
time  of  her  death,  in  1852,  when  she  had  reached  her  ninety- 
second  year,  I  knew  her  well.  It  was  good  to  hear  her  speak 
from  the  abundance  of  her  heart  on  the  subject  which  inter- 
ested her  most.  Out  of  the  Bible  first,  and  then  out  of  the 
writings  of  Hervey,  Newton  and  others  of  the  evangelical 
school  of  the  Church  of  England ,  she  drew  her  views  of  doc- 
trinal and  practical  piety.  It  so  happened  that  several  of 
those  ministers  under  whose  teachings  she  sat  were  of  that 
class,  having  for  a  time  been  followers  of  Lady  Huntingdon, 
Wesley  and  Whitefield,  but  who  drew  back  from  their  path 
when  they  were  about  to  turn  aside  from  the  old  way  of  the 
Church  of  England.  She  was  most  faithful  in  the  use  of  all 
the  means  appointed  of  God  in  His  Church  for  "the  perfect- 
ing of  His  saints,-' — in  prayer,  private  and  public,  in  the  par- 
ticipation of  the  Lord's  Supper,  in  the  strict  observance  of 
the  Lord's  Day,  iu  fasting  and  alms,  in  simplicity  and  cheap- 
ness of  apparel,  in  self-denial  that  she  might  have  to  give  to 
the  poor  and  good  objects.  She  was  conscientious  even  to 
scrupulousness.  Her  sons  delighted  in  fine  cattle,  and,  at 
greal  expense  and  with  great  care,  became  possessed  of  some 
of  the  finest  in  the  land,  and  sold  the  young  ones  at  high 
prices.  She  has  often  told  me  lhat  she  could  not  be  recon- 
ciled to  their  asking  and  receiving  such  enormous  prices  for 
poor  little  lambs  and  calves;  aud  she  took  care  to  be  in  no 
way  partakers  with  them.  Much  more  might  I  say,  but  pre- 
fer directing  my  reader  to  the  excellent  and  just  picture  of 


484  The  Episcopal  Church 

her  character  given  in  a  funeral-sermon  by  the  Kev.  Mr. 
Andrews,  her  minister. 

Having  thus  referred  to  the  first  establishment  of  the 
Church  at  Shepherdstown,  I  proceed  to  notice  its  next  set- 
tlement in  the  parish  of  Norbourne,  at  Charlestown,  in  what 
is  now  Jefferson  county.  It  took  its  name  from  Mr.  Charles 
Washington, — one  of  the  brothers  of  General  Washington, — 
who  settled  on  some  of  the  tine  land  taken  up  or  purchased 
by  the  latter  during  the  period  when  he  was  public  surveyor. 
His  house  still  stands  in  the  suburbs  of  the  village.  Others 
of  the  family  soon  moved  to  this  neighbourhood,  and  for  the 
last  forty  years  have  formed  a  considerable  portion  of  the 
flourishing  congregation  now  surrounding  the  county-seat  of 
Jefferson.  The  venerable  walls  of  an  Episcopal  church,  built 
of  stone,  in  the  form  of  a  T,  are  still  to  be  seen  a  short  dis- 
tance from  Ghairlestown.  Various  conjectures  have  been  of- 
fered- as  to  the  age  of  this  house.  I  have  recently  made  par- 
ticular inquiry  on  the  spot,  of  some  of  the  oldest  inhabitants, 
and  have  no  doubt  that  it  was  erected  soon  after  the  division 
of  the  parish  from  Frederick,  in  1769,  and  not  many  years 
before  the  war.  As  Washington  had  large  possessions  in  this 
neighbourhood,  and  was  often  there,  none  can  doubt  but  that 
he  was  a  contributor  to  its  erection  and  had  often  worshipped 
within  its  walls.  Under  the  ministry  of  the  Kev.  Mr.  Allen, 
a  new  brick  church  was  erected  on  the  site  of  the  present  one. 
That  becoming  too  small  to  hold  the  congregation,  another, 
much  larger  and  more  expensive,  was  put  up  under  the  min- 
istry of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones.  Scarcely  was  it  consecrated  and 
begun  to  be  used,  before  it  was  consumed  by  fire,  owing  to 
some  negligance  or  defect  about  the  furnace.  To  the  praise 
of  the  congregation  be  it  recorded,  a  third  was  immediately 
erected  on  the  same  spot,  which  now  stands,  and  I  hope  will 
long  stand,  a  monument  of  what  may  be  done  by  zeal  and 
enterprise. 

As  to  the  ministers  who  officiated  in  Norbourne  parish  at 
an  early  date,  we  have  but  little  information.     From  a  list 


ix  West  Virginia.  485 

of  ministers  licensed  for  the  Plantations  by  the  Bishops  of 
London  in  1745  and  onward,  I  find  that  the  Eev.  Daniel  Stur- 
ges  was  licensed  for  Xorbourne  parish,  in  1771, — two  years 
after  its  separation  from  Frederick, — and  tradition  speaks 
well  of  him.  In  1780,  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Veasy,  of  whom  a  venerable  old  lady  in  Charlestown — Mrs. 
Brown —  speaks  as  a  man  who  faithfully  performed  his  duty 
in  preaching  and  catechizing,  as  she  was  the  subject  of  both. 
He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson,  of  whom  I  can 
learn  nothing.  In  the  year  1705,  the  Rev.  Bernard  Page  was 
minister.  Of  him  I  have  often  heard  old  Mrs.  Shepherd  speak 
as  one  of  the  evangelical  school, — deeply  pious,  zealous,  and 
far  beyond  the  ministerial  standard  of  that  day.  He  had 
been  previously  an  assistant  minister  to  the  Rev.  Bryan  Fair- 
fax, in  Christ  Church.  Alexandria.  From  Shepherdstown  he 
went  to  the  lower  part  of  Virginia,  but  soon  died  from  the 
effects  of  the  climate.  Mr.  Page  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Heath,  who  was  minister  in  1800,  and  died  in  the  parish. 
Mr.  Heath  was  a  follower  of  Mr.  Wesley,  and  came  over  to 
this  country  under  his  auspices,  to  preside  over  a  female  in- 
stitution in  Maryland,  as  appears  by  a  letter  to  him  from  Mr. 
Wesley,  which  I  have  seen.  He,  i  presume,  like  many  others, 
refused  to  separate  from  the  Episcopal  Church  when  the  se- 
cession took  place.  The  Rev.  Emanuel  Wilmer  succeeded 
him,  and  was  in  the  parish  about  the  years  1806  and  1807. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Price  had  been  occasionally  preaching  in  this 
parish,  especially  at  Martinsburg  and  Shepherdstown,  when 
I  first  visited  them  about  the  year  1&L2  or  1813. 

Having  treated  of  the  churches  about  Shepherdstown  and 
Charlestown,  and  the  ministrations  in  Xorbourne  parish  gen- 
erally, I  shall  now  give  an  account  of  the  churches  in  Mar- 
tinsburg and  the  vicinity,  with  some  notice  of  certain  laymen 
whose  names  are  worthy  of  a  place  in  these  sketches.  The 
first  church  built  at  Martinsburg,  and  which  stood  in  the 
suburbs  of  the  town,  was  erected  chiefly  at  the  cost  and 
under  the  superintendence  of  Mr.  Thilip  Pendleton, — father 


486  The  Episcopal  Church 

of  the  present  Mr.  P.  Pendleton,  of  that  place.  He  was  a 
zealous  Churchman,  and,  so  far  as  we  know  and  believe,  a 
good  Christian.  He  had  a  brother, — Mr.  William  Pendleton, 
— who  lived  some  miles  off,  and  who,  for  a  number  of  years 
during  the  almost  entire  destitution  of  ministers,  acted  as  a 
lay  reader  in  Martinsburg  and  at  the  church  in  Hedgesville, — 
the  latter  having  been  built  chiefly  by  himself  and  Mr.  Ra- 
leigh Colston.  Of  the  latter  we  have  already  spoken  as  ves- 
tryman near  the  old  chapel  in  Frederick.  The  families  of 
Hedges,  Coxes  and  Robinsons  also  took  part  in  it.  As  it  is  a 
part  of  our  plan  to  introduce  brief  notices  of  some  of  the  old 
families  of  the  Church,  and  as  there  is  mention  of  the  name 
of  Pendleton,  a  name  belonging  to  so  many  true  friends  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia  and  elsewhere,  we  shall  de- 
vote a  short  space  to  a  notice  of  the  family.  That  notice 
shall  be  chiefly  taken  from  a  brief  autobiography  of  Judge 
Pendleton,  President  of  the  Court  of  Appeals,  and  from  a 
genealogy  by  the  same, — both  executed  not  long  before  his 
death.  From  these  we  learn  that  about  the  year  1674  there 
came  from  England  to  Virginia  two  brothers. — Nathaniel,  a 
minister,  and  Philip,  a  teacher.  The  former  died  without  is- 
sue. The  latter  left  three  sons  and  four  daughters.  The  two 
younger  sons  married  and  had  children,  but  of  them  there  is 
no  certain  account.  The  four  daughters  married  Messrs.  Clay- 
ton, Vass,  Taylor  and  Thomas, — leaving  numerous  descen- 
dants. The  eldest  son  married,  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  Mary 
Taylor,  who  was  only  thirteen  Their  sons  were  James, 
Philip,  Nathaniel  and  Edmund, — the  latter  being  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Court  of  Appeals.  Their  daughters  were  Isabella 
and  Mary,  who  married  William  and  James  Gaines,  from  one 
of  whom  the  late  General  Gaines  was  descended.  The  sons 
all  married  and  left  children,  except  Edmund,  the  Judge, 
who  first  married  Miss  Roy,  having  one  child,  who  died,  and 
next  Miss  Pollard,  who  had  none,  and  who  lived  to  the  age 
of  ninety.  The  descendants  of  the  above  mentioned  grand- 
children of  the  first  Pendleton  have  intermarried  with  the 


in  West  Virginia.  487 

Taylors,  Pollards,  Roys,  Gaineses,  Lewises,  Pages,  Nelsons, 
Harts,  Richards,  Taliaferos,  Turners,  Shepherds,  Carters, 
Kemps,  Palmers,  Dandridges,  Cooks  and  others  unknown  to 
me,  and  who  now  exist  in  thousands  throughout  Virginia  and 
elsewhere.  I  shall  only  particularize  the  line  of  those  above- 
mentioned  in  the  parish  of  Berkeley.  Nathaniel  Pendleton — 
grandson  of  the  first  of  the  name  and  brother  of  Judge  Pen- 
dleton— lived  in  Culpepper  and  had  four  sons, — Henry,  Na- 
thaniel, William  and  Philip.  Henry  was  put  in  business  in 
Falmouth,  or  Fredericksburg,  but,  not  liking  it,  and  his 
father  not  consenting  to  its  relinquishment,  ran  away  and 
became  a  great  man  in  South  Carolina, — having  the  Pendle- 
ton district  of  that  State  called  by  his  name.  Nathaniel  stud- 
ied law, — went  first  to  Georgia,  then  to  New  York,  where  he 
became  the  intimate  friend  of  General  Hamilton,  and  was  the 
father  of  the  late  member  of  Congress  from  Cincinnati.  Wil- 
liam was  the  faithful  lay  reader  in  Berkeley,  whose  son  fol- 
lowed his  example,  and  whose  grandson  is  the  Rev.  William 
H.  Pendleton,  of  Virginia.  Philip — the  last  of  the  four  sons — 
was  the  father  of  the  present  Philip  Pendleton,  of  Martins- 
burg,  and  the  late  Edmund  Pendleton,  of  Maryland,  and  of 
Mrs.  Cook  and  Dandridge.  The  Rev.  William  N.  Pendleton, 
of  Virginia,  belongs  to  a  different  branch  of  the  same  family, 
— his  mother  being  the  daughter  of  Colonel  Hugh  Nelson,  of 
Yorktown.  It  would  be  inexcusable  in  me  not  to  record 
something  more  particular  of  one  member  of  this  large  and 
respectable  family, — viz.:  Mr.  Edmund  Pendleton,  President 
of  the  Court  of  Appeals.  He  *\as  born  in  Caroline  county, 
and  brought  up  in  the  clerk's  office  of  that  county.  At  an 
early  age  he  was  clerk  of  the  vestry,  and  the  little  which  he 
received  for  that  office  was  spent  in  books,  which  he  diligent- 
ly read.  At  twenty  years  of  age  he  was  licensed  to  practice 
law.  In  a  few  years  we  find  him  in  the  General  Court.  He 
was  in  the  House  of  Burgesses  in  the  beginning  of  the  war, — 
taking  a  leading  part  in  all  its  incipient  steps.  He  was  also 
in  the  first  Congress.    After  this,  and  until  his  death,  he  was 


488  The  Episcopal  Church 

Judge  and  President  of  the  Court  of  Appeals.  Thus  he  says, 
(in  that  brief  autobiography  from  which  I  have  taken  the 
abovei.  "Without  any  classical  education,  without  patrimony, 
without  what  is  called  the  influence  of  family  connection,  and 
without  solicitation,  I  have  attained  the  highest  offices  of  my 
country.''  His  following  words  deserve  to  be  written  in  let- 
ters of  gold: — "I  have  often  contemplated  it  as  a  rare  and 
extraordinary  instance,  and  pathetically  exclaimed,  'Not  unto 
me,  not  unto  me,  O  Lord,  but  unio  Thy  name,  be  the  praise!'  " 
I  cannot  refrain  from  adding  the  following  words,  written  by 
himself,  in  the  year  1801,  at  the  bottom  of  a  genealogical  tree 
of  the  family  drawn  by  his  own  hand: — "I  have  never  had 
curiosity  (or,  more  properly,  pride)  enough  to  search  the  Her- 
ald's Office  or  otherwise  inquire  into  the  antiquity  of  my 
family  in  England,  though  I  have  always  supposed  the  two 
brothers  who  came  here  were  what  they  call  there  of  a  good 
family,  fallen  to  decay, — since  they  were  well  educated,  and 
came  the  one  as  a  minister,  the  other  as  a  schoolmaster:  how- 
ever, I  have  had  pleasure  in  hearing  uniformly  that  my  grand- 
father and  his  immediate  descendants  were  very  respectable 
for  their  piety  and  moral  virtue. — a  character  preserved  in 
the  family  to  a  degree  scarcely  to  be  expected  in  one  so  nu- 
merous. My  mother  was  amon^  the  best  of  women,  and  her 
family  highly  respectable."  The  elevation  to  which  Judge 
Pendleton  attained  by  diligence  and  moral  worth, — the  latter 
resulting  from  true  piety, — without  the  advantages  of  birth, 
education,  and  fortune,  affords  great  encouragement  to  the 
young  men  of  our  land  to  imitate  his  noble  example.  He  did 
not  despise  such  advantages,  but  he  considered  the  blessing- 
of  God  on  honest  industry  and  the  having  of  moral  and  religi- 
ous ancestors  as  infinitely  better.  He  did  not,  in  a  proud 
spirit,  boast  of  his  own  achievements,  saying, — 

"Nam  germs  et  pro.ivos,  et  quae  non  fecimus  ipsi, 
Vix  ea  nostra  voco." — 

but  humbly  ascribed  all  merit  and  success  to  God. 

Of  a  renowned  and  wealthy  ancestry  we  have  no  reason  to 


in  West  Virginia.  489 

be  proud:  for  a  pious  one  we  ought  to  be  thankful  to  God; 
for  He  has  promised  His  mercy  to  thousands  descended  from 
such.  To  be  descended  from  a  Lord  Nelson  or  a  George  IV., 
a  (  Jroinwell  or  a  Bonaparte,  with  all  their  honours  and  offices, 
while  their  characters  were  stained  with  crimes  of  deepest 
dye,  is  not  to  be  coveted;  but  to  be  descended  from  such  vir- 
tuous and  religious  patriots  as  were  some  of  those  who 
achieved  the  independence  of  America,  is  a  lawful  gratifica- 
tion, though  we  have  no  reason  to  be  proud  of  or  to  value  our- 
selves on  account  of  that.  If  at  any  time  we  are  tempted  to 
think  highly  of  ourselves  at  the  thought  of  worthy  ancestors, 
it  would  be  well  to  remember  that,  by  going  a  little  further 
back,  we  may  find  ourselves  in  company  with  some  of  the 
most  ignoble  and  base  of  the  human  family.  We  should,  in- 
deed, ever  bear  in  mind  that  all  of  us  must  trace  our  origin 
to  two  most  notorious  transgressors  who  were  driven  into 
exile  from  one  of  the  richest  and  most  beaiutiful  lands  on 
earth.  Such  exiles  are  we,  their  descendants,  to  this  day, 
before  that  God  with  whom  not  only  a  thousand  days,  but  a 
thousand  generations,  are  but  as  one. 

Having  said  thus  much  of  a  family  two  of  whose  members 
— Mr.  William  Pendleton  and  his  son — contributed  so  much 
as  lay  readers  to  the  sustaining  the  Church  at  Hedgesville,  I 
should  be  inexcusable  not  to  make  some  record  of  the  charac- 
ter and  services  of  one  of  the  most  honest  and  upright  speci- 
mens of  humanity,  in  the  person  of  Colonel  Edward  Colston, 
in  the  same  neighbourhood,  who  also  was  a  most  efficient  lay 
reader,  as  well  as  promoter  of  every  good  work  in  the  parish 
and  in  the  diocese.  Whether  we  view  him  as  a  member  of 
the  parish,  of  the  diocese,  or  General  Convention,  or  the  State 
Legislature,  or  Congress,  as  husband,  father,  master,  neigh- 
bour, or  friend,  he  was  the  same  open,  manly,  consistent  per- 
son. You  always  knew  where  to  find  him  on  every  question. 
As  was  said  by  one  of  General  Hamilton,  "he  carried  his  heart 
in  his  hand,  and  every  one  might  see  it."  Though  through 
life  often  pressed  in  his  pecuniary  affairs, — but  this  no  fault 


4:90  The  Episcopal  Church 

of  his  own, — he  made  a  conscience  of  setting  apart  a  due  por- 
tion to  the  cause  of  religion  and  charity.  On  one  occasion, 
when  he  had  lost  a  most  valuable  mill  by  fire,  before  I  could 
condole  with  him  on  the  event,  he  enclosed  to  me  a  share  of 
bank-stock  worth  seventy-five  dollars,  requesting  me  to  apply 
it  to  some  good  object,  and  saying  that  perhaps  he  had  with- 
holden  something  which  was  due  to  other  objects  besides  his 
family,  and  God  had  taken  away  from  him  a  portion  of  what 
was  put  in  his  hands  as  a  steward,  considering  him  unworthy 
of  the  trust.  I  may  also  appeal  to  all  his  neighbours,  if  in 
his  intercourse  with  them  he  did  not  display  the  same  sim- 
plicity and  friendliness  which  so  remarkably  characterized 
his  uncle,  Judge  Marshall,  and  his  venerable  mother,  who  was 
a  softened  image  of  that  uncle  both  in  person  and  character. 
I  might  also  speak  of  other  worthy  persons  in  that  interest- 
ing parish  among  the  Robinsons,  Hedges  and  Coxes,  who  con- 
tributed after  a  time  to  build  the  present  larger  church  at 
Hedgesville,  and  one  not  far  off  on  Back  Creek;  but  I  must 
hasten  to  the  more  particular  mention  of  one  in  whom  they 
are  all  deeply  interested,  as  having  been  even  more  than  an 
ordinary  minister  to  their  fathers  and  mothers. 

Article  LXXIV.  from  Bishop   Meade's  book.      Norbourne    Parish, 
Berkeley  County — No.  2. 

In  a  previous  article  I  spoke  of  Morgan's  Chapel,  in  old 
Frederick  county  and  parish,  and  of  Morgan  Morgan  as  lay 
reader  there  and  elsewhere.  The  site  of  that  chapel  is  near 
the  dividing-line  between  Frederick  and  Berkeley,  and  the 
family  of  Morgans  has  always  been  round  about  it.  The  foun- 
dation of  the  old  chapel  may  still  be  seen  in  the  graveyard, 
though  two  churches  have  since  been  built  within  a  few  paces 
of  it.  The  following  family  sketch  is  taken  from  a  pamphlet 
published  many  years  since  by  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  and 
is  so  much  better  than  anything  from  my  pen,  that  I  shall 
make  no  apology  for  borrowing  it: — 


in  West  Virginia.  -±91 

Morgan   Morgan. 

"It  is  but  justice  to  departed  piety  to  hold  up  to  the  view 
of  survivors  its  beauty  and  its  value.  Affection  to  the  living 
also  prompts  us  to  depict  the  character  of  the  Christian  dead, 
in  order  that  their  holy  examples  may  light  others  the  way 
to  happiness  and  peace.  Actuated  by  these  motives,  we  pre- 
vent our  readers  with  an  obituary  of  Morgan  Morgan,  a  man 
1 1 \  many  of  them  respected  and  beloved  already.  Colonel 
Morgan  Morgan,  the  father  of  him  we  propose  to  notice,  was 
a  native  of  Wales,  whence  he  emigrated  in  early  life  to  the 
i  lien  Province  of  Pennsylvania.  There  he  married,  and  there 
his  first  son  was  born,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1715.  Thence, 
about  the  year  1720,  he  removed  to  Virginia,  to  the  place 
where  his  descendants  now  reside  in  the  county  of  Berkeley. 
He  there  erected  the  first  cabin  built  on  the  Virginia  side 
of  the  Potomac,  between  the  Blue  Ridge  and  the  North  Moun- 
tains. Of  course  the  country  was  a  wilderness,  the  dwelling- 
place  of  bears,  wolves  and  Indians.  But  in  this  wilderness 
did  he  find  the  God  of  the  Christians  present,  for  here,  in  the 
spirit  of  the  patriarchs,  did  he  wait  upon  Him,  and  here  did  he 
experience  His  providential  care. 

"In  or  about  the  year  1740,  he — associated,  as  we  are  in- 

formed,  with  Dr.  John  Briscoe  and  Mr.  Hite — erected 

The  first  Episcopal  Church  in  the  valley,  at  what  is  now  called 
Mill  Creek,  or  Bunker's  Hill.  In  that  building  he  had  the 
s;i  i  isf action  of  seeing  his  son,  Morgan  Morgan,  (who  was  born 
to  him  March  20,  1737),  perform  the  service  of  the  Church  as 
lay  reader  at  the  early  age  of  sixteen.  With  the  religious 
education  of  this  son  he  appears  to  have  taken  peculiar  care. 
He  took  him  with  him  in  his  usual  visits  to  the  sick  and  dy- 
ing.  At  seventeen,  he  induced  him  to  act  as  clerk  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Meldrum,  then  rector  of  the  parish  at  Winchester.  He 
lived  a  pattern  of  piety  and  good  citizenship  until  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  seventy-eight,  when,  under  the  roof  of  his  son 
Morgan,  he  breathed  his  spirit  into  the  hands  of  his  Creator. 
The  close  of  his  life  was  spent  in  close  communion  with  his 


492  The  Episcopal  Church 

God,  in  fitting  himself  for  the  change  at  hand,  and  in  im- 
pressing the  precious  Gospel  on  the  minds  of  his  descen- 
dants. When  on  the  bed  of  death,  so  anxious  was  he  for  the 
pious  walk  of  his  children,  that  he  thus  expressed  himself: — 
'I  hoped  I  should  have  lived  to  see  Morgan's  children  old 
enough  to  say  their  catechism  and  read  the  Word  of  God; 
but  I  must  depart.'  One  of  his  expressions,  uttered  with  the 
greatest  humility,  was,  'Lord  Jesus,  open  the  gates  of  heaven 
and  let  me  in.'  He  fell  asleep  in  that  Jesus,  leaving  on  the 
countenance  of  death  the  smile  of  the  triumphant  soul.  He 
died  the  1st  of  November,  1766. 

"The  mantle  of  the  father  was  caught  by  the  son.  Morgan 
Morgan,  the  subject  of  our  present  notice,  lived  also  a  pat- 
tern of  piety.  He  served  his  feliow-citizens  in  various  public 
capacities.  He  officiated  as  clerk  for  the  successive  rectors 
of  the  parish,  and  as  lay  reader  when  there  was  no  rector. 
He  was  the  friend  of  the  needy,  and  the  comforter  of  the 
afflicted.  Was  any  one  sick  with  so  contagious  a  disorder  that 
their  neighbours  fled  from  them  with  alarm,  Morgan  Morgan 
was  ready  to  attend  their  house  of  suffering,  and  to  watch 
over  their  bed.  In  public  ministrations,  he  officiated  chiefly 
in  his  immediate  neighbourhood,  until  within  a  few  years  of 
the  close  of  his  life,  when,  in  consequence  of  the  destitute 
state  of  the  country  generally,  he  was  often  called  far  from 
home  to  perform  the  religious  duties  proper  for  a  layman. 
At  length,  from  the  frequency  of  those  calls,  he  gave  himself 
entirely  to  the  work  of  a  labourer  in  the  vineyard.  While  the 
Church  to  which  he  belonged  exists  in  this  land  his  labours 
will  be  remembered  with  gratitude.  In  a  dark  day,  when 
desolation  and  death  seemed  brooding  over  her  interests,  he 
commenced  a  career  of  active  exertion,  which  revived  the  at- 
tachment of  her  friends  and  kept  her  from  descending  to  the 
dust.  Though  encumbered  with  the  weight  of  years,  and  but 
a  layman,  he,  by  constant  exhortation  and  incessant  labours 
of  love,  through  the  blessing  of  God,  impressed  the  minds  of 
many  of  the  young  with  the  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  revived 


in  West  Virginia.  493 

the  spirit  of  piety  generally  in  the  land.  Through  Jefferson 
and  Berkeley,  and  part  of  Frederick,  Hampshire  and  Mary- 
land his  labours  extended.  He  visited  alike  the  mansions  of 
the  rich  and  the  cottages  of  the  poor, — everywhere  acting  in 
the  spirit  of  a  crucified  Master.  To  the  prosperous  he  was 
the  messenger  of  warning, — to  the  afflicted,  of  consolation. 
Many  are  there  now  living,  who  can  testify  to  his  faithful- 
ness; many  are  there,  we  trust,  in  heaven,  who  have  hailed 
him  as  their  spiritual  father.  His  course  through  this  coun- 
try may  be  traced  by  the  fruits  of  his  labour, — fruits  that  still 
arise  to  call  him  blessed.  He  died,  as  he  had  lived,  in  the 
faith  of  his  Redeemer.  He  was  buried  at  the  Mill  Creek 
Church,  which  was  named,  after  him,  Morgan's  Chapel." 

Mr.  Morgan  died  in  the  year  1797.  An  excellent  sermon 
was  preached  on  the  occasion  by  Dr.  Balmaine,  of  Winches- 
ter. He  does  ample  justice  to  his  personal  piety,  his  active 
zeal,  and  his  evangelical  views,  as  displayed  in  the  sermons 
which  he  read.  To  the  latter  J  can  testify.  I  have  a  large 
number  of  the  sermons  which  he  used  as  lay  reader,  and  have 
read  not  a  few  of  them.  They  are  faithful,  and  deeply  ex- 
perimental. He  has  evidently  compiled  some  of  them  from 
various  authors,  and  adapted  them  to  the  occasions  on  which 
they  were  preached.  By  the  notes  on  the  outside  leaf,  they 
appear  to  have  been  preached  at  funerals,  in  private  houses, 
on  thanksgiving-days,  on  the  first  opening  of  Morgan's  Chapel 
and  other  special  subjects.  Had  all  the  sermons  preached 
in  Virginia,  from  its  first  settlement,  been  like  these,  and  all 
the  ministers  and  readers  been  like  Morgan  Morgan,  the  his- 
tory of  the  Church  of  Virginia  would  have  been  different 
from  that  which  truth  now  requires  it  to  be.  So  well  calcu- 
lated was  he  for  the  ministry,  and  so  esteemed  by  the  people 
whom  he  served,  that  they  united  in  a  letter  of  recommenda- 
tion to  some  Bishop,  (supposed  to  be  Bishop  Madison,  not 
long  before  Mr.  Morgan's  death),  begging  that  he  might  be 
ordained  as  their  pastor,  notwithstanding  his  deficiency  in 
human  learning.    The  paper  lies  before  me,  and  is  very  strong 


494  The  Episcopal  Church 

in  his  praise.  His  age,  infirmities,  and  the  distance  to  be 
travelled,  prevented  his  application.  The  effect  of  his  exam- 
ple and  ministrations  has  been  felt  to  this  day.  where  his 
services  were  more  frequent,  and  are  to  be  seen  especially 
among  his  own  descendants,  who  have  been  among  the  chief 
supporters  of  the  church  at  Mill  Creek,  or  Bunker's  Hill.  At 
my  last  visit  there,  a  few  months  since,  the  congregation  was 
called  to  mourn  the  sudden  death  of  one  of  his  grandsons. 
William  G.  Morgan,  who  had  followed  the  pious  example  of 
his  father,  grandfather  and  great-grandfather.  I  mention, 
as  one  of  the  effects  of  Morgan  Morgan's  example  and  ex- 
hortations upon  his  descendants  and  neighbours,  that  when 
Mr.  Allen  first  visited  the  neighbourhood  he  found  no  diffi- 
culty, though  twenty  years  after  the  death  of  this  good  man, 
in  raising  a  large  catechetical  class,  among  whom  were  fuil- 
grown  young  men  and  women,  repeating  the  Church  cate- 
chism and  hearing  it  explained.  This  my  eyes  have  seen,  in 
a  public  tavern  at  Bunker's  Hill,  the  old  church  being  unfit 
for  use. 

Having  thus  brought  the  history  of  the  ministers  and 
churches  of  Norbourne  parish  to  the  time  when,  by  God's 
blessing,  a  new  order  of  things  commenced,  I  now  proceed  to 
make  mention  of  the  chief  instrument  by  which  the  revival 
was  effected.  On  Christmas  eve,  in  the  year  1814,  a  little 
after  dark,  there  entered  into  my  house  a  gentleman  who 
introduced  himself  to  me  as  Mr.  Allen,  from  New  York,  with 
letters  of  introduction  from  Bishop  Moore  and  Dr.  Wilmer, 
certifying  that  he  was  a  candiate  for  Orders,  and  wished  em- 
ployment in  the  valley  as  a  lay-reader.  Although  the  roads 
were  in  their  worst  condition,  much  rain  having  fallen,  he 
had  in  two  short  days  walked  from  Alexandria  to  my  house, 
about  sixty  miles.  Carrying  him  with  me  to  the  Old  Chapel 
the  next  day,  we  met  with  Mr.  Beverley  Whiting  and  his  sis- 
ter, Miss  Betsy,  from  Jefferson  county,  who  had,  as  they  and 
others  near  them  afterward  did,  come  about  fifteen  miles  to 
church  through  bad  roads.    Into  their  hands  I  consigned  Mr. 


in  West  Virginia.  495 

Allen,  on  a  horse  which  I  had  lent  him.  In  just  two  weeks 
he  returned  in  high  spirits.  He  had  itinerated  through  the 
whole  of  Jefferson  and  Berkeley  counties,  found  out  all  the 
principal  families  who  were  still  attached  to  the  Church,  es- 
tablished at  least  twelve  places  for  service,  and  received  a 
kind  invitation  from  Mr.  Whiting  and  his  sister  to  bring  his 
little  family  to  their  house  and  make  it  a  home  for  the  pres- 
ent. To  Alexandria  he  immediately  returned,  where  his  wife 
and  infant  were,  and,  without  delay,  in  a  spell  of  bitter  cold 
weather  in  the  month  of  January,  brought  them  up  in  a  road- 
wagon  of  Mr.  Whiting's,  on  its  return  from  Alexandria,  to 
which  it  had  carried  a  load  of  Hour.  Mr.  Whiting's  was  his 
home  for  a  considerable  time, — for  years  indeed;  and  even 
after  a  parsonage  was  provided  his  visits  to  that  abode  of 
hospitality  were  frequent  and  long.  From  this  time  until  the 
year  1821,  with  feeble  health,  the  pressure  of  debt  upon  him, 
a  growing  family,  he  perhaps  rode  as  great  a  distance, 
preached  as  often,  studied  his  Bible  as  much,  and  prepared  as 
many  things  for  the  press,  as  any  man  of  his  day.  No  one 
had  a  better  opportunity  than  myself  of  knowing  this,  for  I 
had  often  to  go  the  rounds  with  him,  doing  more  duty  from 
necessity  than  I  ever  did  before  or  have  done  since.  Sleeping 
in  the  room  with  him.  often  I  have  seen  him  watch  the  morn- 
ing light  with  his  little  Bible,  and  reading  it  when  others 
were  sleeping.  I  have  travelled  with  him,  and  seen  tha, 
Bible,  or  some  other  book,  in  his  hand  on  horseback,  and  dur- 
ing any  little  spare  time  in  private  hours  busy  with  his  pen 
preparing  something  for  the  press.  While  thus  itinerating  in 
i  hese  counties,  and  also  in  the  adjoining  county  in  Maryland, 
he  was  conducting  a  little  paper  called  the  "Layman's  Maga- 
zine," and  actually  abridged  and  published  the  History  of  the 
Keformation,  by  Burnet,  in  a  small  volume,  and  compiled  a 
history  of  the  whole  Church  in  two  octavo  volumes.  All  this 
he  did  while,  like  an  honest  man,  he  was  paying  his  debts  out 
of  a  small  salary  and  the  scanty  profits  of  these  publications, 
if  indeed  there  were  any.    For  nine  years  he  thus  laboured. 


496  The  Episcopal  Church 

contracting  his  sphere,  though  not  his  diligence,  by  the  in- 
troduction of  one  or  two  ministers  into  some  of  the  numer- 
ous places  he  had  taken  in  charge,  when  he  was  called  to  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Philadelphia,  being  the  next  choice  to  Bishop 
Mcllvaine.  His  labours  in  such  a  congregation  and  city  were 
of  course  not  diminished.  He  again  issued  a  religious  maga- 
zine, and  engaged  in  every  plan  f»r  promoting  Sunday-schools, 
infant-schools,  Bible-classes,  missionary  societies,  and  all  such 
things,  being  especially  interested  in  Bishop  Chase's  college 
in  Ohio.  His  house  was  the  Bishop's  home.  The  increase  of 
Episcopal  Churches  in  Philadelphia  soon  attracted  his  mind. 
At  a  time  when  a  narrow  and  selfish  policy  kept  ministers  and 
vestries  in  a  state  of  fear  and  trembling  whenever  a  new 
church  was  talked  of,  lest  its  establishment  might  somewhat 
interfere  with  their  monopoly,  his  large  soul,  disdaining  all 
petty  considerations,  determined  on  at  least  one  other  church, 
under  the  patronage  of  St.  Paul's.  Mr.  Bedell  was  about 
leaving  North  Carolina,  and  wished  some  situation  in  the 
North.  Mr.  Allen,  learning  this,  immediately  determined  to 
secure  him  for  Philadelphia,  and  proposed  it  to  a  few  friends. 
Alarmed  at  the  thought  of  such  a  great  work,  they  shrunk 
back  from  it;  but  Mr.  Allen  persevered  and  succeeded,  and 
St.  Andrew's  Church  was  the  result.  While  Mr.  Bedell  was 
collecting  the  congregation  and  the  house  was  rising  up,  Mr. 
Allen  insisted  that  he  should  use  St.  Paul's  during  a  part  of 
each  Sabbath.  Some  of  his  people  and  friends  were  alarmed, 
and  predicted  that  the  popularity  of  Bedell  would  ruin  Mr. 
Allen's  prospects,  and  diminish,  if  not  destroy,  St.  Paul's  con- 
gregation. But  nothing  of  this  kind  moved  such  a  man.  His 
reply  was,  "Let  me  decrease,  so  the  Church  increases."  By 
God's  blessing  on  such  a  Christian  course,  both  increased, 
though  Mr.  Allen's  pulpit-talents  were  only  of  the  moderate 
order.  At  length,  under  the  pressure  of  mental  and  bodily 
labour,  his  health  so  failed  that  a  voyage  to  Europe  was  re- 
sorted to.  But  it  was  only  used  by  him  on  his  way  to  Eng- 
land, in  England,  and  on  his  return,  as  an  occasion  for  greater 


in  West  Virginia.  497 

efforts  in  his  Master's  cause  and  for  the  souls  of  men.  Provi- 
dence found  work  for  him  in  a  foreign  land,  and  gave  him 
favour  with  the  most  zealous  of  the  Christian  philanthropists 
in  England.  It  may  be  safely  affirmed  that,  within  the  same 
short  period,  no  minister  from  this  country  had  ever  attract- 
ed more  attention,  and  had,  and  zealously  used,  more  oppor- 
tunities of  promoting  the  welfare  of  all  religious  and  benevo- 
lent societies,  than  Mr.  Allen.  Even  the  Society  of  Quakers 
felt  the  influence  of  his  zeal  in  behalf  of  Sunday-schools,  and 
to  this  day  speak  of  him  as  ''that  wonderful  man."  After 
these  dying  labours,  which  were  like  the  last  notes  of  the 
swan,  he  returned  toward  America  in  a  vessel  which,  by  con- 
trary winds,  was  detained  nearly  one  hundred  days  on  the 
deep,  the  crew  suffering  for  provisions.  Mr.  Allen's  grave 
was  the  great  deep,  as  though  ro  narrow  sepulchre  was  fit 
for  one  of  so  large  a  soul. 

We  now  draw  to  a  close  these  notices  of  what  was  once 
Berkeley  county  and  Norbourne  parish,  but  which  in  the  year 
1801  became  Berkeley  and  Jefferson  counties,  and  in  time  has 
been  divided  into  six  parishes, — those  around  Charlestown, 
Harper's  Ferry,  Shepherdstown,  Martinsburg,  Bunker's  Hill 
and  Smithfield.  The  Bev.  B.  B.  Smith,  now  Bishop  of  Ken- 
tucky, succeeded  Mr.  Allen  in  the  congregations  at  Charles- 
town  and  Shepherdstown,  and  continued  to  serve  them  most 
acceptably  for  nearly  two  years.  The  Kev.  Alexander  Jones 
succeeded  in  1823,  and  for  fifteen  years  served  the  same  con- 
gregations, at  the  end  of  which  time  he  confined  his  services  to 
the  congregation  at  Charlestown.  The  Kev.  Mr.  Morrison  took 
his  place  at  Shepherdstown  and  continued  for  two  years,  and 
was  succeeded  by  the  present  rector,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Andrews. 
Dr.  Jones  continued  in  Charlestown  until  hjs  removal  to 
Richmond,  a  few  years  since.  During  his  long  ministry  in 
that  parish  the  congregation  steadily  increased,  until  it  be- 
came one  of  the  largest  of  our  country  parishes,  and  two  no- 
ble churches  were  erected,  the  first  having  been  consumed  by 
fire,  as  we  have  said  before.    Mr.  Jones  was  followed  in  Char- 


498  The  Episcopal  Church 

lestown  by  the  Rev.  Dudley  Tyng,  and  be  was  succeeded  by 
its  present  rector,  the  Rev.  Charles  Ambler. 

The  small  number  of  Episcopalians  at  Harper's  Ferry  had, 
from  the  time  of  Mr.  Allen,  been  occasionally — sometimes 
regularly — visited  by  the  ministers  at  Charlestown  and  Shep- 
herdstown,  until  a  few  years  since,  when  the  church  now 
standing  on  an  imposing  eminence  was  built.  During  its  erec- 
tion, and  with  much  attention  on  his  part,  the  Rev.  Horace 
Stringfellow,  Jr.,  was  its  minister.  To  him  succeeded  for  a 
time  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilcoxen.  The  congregation  at  Martins- 
burg,  after  being  organized  and  for  a  time  supplied  by  Mr. 
Allen,  was  put  in  charge  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Horrell,  who  con- 
tinued for  several  years,  and  was  succeeded  in  1S19  by  the 
Rev.  Enoch  Lowe.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Lippitt  succeeded  him.  The 
Rev.  Dr.  Brooke,  now  of  Ohio;  the  Rev.  James  Tyng,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Johnson,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Taliafero,  the  Rev.  James  Chis- 
holm,  the  Rev.  D.  F.  Sprigg  and  the  present  minister,  the  Rev. 
Richard  Davis,  have  successively  for  the  last  thirty  years 
supplied  the  two  congregations  at  Martinsburg  and  Hedges- 
ville.  The  church  at  Bunker's  Hill,  or  Morgan's  Chapel,  has 
been  for  the  most  part  supplied  by  the  ministers  from  Mar- 
tinsburg and  Winchester,  but  of  late  years  has  united  with 
the  congregations  of  Smithfield  and  Leetown,  each  about  five 
miles  off.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Brown  was  the  first  who  had  charge 
of  these  three  in  conjunction,  who,  after  some  years,  was 
succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Callaway.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Grammer 
has  just  taken  charge  of  them.  In  Smithfield  and  Leetown 
two  excellent  churches  have  recently  been  erected,  the  for- 
mer by  the  zeal  and  liberality  of  a  very  few  ladies  and  gen- 
tlemen, and  the  latter  at  the  expense  of  the  Rev.  Lewis  Balch, 
of  Baltimore,  with  the  aid  of  some  of  his  people  in  the  church 
of  St.  Bartholomew,  of  New  York,  while  he  ministered  to 
them.  It  being  the  birthplace  or  early  home  of  some  of  his 
ancestors,  and  the  present  residence  of  his  parents,  Mr.  Balch 
has  sought  to  confer  upon  it  an  honour  far  higher  than  the 
proudest  and  most  expensive  monument.    There  is  a  circum- 


in  West  Virginia.  499 

stance  peculiar  to  this  neighbourhood  which  deserves  a  re- 
cord. Not  only  was  the  property  and  the  residence  of  Gen- 
eral Charles  Lee,  of  Revolutionary  memory,  from  whom  it 
took  its  name,  in  sight  of  the  church,  but  not  far  distant  were 
the  estates  of  General  Gates,  General  Stephens  and  General 
Darke,  all  of  them  officers  in  the  American  army.  It  was 
meet  that  a  Christian  church  should  tower  above  the  abode 
of  such  a  wretched  blasphemer  as  General  Lee.  The  follow- 
ing extract  from  his  will  declares  the  character  of  him  who 
once  enviously  sought  to  dethrone  Washington  from  the  con- 
fidence of  the  nation,  and  to  have  the  chief  command  of  the 
American  army  conferred  on  himself,  who  wellnigh  lost  us 
the  victory  on  the  field  of  Monmouth,  and  who  ingloriously 
terminated  his  days,  a  selfish  celibate,  in  the  midst  of  dogs 
for  his  most  familiar  friends,  and  an  enemy  to  God  and 
man: 

''I  desire  most  earnestly  that  I  may  not  be  buried  in  any 
church  or  churchyard,  or  within  a  mile  of  any  Presbyterian 
or  Anabaptist  meeting-house,  for  since  I  have  resided  in  this 
country  I  have  kept  so  much  bad  company  when  living,  that 
I  do  not  choose  to  continue  it  when  dead.  I  recommend  my 
soul  to  the  Creator  of  all  worlds  and  all  creatures,  who  must, 
from  his  visible  attributes,  be  indifferent  to  their  modes  of 
worship  or  creeds,  whether  Christians,  Mahometans,  or  Jews, 
whether  instilled  by  education  or  taken  up  by  reflection, 
whether  more  or  less  absurd,  as  a  weak  mortal  can  no  more 
be  answerable  for  his  persuasions,  notions,  or  even  skep- 
ticism in  religion,  than  for  the  colour  of  his  skin." 

Extracted  from  his  will,  recorded  in  the  court  of  Berkeley 
county. 

Article  LXXV.  from  Bishop  Meade's  Book.     Parishes  in  Hampshire 
and  Shenandoah  Counties. 

Having  disposed  of  Berkeley  county,  I  come  to  Hampshire, 
which  was  formed  into  a  county  and  parish  in  the  year  1753. 
I  perceive  how  the  parish  of  Hampshire  was  divided  and  one 


500  The  Episcopal  Church 

established  in  Hardy  in  1785,  but  of  the  ministers  and  church- 
es of  the  same  I  have  but  little  to  say.  In  the  year  1771  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Ogilvie,  and  in  the  year  1772  the  Rev.  Mr.  Manning 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kenner,  were  all  ordained,  in  England,  for 
Hampshire.  Mr.  Manning  alone  ever  reached  there, — the 
others  settling  in  parishes  below  the  Ridge.  About  the  year 
1812,  or  1813,  I  remember  to  have  seen  a  Rev.  Mr.  Reynolds, 
who  said  that  he  was  the  minister  in  Hampshire  and  Hardy. 
No  churches,  I  expect,  were  ever  built  in  these  counties  until 
those  I  am  about  to  mention.  The  Rev.  Norman  Nash,  a 
friend  of  Mr.  Allen,  desired  to  become  a  candidate  for  Or- 
ders in  Virginia,  and  be  ordained  without  the  knowledge  of 
the  languages.  To  this  Bishop  Moore  objected.  Mr.  Nash 
strongly  declared  his  conviction  that  he  was  called  of  God 
and  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  the  work,  but  that  he 
was  advancing  in  years,  and,  having  never  studied  the  an- 
cient language,  it  must  be  a  long  time  before  he  could  be 
prepared  for  the  ministry,  if  a  knowledge  of  these  were  req- 
uisite; that  he  might  die  before  that  period  arrived;  and  that 
if  God  should  inquire  of  him  why  he  had  not  obeyed  his  or- 
ders, he  could  only  say  that  Bishop  Moore  would  not  let  him, 
until  he  had  studied  Latin  and  Greek.  Without  entering 
into  the  merits  of  the  question  between  him  and  the  Bishop, 
suffice  it  to  say  that  the  latter  yielded.  Mr.  Nash  was  or- 
dained for  the  county  of  Hampshire,  where  the  ancient  lan- 
guages were  but  little  known  and  not  much  required.  Hamp- 
shire may  be  truly  called  the  bill-country  of  Virginia, — not 
surpassed  in  high  hills  and  deep  valleys  by  that  of  Judea 
itself.  In  one  of  its  deep  narrow  valleys,  and  on  its  hill- 
sides, a  few  families  of  plain  people  had  settled,  who  retain- 
ed a  strong  attachment  to  the  Church  while  all  around  had 
forsaken  her  as  the  Babylon  of  prophecy.  There  was  added 
to  them  one  which  had  emigrated  from  Scotland,  with  all  the 
Scottish  prejudices  against  the  Church;  but  the  father  of 
the  family,  on  his  way  to  these  Western  hills  had  met  with 
some  of  Bishop  Hobart's  works,  and  become  a  thorough  con- 


in  West  Virginia.  501 

vert  to  his  views  of  Episcopacy  and  the  Church.  The  old 
man  was  also  a  great  reader  of  Scripture,  and  spent  many 
of  his  latter  years  in  writing  a  full  paraphrase  of  large  por- 
tions of  it, — even  of  the  prophetical  books.  At  his  death 
he  bequeathed  them  to  Dr.  Balmaine  and  myself  for  publi- 
cation, if  we  deemed  them  worthy.  A  box  of  considerable 
size  was  full  of  these  manuscripts,  in  very  close,  small  hand. 
We  were,  of  course,  afraid  to  venture  on  so  great  an  under- 
taking. Into  this  hilly  region  did  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nash  enter, 
and  never  did  man  labour  more  faithfully  than  he  did.  It 
might  have  been  said  of  him,  if  he  could  not  say  it  of  him- 
self,--- 

"Si    Pergama    dextra    defendi   possent, 
Etiam  hae  defensa  fuissfeut;" 

for  he  was  well  suited  to  the  work  and  place.  Having  spent 
his  earlier  days  in  mechanical  pursuits,  he  diligently  employ- 
ed his  skill  in  helping  to  erect  and  complete  two  log  churches, 
— working  with  his  own  hands  in  various  ways.  When  com- 
pleted, he  used  every  proper  effort  to  fill  them  with  Episcopal 
worshippers,  and,  for  a  time,  did  in  a  measure  succeed.  But 
there  are  some  winds  and  tides  against  which  even  the  pow- 
er of  steam  prove  ineffectual,  and  there  are  some  places  and 
societies  where  the  excellencies  of  our  Church  system  and 
service  cannot  avail  against  violent  and  long-established 
prejudices,  even  though  the  Gospel  be  faithfully  preached 
in  connection  with  it.  Such  was  the  case  in  relation  to  this 
part  of  Virginia,  where  not  only  Norman  Nash  laboured 
zealously  and  preached  faithfully,  hut  where  his  nephew, — 
Mr.  Sylvester  Nash, — who  succeeded  him,  did  the  same,  and 
where  other  ministers  have  lent  their  aid,  and  Bishops  have 
not  failed  in  their  peculiar  offices.  Bishop  Moore  visited 
these  churches  several  times.  Mr.  Sylvested  Nash  not  only 
officiated  for  some  years  at  these  log  churches,  but,  by  much 
solicitation  and  perseverance,  succeeded  in  building  a  neat 
brick  church  in  Romney,  the  county  seat  of  Hampshire, 
where  materials  more  abounded  and  the  prospects  for  a 
time  were  more  flourishing,  but  he  was  not  encouraged  to 


502  The  Episcopal  Church 

make  a  permanent  abode  there.  The  Kev.  Mr.  Hedges  also 
made  a  few  ineffectual  efforts  after  the  resignation  of  Mr. 
Nash,  and,  within  a  few  years  past,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Irish  re- 
peated the  same,  with  the  same  result.  Since  this  last  ef- 
fort, the  church  has  been  consumed  by  fire.  In  the  many 
changes  which  are  continually  going  on  in  society,  we  will 
not  despair  of  seeing  her  old  bare  walls  clothed  again  with 
garments  of  praise,  and  a  crown  once  more  on  her  head. 

Article  LXXVI I.  from    Bishop  Meade's  Book.     Churches  in  West- 
ern Virginia;  St.  Paul's  and  St.  John's,  Brooke  County. 

We  introduce  our  notices  of  the  churches  in  Western  Vir- 
ginia by  the  following  passage  from  a  sketch  of  Western 
Virginia,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Doddridge,  whose  ministry  will  be 
dulv  noticed: — 

"The  Episcopal  Church,  which  ought  to  have  been  fore- 
most in  gathering  their  scattered  flocks,  have  been  the  last 
and  done  the  least  of  any  Christian  community  in  the  evan- 
gelical work.  Taking  the  Western  country  in  its  whole  ex- 
tent, at  least  one-half  of  its  population  was  originally  of 
Episcopalian  parentage;  but,  for  want  of  a  ministry  of  their 
own,  they  have  associated  with  other  communities.  They 
had  no  alternative  but  that  of  changing  their  profession  or 
living  and  dying  without  the  ordinances  of  religion.  It  can 
be  no  subject  of  regret  that  those  ordinances  were  placed 
within  their  reach  by  other  hands,  whilst  they  were  with- 
held by  those  by  whom,  as  a  matter  of  right  and  duty,  they 
ought  to  have  been  given.  One  single  chore  pisco  pus,  or  suffra- 
gan Bishop,  of  a  faithful  spirit,  who,  twenty  years  ago, 
should  have  'ordained  them  elders  in  every  place'  where 
they  were  needed,  would  have  been  the  instrument  of  form- 
ing Episcopal  congregations  over  a  great  extent  of  country, 
and  which,  by  this  time,  would  have  become  large,  numerous, 
and  respectable;  but  the  opportunity  was  neglected,  and  the 
consequent  loss  to  this  Church  is  irreparable. 

"So  total  a  neglect  of  the  spiritual  interests  of  so  many 
valuable  people,  for  so  great  a  length  of  time,  by  a  ministry 


in  West  Virginia.  503 

so  near  at  hand,  is  a  singular  and  unprecedented  fact  in  ec- 
clesiastical history,  the  like  of  which  never  occurred  before. 

"It  seems  to  me  that  if  the  twentieth  part  of  their  number 
of  Christian  people  of  any  other  community  had  been  placed 
in  Siberia,  and  dependent  on  any  other  ecclesiastical  author- 
ity in  this  countiy,  that  that  authority  would  have  reached 
them  many  years  ago  with  the  ministration  of  the  Gospel. 
With  the  earliest  and  most  numerous  Episcopacy  in  Ameri- 
ca, not  one  of  the  Eastern  Bishops  has  yet  crossed  the  Alle- 
gheny mountains,  although  the  dioceses  of  two  of  them  com- 
prehended large  tracts  of  country  on  the  western  side  of  the 
mountains.  It  is  hoped  that  the  future  diligence  of  this  com- 
munity will  make  up  in  some  degree  for  the  negligence  of 
the  past. 

"There  is  still  an  immense  void  in  this  country,  which  it 
is  their  duty  to  fill  up.  From  their  respectability,  on  th« 
ground  of  antiquity,  among  the  Reformed  Churches,  the  sci- 
ence of  their  patriarchs,  who  have  been  the  lights  of  the 
ica, — she  ought  to  hasten  to  fulfill  the  just  expectations  of 
world, — from  their  number  and  great  resources  even  in  Amer- 
her  own  people  as  well  as  those  of  other  communities,  in 
contributing  her  full  share  to  the  science,  piety,  and  civili- 
zation of  our  country. 

"From  the  whole  of  our  ecclesiastical  history,  it  appears 
that,  with  the  exception  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  all  our  re- 
ligious communities  have  done  well   for  their  country.'' 

Without  questioning  the  perfect  sincerity  and  honest  zeal 
of  Dr.  Doddridge  in  this  severe  criticism,  or  desiring  to  apol- 
ogize for  what  was  blameworthy  in  the  Episcopal  Church 
in  regard  to  the  West,  we  think  that  truth  and  justice  require 
some  modification  of  the  sentence.  We  cannot  assent  to 
tin-  fact  that  one-half  of  the  Western  population  was  ori- 
ginally of  Episcopal  parentage.  We  must  remember  that 
even  Maryland  had  a  large  proportion  of  Romanists,  as  well 
as  other  Protestant  denominations  besides  the  Episcopal. 
North  of  this  there  were  scarce  any  Episcopalians  from  the 


504  The  Episcopal  Church 

first  settlement  of  the  country.  A  short  time  before  the 
war.  Bishop  White  was  the  only  Episcopal  minister  in  Penn- 
sylvania. The  emigrants  from  all  the  Northern  States,  be- 
ginning with  Pennsylvania,  were  not  of  Episcopal  parent- 
age. Although  Episcopalians  abounded  from  the  first  of  Vir- 
ginia and  the  Carolina's,  yet  it  should  be  remembered  that, 
of  the  emigrants  to  the  West,  immense  numbers — far  the 
larger  part — had  renounced  the  Episcopal  church  be- 
fore their  removal,  and  only  carried  with  them  bitter  hatred 
toward  it.  I  am  satisfied  that  not  a  tenth  part  of  those 
who  have  left  the  Eastern  for  the  Western  States  were  Epis- 
copalians at  their  removal;  perhaps  a  much  smaller  propor- 
tion would  be  a  correct  estimate.  Soon  after  the  issue  of 
Dr.  Doddridge's  book — perhaps  forty  years  ago, — I  prepar- 
ed something  on  this  subject  and  offered  it  for  publication. 

Owing  to  various  circumstances  in  her  history,  the  Epis- 
copal Church  may  be  regarded  as  the  last  of  all  the  Churches 
in  our  land  which  began  the  work  of  evangelizing.  Her  race 
only  commenced  after  the  Revolution.  All  that  was  done 
before  proved  but  a  hindrance  to  her.  All  other  denomina- 
tions were  in  active  operation  long  before,  and  were  so  pre- 
judiced against  her  as  not  to  be  willing  to  have  her  as  a  co- 
worker with  them.  Instead,  therefore,  of  the  advantages 
possessed  by  the  Episcopal  Church  for  establishing  herself 
in  the  West  being  greater  than  those  of  other  Churches, 
they  were  less,  whether  we  consider  the  Bishops  and  clergy 
at  her  command,  or  the  difficulty  of  the  work  to  be  done, 
by  reason  of  existing  prejudices.  Justice  to  the  memory  of 
our  fathers  requires  this  statement.  That  of  Dr.  Doddridge 
has  often  been  quoted  without  due  consideration. 

We  must,  however,  do  the  justice  to  Dr.  Doddridge  to  say 
that,  if  we  had  had  many  such  laborious  ministers  as  him- 
self, the  West  would  have  been  far  better  supplied  with 
Episcopal  churches  and  ministrations  than  it  has  been.  And 
yet  truth  requires  us  to  admit,  what  will  soon  appear,  that 
even  his  zealous  labours  have  not  been  followed  by  all  the 


REV.    ANSEL AN   BUCHANAN. 


ST.    JOHN'S,    BROOKE  ('<>. 


REV.    HARRIS   BUSH    THOMAS. 


— = —                            •                       7  '''W',fy 

■ 

.   i 

J 

1 

1 

: 

*    T  /            &*  ■"■• 

*  f                   *  ■' 

L 

.  y                                  V                            r  ■.-....    ,    ..  ■    ■     ■ 

*                 *                     ■      1 

CHRIST    CHURCH,    WELLSUCKC. 


in  West  Virginia.  505 

results  which  we  could  desire,  by  reason  of  the  numerous 
opposing  influences  with  which  he  and  the  church  had  to 
contend.  Nothing  that  I  could  draw  from  any  documents  or 
record,  or  from  living  witnesses,  could  so  interest  the  read- 
er as  the  following  sketch  of  Dr.  Doddridge's  life  and  la- 
bours, from  the  pen  of  a  friend,  and  I  therefore  adopt  it: — 
"The  following  article,  with  some  slight  alterations,  was 
sent  to  me  as  a  friend  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Doddridge,  by 
the  Hon.  Thomas  Scott,  of  Chillicothe.  The  writer  was 
among  the  early  settlers  of  the  Northwest  Territory, — was 
Secretary  to  the  Convention  which  framed  the  Constitu- 
tion of  the  State  of  Ohio,  and  has  since  held  important  and 
responsible  offices  under  its  government.  He  is  now  far 
advanced  in  life,  and  employs  a  still  vigorous  intellect  in 
throwing  together  for  publication  his  reminiscences  of  early 
associations  and  bygone  days.  D. 

"Reminiscences  of  the  first  Minister  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  who  adventured  into  the  Wilderness  Re- 
gions of  Western  Virginia  and  Eastern  Ohio, — the  late 
Rev.  Dr.  Joseph  Doddridge,  of  Wellsburg,  Brooke  county, 
Virginia. 

"Presuming  that  but  few  of  the  present  members  of  the 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  now  flourishing  diocese  in  this  State 
are  aware  that  it  was  owing  in  a  great  measure,  to  the  early 
labours  and  indefatigable  exertions  of  the  individual  above 
named  that  an  Episcopate  was  obtained  in  Ohio,  we  feel 
persuaded  that  a  few  brief  reminiscences  connected  with  his 
self  denying  and  persevering  eflorts  for  the  establishment 
in  the  West  of  the  Church  of  his  fathers  will  not  be  unac- 
ceptable at  the  present  period:  indeed,  as  the  early  and  inti- 
mate friend  of  this  pioneer-herald  of  the  Cross  in  our  West- 
ern borders,  we  deem  it  but  a  measure  of  justice  to  the 
memory  of  a  man  who,  for  a  series  of  years,  laboured  in 
the  "rood  cause  single-handed  and  almost  without  remuner- 


506  The  Episcopal  Church 

ation.  We  shall,  however,  only  advert  to  his  labours  in 
general,  not  having  at  hand  the  data  to  enable  us  to  do  so 
in  detail. 

"My  first  acquaintance  with  ihe  subject  of  this  notice  com- 
menced in  1788,  in  Hampshire  county,  Virginia.  He  was 
then  about  nineteen  years  of  age,  and  a  successful  and  highly- 
esteemed  labourer  among  the  Wesleyan  Methodists,  in  con- 
nection with  whom  he  continued  several  years.  Being  re- 
called from  his  field  of  labour  to  the  paternal  mansion,  in 
Western  Pennsylvania,  by  the  sudden  decease  of  his  father, 
in  consequence  of  which  event  the  younger  members  of  the 
family — of  whom  he  was  the  eldest — were  placed  in  circum- 
stances requiring  for  a  time  his  personal  supervision,  the 
youthful  itinerant  felt  it  to  be  his  duty  to  resign  his  charge, 
and,  in  conformity  with  the  last  wish  of  his  deceased  parent, 
— who  had  appointed  him  the  executor  of  his  will, — to  apply 
himself  to  the  settlement  of  his  estate. 

"This  accomplished,  he  found  himself  in  possession  of  suf- 
ficient means  to  enable  him  to  prosecute  his  education,  which 
as  yet  was  limited,  owing  to  the  few  facilities  for  obtaining 
one  afforded  by  their  wilderness  location. 

"Accompanied  by  his  younger  and  only  brother,  Philip, — 
who  subsequently  became  eminent  in  Virginia  as  a  lawyer 
and  legislator,  dying,  while  a  member  of  Congress,  in  Wash- 
ington City,  in  1833, — he  entered  Jefferson  Academy,  Can- 
onsburg,  Pennsylvania,  they  being  among  the  first  students 
at  that  pioneer  literary  institution,  in  what  was  at  that 
period,  in  the  transmontane  States,  denominated  the  'Far 
West.5 

"The  Wesleyans  having  now  laid  aside  the  Prayer-Book 
or  ritual  enjoined  to  be  used  on  occasions  of  public  worship 
by  the  founder  of  their  society,  the  Rev.  John  Wesley, — 
a  formula  which  Dr.  Doddridge's  judgment  sanctioned  as 
being  not  only  beautifully  appropriate  but  highly  edifying, 
— he  did  not  therefore  resume  his  connection  with  them 
after  his  return  from  college,  but  diligently  applied  himself 
to  an  examination  of  the  claims  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 


in  West  Virginia.  507 

Church,  of  which  his  parents  had  been  members  prior  to 
their  removal  to  the  West.  Suffice  it  to  say,  this  examina- 
tion resulted  in  a  determination  to  offer  himself  a  candidate 
for  Orders  in  that  Church.  Early  in  the  year  1792,  he  re- 
ceived ordination  at  the  hands  of  the  Eight  Rev.  William 
White,  of  Philadelphia,  soon  after  which  he  located  tempor- 
arily in  Western  Pennsylvania,  but  in  the  course  of  a  few 
years  settled  permanently  in  Charlestown,  now  Wellsburg, 
in  Brooke  county,  Virginia. 

"At  this  early  period  of  the  settlement  of  the  country, 
the  greater  portion  of  the  population  of  Western  Virginia 
and  Pennsylvania  consisted  of  emigrants  from  Maryland 
and  Virginia,  where  many  of  them  had  been  attached  to 
the  Mother-Church;  hence  the  advent  of  a  preacher  of  their 
own  denomination  was  hailed  by  them  as  an  auspicious  event, 
tilling  their  hearts  with  gladness.  He  was  everywhere 
greeted  with  kindness,  cheered  and  encouraged  in  his  labours 
by  the  presence  of  large  and  attentive  congregations;  albeit 
in  most  places  where  they  assembled  for  public  worship 
their  only  canopy  was  the  umbrageous  trees  of  the  unbroken 
forest,  whose  solemn  silence  was,  for  the  time-being,  ren- 
dered vocal  by  their  devotions. 

"During  the  year  1793.  I  occasionally  attended  the  minis- 
trations of  this  zealous  advocate  for  the  cause  of  Christ, 
at  West  Liberty,  then  the  seat  of  justice  for  Ohio  county, 
Virginia,  and  the  residence  of  many  respectable  and  influ- 
ential families.  At  this  place  divine  service  was  held  in 
the  court-house.  Although  still  a  young  man.  Dr.  Doddridge 
was  an  able  minister  of  the  New  Covenant.  When  preach- 
ing, there  was  nothing  either  in  his  language  or  manner 
that  savoured  of  pedantry  or  awkwardness;  yet  he  did  not 
possess  that  easy  graceful  action  which  is  often  met  with 
in  speakers  in  every  other  respect  his  inferiors:  but  this  ap- 
parent defect  was  more  than  compensated  by  the  arrange- 
ment of  his  subject,  the  purity  of  his  style,  the  selection  and 
appropriateness  of  his  figures,  and  the  substance  of  his  dis- 
courses.   He  was  always  listened  to  with  pleasure  and  edifica- 


508  The  Episcopal  Church 

tion,  commanding  the  attention  of  his  hearers  not  so  much  by 
brilliant  flights  of  imagination  and  rhetorical  flourishes,  as  by 
the  solidity  of  his  arguments  and  his  lucid  exhibition  of  the 
important  truths  which  he  presented  for  their  deliberate 
consideration. 

"In  person  he  was  tall  and  well  proportioned,  walking  very 
erect.  He  possessed  fine  colloquial  powers,  was  social,  an 
agreeable  companion,  and  highly  esteemed  by  those  who 
knew  him  on  account  of  his  plain,  unostentatious  manners, 
courteous  demeanour,  and  rigid  devotion  to  duty. 

''The  first  Episcopal  church  in  Western  Virginia,  if  I  re- 
member rightly,  called  St.  John's,  was  erected  in  1792-93,  in 
a  country  parish,  a  few  miles  distant  from  the  residence  of 
Dr.  Doddridge,  whose  pastoral  connections  with  it,  I  have 
been  informed,  continued  for  nearly  thirty  years,  when  de- 
clining health  compelled  him  to  dissolve  it.  At  no  great 
distance  from  St.  John's,  and  occupied  by  the  same  pastor, 
another  edifice,  also  in  Virginia,  was  erected  at  a  very  early 
period,   the  name  of  which  I  cannot  now  recollect. 

'•In  th«3  course  of  a  few  years  after  he  took  up  his  abode 
in  Virginia,  many  families  reared  in  the  Episcopal  Church 
removed  from  the  older  States  and  settled  west  of  the  Ohio 
River,  where  they  were  as  sheep  in  a  wilderness  without  a 
shepherd.  To  those  of  them  within  a  convenient  distance 
from  his  residence  he  made  frequent  visitations,  holding 
services  in  temples  not  made  with  hands  but  by  the  Great 
Architect  of  nature. 

"We  have  been  credibly  informed  that  Dr.  Doddridge  was 
the  first  Christian  minister  who  proclaimed  the  Gospel  of 
salvation  in  the  now  flourishing  town  of  Steubenville,  in 
this  State,  and  that  some  years  previous  to  the  close  of  the 
last  century  he  officiated  there  monthly,  the  place  at  that 
time  containing  but  a  few  log  cabins  and  a  portion  of  'Fort 
Steuben/ 

"The  parish  of  St.  James,  on  Cross  Creek,  in  Jefferson 
county,  was  early  formed  by  him,  and  was  for  many  years 
under    his    pastoral    charge.      At    St.    Clairsville,    Belmont 


in  West  Virginia.  509 

county,  he  had  a  congregation  and  church,  the  pulpit  of 
which  he  occupied  from  time  to  time  until  another  pastor 
could  be  obtained.  Occasionally  his  missionary  excursions 
included  Morristown,   Cambridge,  and  Zanesville. 

"In  the  autumn  of  1815,  this  untiring  apostle  of  the 
Church,  with  a  view  of  preparing  the  way  for  future  mis- 
sionaries, made  a  tour  through  part  of  Ohio,  coming  as  far 
west  as  this  city, — Chillicothe, — preaching  in  the  intermedi- 
ate towns  and  ascertaining  where  Episcopal  services  would 
be  acceptable.  He  was,  1  think,  the  first  regularly  ordained 
clergyman  of  that  Church  who  officiated  in  our  place,  which 
he  did  several  times  during  his  stay  among  us. 

"In  Virginia  at  a  very  early  period  he  held  religious  ser- 
vices at  Charlestown,  Grave  Creek,  and  Wheeling.  At  the 
latter  place  was  quite  a  number  of  Episcopalians,  whom  he 
frequently  visited,  keeping  them  together  until  the  arrival 
of  that  pious  and  devoted  servant  of  God,  the  Rev.  John 
Armstrong,  their  first   resident  pastor. 

"From  the  time  of  his  ordination,  he  made  it  a  practice  to 
visit  and  preach  wherever  he  could  find  a  few  who  desired 
to  be  instructed  in  the  faith  of  their  fathers.  These  efforts 
to  collect,  and  keep  within  the  fold  of  the  Church  the  scat- 
tered sheep  of  the  flock  imposed  upon  him  the  necessity  of 
traversing  a  wide  extent  of  country,  which,  being  but  sparse- 
l.v  settled,  was  poorly  provided  with  roads;  consequently, 
all  his  journeys  had  to  be  performed  on  horseback. 

"In  labours  this  Christian  minister  was  most  abundant, 
sustained  under  their  performance  by  the  approbation  of 
his  own  conscience  and  the  long-deferred  hope  that  the  time 
was  not  far  distant  when  Episcopalians  in  the  Atlantic 
States — to  whom,  through  letters  to  several  of  their  Bish- 
ops and  otherwise,  he  made  request  and  earnest  appeals  in 
behalf  of  a  field  already  white  for  the  harvest — would  awake 
from  their  apathy  to  a  lively  consciousness  of  the  imperative 
duty  of  making  the  long-neglected  W'est  a  theater  for  mis- 
sionary exertion. 


510  The  Episcopal  Church 

Some  years  subsequent  to  his  entrance  into  the  ministry  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  he  found  it  necessary,  in 
order  to  meet  the  wants  of  an  increasing  family,  to  combine 
with  his  clerical  profession  one  that  would  be  more  lucra- 
tive in  a  new  and  sparsely-settled  country;  he  accordingly 
studied  medicine,  completing  his  course  under  Dr.  Benjamin 
Rush,  in  the  Medical  Institute  of  Philadelphia.  To  the  avails 
of  the  latter  profession  he  was  mainly  indebted  for  means 
to  rear  and  educate  a  large  family  of  children. 

''His  life  was  one  of  close  application  and  incessant  toil; 
but  his  health  eventually  failed,  and  an  asthmatic  disease, 
with  which  in  his  latter  years  he  was  sorely  afflicted,  in  a 
great  measure  impaired  his  ability  for  usefulness.  In  the  fall 
of  1824  he  attended  a  Convention  of  his  Church  holden  in 
this  city,  but  he  appeared  greatly  enfeebled.  In  the  course 
of  the  succeeding  summer,  he  spent  some  weeks  here  in  the 
family  of  a  beloved  sister,  Mrs.  N.  Reeves,  hoping,  though 
vainly,  that  a  cessation  from  labour,  change  of  air  and  scene, 
would  in  some  measure  renovate  his  exhausted  energies. 
During  this  period  the  friendship  of  our  youthful  days  and 
the  remembrance  of  former  years  revived.  He  often  visited 
me  at  my  own  domicile,  where  we  held  free  converse  and 
communion  together,  and  i  found  him  the  same  cheerful, 
agreeable  companion  as  in  days  'lang  syne.'  Nothing  ever 
occurred  to  mar  our  friendly  intercourse  or  to  diminish  our 
kindly  regards  for  each  other.  But  he  is  taken  from  our 
midst;  his  disencumbered  spirit  has  been  called  to  its  re- 
ward by  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church. 

"Finding  that  neither  travelling  nor  rest  availed  to  arrest 
the  progress  of  disease,  my  friend  returned  to  his  home 
and  family  in  Virginia,  as  he  emphatically  said,  'to  die  among 
his  own  people.'  He  lingered  in  much  bodily  affliction  till 
November,  1826,  when,  strong  in  the  faith  which  he  had 
preached,  in  the  fifty-eighth  year  of  his  age,  his  sufferings 
were  terminated  by  death,  to  him  a  most  welcome  messenger. 

"Of  the  published  writings  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Doddridge,  his 


in  West  Virginia.  511 

•X<»tes  on  the  Settlement  and  Indian  Wars,  together  with 
a.  View  of  the  State  of  Society,  Manners,  Customs,  &c,  of 
the  Early  Settlers  of  the  Western  Country,'  is  the  principal. 

''This  graphic  picture  of  pioneer  scenes,  manners,  customs, 
and  events,  is  peculiarly  interesting  as  well  as  valuable  on 
account  of  its  fidelity, — it  being  the  result  of  the  writer's 
personal  experience  and  observation.  The  work  was  under- 
taken by  its  author  not  only  for  the  purpose  of  preserving 
the  facts  therein  recorded,  but  also  with  a  view  of  enabling 
those  who  come  after  him  properly  to  estimate  the  advan- 
tages of  position  in  a  civilized  and  refined  state  of  society, 
by  contrasting  them  with  those  possessed  by  their  forefath- 
ers in  the  Western  regions.  Thomas  Scott. 

"Chillicothe,  Boss  county,  Ohio,  June  25,  1855." . 

To  the  foregoing  we  add  a  few  things  which  we  received 
from  those  who  knew  him  as  the  minister  in  Brooke  county. 
He  preached  at  four  places  in  that  county,  two  of  which  are 
now  occupied  b\  Presbyterians  and  Methodists.  The  other 
two  were  Wellsburg  and  the  neighborhood  where  St.  John's 
Church  now  stands.  Although  he  was  followed  by  that  most 
zealous  and  popular  man,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong,  still  it 
was  found  impracticable  to  sustain  congregations  in  all  of 
them.  Dr.  Doddridge  died  in  the  year  1826,  in  his  fifty-eighth 
year.  He  was  buried  in  a  vault  under  his  own  house,  near 
Wellsburg,  but  afterward  removed  to  a  public  burying- 
ground. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong,  from  Wheeling,  preached  much 
and  zealously  to  the  congregations  after  Dr.  Doddridge's 
death,  as  did  also  his  son  at  a  subsequent  period.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Wrheat,  of  Wheeling,  who  was  the  immediate  successor 
of  the  elder  Armstrong,  also  laboured  for  them.  After  some 
time,  the  Rev.  Mi*.  Skull  was  sent  as  a  missionary  to  Brooke 
county.  He  was  followed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  narrison  in  the 
same  capacity.  The  Revs.  Mr.  Goodwin,  Hyland,  and  Tomp- 
kins followed  in  succession.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Christian  is  the 
present  minister.     During  the  intervals  of  ministerial  sup- 


512  The  Episcopal  Chuhch 

ply,  which  have  been  very  considerable,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Morse,  of 
Steubenville,  Ohio,  has  most  kindly  and  laboriously  served 
the  people  of  St.  John's,  for  which  he  is  most  justly  very 
dear  to  them.  Three  churches  have  been  put  up  in  St. 
John's  Parish  on  the  same  site, — the  first  of  log,  the  second 
of  framework,  and  the  last  of  brick, — the  last  being  conse- 
crated in  1850.  There  has  always  been  a  considerable  congre- 
gation at  St.  John's,  and  I  have  ever  been  delighted  to  find 
myself  in  the  midst  of  that  plain,  unpretending,  hospitable, 
and  zealous  congregation  of  people,  devoted  to  the  true  prin- 
ciples of  the  Gospel  and  worship  of  our  Church. 

In  Wellsburg,  which  is  about  seven  miles  from  St.  John's, 
on  the  Ohio  River,  the  congregation  is  small.  They  have  a 
neat  brick  church,  which  was  built  some  years  since,  almost 
entirely  at  the  expense  of  two  brothers,  John  and  Danford 
Brown.  The  former  has  gone  to  his  rest.  The  latter  still 
lives  and  hopes  for  better  times  to  the  church  of  his  affec- 
tions. 

To  these  notices  of  the  Church  in  Brooke  county,  I  sub- 
join an  extract  from  a  pamphlet  which  I  had  occasion  to 
publish  some  years  since,  when  the  question  of  forming  a  sep- 
arate diocese  in  Western  Virginia  was  considered.  In  dis- 
cussing it  I  was  led  to  consider  the  real  condition  of  that 
part  of  the  State,  which  unfitted  it  for  the  support  of  a  sep- 
arate organization  at  that  time.  The  following  is,  I  believe, 
a  true  account  of  it: — 

"Those  who  would  see  the  main  causes  of  the  feeble  con- 
dition of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Western  Virginia,  and  of 
the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  its  speedy  progress,  under  any 
helps  that  can  be  brought  to  bear  upon  it,  must  consider 
the  history  of  Western  Virginia,  and  the  peculiarity  of  her 
condition,  by  comparison  with  other  portions  of  our  land, 
similar  as  to  soil  and  position.  Take,  for  instance,  Ohio 
and  Western  Pennsylvania,  lying  on  two  sides  of  Western 
Virginia.  While  the  latter  (Western  Virginia)  is  more  hilly 
and  mountainous,  and  less  attractive   on   that   account   to 


ix  West  Virginia.  513 

the  emigrant,   she  has  also  had  other  obstacles  to   settle- 
ment and  improvement,  which  have  left  her  far  behind  the 
former  two.     In  the  first  place,  the  unsettled  condition  of 
her  land-titles  continues  to  this  day  to  present  most  serious 
difficulties  in  the  way  of  sale  to  those  who  would  form  such 
materials  as  might  be  moulded  into  Episcopal  congregations. 
Another  obstacle  to  the  settlement  of  Western  Virginia  is 
the  fact  of  its  being  part  of  a  slave-holding  State.     This 
has  prevented  immense  numbers  from  the  North  from  choos- 
ing this  as  their  home,  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the  fact 
of  the  contiguity  of  Western  Virginia  to  the  free  States, 
furnishes  a  facility  for  the  escape  of  slaves,  has  prevented 
Eastern  Virginians  from  settling  there.     Episcopal  families 
for  a  long  period  of  time  have  in  great  numbers  been  pass- 
ing by  or  through  Western  Virginia,  and  have  formed  the 
basis  of  churches  in  the  South  or  Southwest.    Comparative- 
ly few  have  settled  in  Western  Virginia.     The  few  are  in- 
deed the  chief  materials  out  of  which  our  churches  are  com- 
posed.    The  causes  above-mentioned  have  mainly  produced 
the  immense   difference   between  the  present   condition   of 
Ohio,  W'estern  Pennsylvania,  and  Western  Virginia.     While 
the  two  former  have  their  forests  cleared,  their  lands  well 
cultivated  and  covered  with  comfortable  dwellings  and  farm- 
houses,— while  they  abound  in  nourishing  villages  and  even 
large  towns,  and  churches  and  schools  and  colleges, — it  is 
quite  otherwise  with  the  latter.     A  large  proportion  of  her 
high  hills  and  mountains  are  still  covered  with  dense  forests. 
Her  villages  and  towns  are  few  and  small, — some  not  increas- 
ing at  all,  others  but  slowly.     Immense  bodies  of  her  lands 
are  owned  by  non-residents,  being  only  inhabited  by  those 
who  have  no  inducements  to  improve  them,  and  who  only 
seek  to  gain,  during  their  uncertain  residence,  just  what  is 
necessary  for  the  sustenance  of  life.    On  my  recent  visit,  I 
passed  through  four  tracts  of  fifty  thousand  acres  each,  own- 
ed  by   four  different   individuals,    who    were    non-residents. 
These.  1  am  told,  are  only  a  few  of  many  large  unimproved 


5  L4  The  Episcopal  Church 

tracts:  hundreds  of  thousands  of  acres  can  be  bought  at 
The  low  price  of  from  twenty-five  cents  (perhaps  less)  to  one 
dollar  per  acre,  and  of  good  land  too,  which  will  one  day, 
though  a  distant  one,  be  covered  with  flocks  and  herds.  Of 
course,  as  villages  and  towns  in  the  interior  are  for  the  most 
part  sustained  by  the  surrounding  country,  if  this  be  uncul- 
tivated, or  does  not  flourish,  those  cannot  increase  greatly. 
That  Western  Virginia  has,  on  her  surface  and  within  her 
bosom,  the  materials  of  great  wealth  and  improvement, 
none  can  doubt.  I  have  ever  believed  and  said  that  at  some 
future  day  she  would  be  one  of  the  most  interesting  and  de- 
sirable portions  of  our  country.  The  improvements  in  the 
roads,  already  made  from  Winchester,  Staunton,  and  other 
places,  to  the  Ohio  River,  have  done  something  for  the  com- 
fort of  the  traveller  and  the  improvement  of  the  country; 
but  it  is  only  necessary  to  travel  these  roads  in  order  to  see 
in  how  wild  and  uncultivated  a  condition  large  portions  of 
Western  Virginia  still  are;  while  those  who  traverse  it  on 
horseback,  by  the  cross-routes,  will  see  a  far  more  rugged 
state  of  things.  The  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  will  do 
much  for  certain  portions  of  Western  Virginia ;  and  the 
Central  Railroad,  if  pursued,  as  we  trust  it  may  be,  will  do 
much  for  some  other  portions.  There  will  be  a  general, 
though  it  cannot  be  a  rapid,  improvement  throughout  the 
greater  part  of  this  region. 

Still  it  is  our  duty,  as  I  have  often  said  privately,  public- 
ly, and  officialh*,  not  only  diligently  to  cultivate  the  places 
already  opened  to  us,  tend  the  little  flocks  already  gathered, 
search  for  wandering  sheep  umong  the  hills  and  mountains, 
but  be  ever  ready  to  occupy  any  new  positions,  such  as  Fair- 
mont and  Fellowsville,  which  shall  from  time  to  time  pre- 
sent themselves.  If  we  cannot  do  all  that  we  would,  let  us 
do  all  that  we  can.  But  it  is  best  to  think  soberly,  and  not 
deceive  ourselves  with  false  calculations.  Even  Western 
Pennsylvania,  though  having  more  ministers  and  churches 
than  Western  Virginia,  has  but  few  by  comparison  with  her 


in  West  Virginia.  515 

agricultural  and  other  improvements,  and  by  comparison 
with  Ohio  and  other  parts  of  onr  country.  The  cause  of  this 
may  be  found  chiefly  in  the  character  of  the  population  which 
first  took  possession  of  it,  and  still  holds  possession,  and 
which  was  and  is,  averse  to  the  Episcopal  Church.  The  same 
may  be  said  of  the  population  of  Western  Virginia.  Though 
for  the  most  part  of  a  different  kind  from  that  which  first 
established  itself  in  Western  Pennsylvania,  it  was  not  and 
is  not  favourable  material  for  the  Episcopal  Church,  as 
past  experience  has  shown.  Western  Virginia  wras  doubtless 
settled  chiefly  from  Eastern  Virginia.  Those  who  moved 
from  the  valley  were  not  Episcopalians,  for  it  is  well  known 
that  the  German  and  Scotch-Irish  took  possession  of  the  val- 
ley at  an  early  period,  and  that  the  Episcopal  Church  had 
scarcely  an  existence  there  until  a  very  late  period.  Those 
who  emigrated  from  Eastern  Virginia  were  chiefly  of  that 
class  who  had  deserted  the  Episcopal  Church  and  been  engag- 
ed in  a  violent  hostility  to  it, and  carried  with  them  and  trans- 
mitted to  their  children  nothing  but  prejudice  against  it, — 
which  prejudice  has  been  cherished  ever  since  by  their  re- 
ligious teachers.  But,  even  if  such  prejudice  has  not  been, 
so  many  generations  have  since  grown  up  in  utter  ignorance 
of  our  Church,  that  in  the  great  body  of  the  people  of  West- 
ern Virginia  there  is  no  tendency  to  it,  but  the  reverse.  That 
the  service  of  our  Church  is  most  admirably  adapted  to  the 
edification  of  the  poor  and  labouring  man,  I  firmly  believe 
and  often  delight  to  affirm;  but  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of 
getting  such  To  make  trial  of  it  are  so  great,  by  reason  of 
their  partiality  to  other  denominations,  and  various  other 
circumstances,  that  hitherto  all  the  efforts  to  induce  them 
so  to  do,  whether  in  Virginia  or  elsewhere,  have  been  of  lit- 
tle  avail." 

Article  LXXVIII.from  Bishop  Meade's  Book.     Churches  in  Wheel- 
ing, Fairmont,  Clarksburg,  Weston,  Buchanon. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Doddridge  was  the  first  Episcopal  minis 


516  The  Episcopal  Church 

ter,  it  is  believed,    who  officiated  in  Wheeling-.     Residing  in 
Wellsburg,  he  occasionally  visited  the  few  Episcopal  fam- 
ilies then  in  Wheeling;  but  there  was  no  organization  until 
the  11th  of  May,  1819.    This  is  to  be  ascribed  to  a  visit  of 
Bishop  Chase,  at  whose  instance  it  doubtless  took  place.    The 
organization  was  with  the  title  of  "St.  Matthew's  Church, 
Wheeling."     The   persons   composing   the    first    association 
were   as   follows: — John   Armstrong,   Jr.,   W.   T.   Good,   W. 
Gray,  T.  H.  Armstrong,  Joshua  Morton,  J.  Good,  W.  Perrine, 
Richard  Simms,  P.  Ray,  J.  C.  Williams,  Josiah  Chapline,  J. 
Wilson,  Jr.,  W.  Chapline,  Jr.,  P.  Bier,  S.     Scovill,     T.     M. 
Cowles,  C.  D.  Knox,  J.  M.   Smith,  R.  C.  Thompson.   Moses 
Shepherd,  Moses  W.  Chapline,  H.  Thornbury,     John     Eoff. 
Samuel   Chamberlain.     A   vestry   being   appointed,    we   find 
that  the  Rev.  John  Armstrong,  from  Maryland,  was  chosen 
the  first  minister.     In  the  year  1821,  Mr.  Noah  Zane  pre- 
sented a  lot  for  an  Episcopal  church.     On  the  9th  of  May, 
1821,  the  corner-stone  of  St.  Matthew's  Church  was  laid  by 
the  order  of  Masons, — the  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong  delivering 
a  sermon  and  the    Rev.  Dr.  Doddridge  an  oration.     In    the 
fall  of  that  year  it  was  ready  for  divine  service.     Mr.  Arm- 
strong's labours  continued  for  seven  years,  at  the  end  of 
which  time  he  died  and  was  buried  in  the  church.     He  was 
an   honest,   zealous,   laborious,    and   faithful    minister.     At 
the  building  of  the  new  church  his  remains  were  removed  to 
it  and  now   rest  beneath   its   chancel.     His   son — the   Rev. 
William  Armstrong — was     elected  to  fill  the  vacancy,  but 
declined,  and  recommended  the  Rev.  Thomas  Wheat,  who  was 
chosen.    In  1832,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wheat  resigned,  and  the  Rev. 
Wm.  Armstrong,  being  again  elected,  became  the  minister  of 
St.  Matthew's  Church.     The  congregation  so  increased  un- 
der his  care  that  it  became  necessary  to  build  a  larger  house. 
The  present  one  was  consecrated  by  myself  on  the  26th  of 
October,  1837.    In  the  year  1819,  the  question  of  dividing  the 
diocese  of  Virginia  having  been  agitated  in  the  western  part 
of  the  State,  and  being  brought  before  the  vestry,  it  was 


in  West  Virginia.  517 

decided  by  a  unanimous  vote  to  be  inexpedient.  In  the  year 
1853,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins  was  appointed  assistant  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong.  In  the  following  year  Mr.  Armstrong 
resigned.  The  vestry  and  congregation  were  so  unwilling  to 
part  with  one  who  had  faithfully  served  them  for  nearly 
one-quarter  of  a  century,  that  earnest  efforts  were  made  to 
prevent  his  removal  from  Wheeling  or  the  vicinity;  and, 
had  he  consented,  provision  would  have  been  made  for  his 
support  without  the  performance  of  the  usual  ministerial 
services:  but  he  felt  it  his  duty  to  return  and  spend  his  re- 
maining days  in  a  small  parish  in  Maryland,  which  he  had 
served  during  the  first  thirteen  years  of  his  ministry.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Perkins  was  therefore  chosen  as  his  successor,  and 
still  continues  to  be  the  pastor  of  St.  Matthew's  Church. 

List  of  Vestrymen  of  St.  Matthew's  Church. 

John  Good,  Richard  Simms,  Wm.  Chapline,  Jr.,  S.  Scovill, 
J.  C.  Williams,  Noah  Zane,  Wm.  Chapline,  Sen.,  Alexander 
Caldwell.  Josiah  Chapline,  Eli  U.  Swearingen,  Moses  Shep- 
herd, Richard  Lane,  Peter  Yarneli,  Patrick  Ray,  Joseph  Cald- 
well. Jas.  Tanner,  Edmund  I.  Lee,  Jr.,  Dr.  Morton.  W.  H. 
Heiskell,  John  F.  Clark,  Major  Good,  Z.  B.  Curtis,  F.  Bassett, 
John  Robinson,  W.  I.  Selby,  H.  1).  Brown,  W.  B.  Atterbury, 
('.  T.  Strong,  Alexander  T.  Laidley,  Morgan  Nelson,  Samuel 
Neil,  Alfred  Richardson,  A.  P.  Woods,  Alexander  Caldwell, 
J.  L.  Newby.  J.  R.  Greer,  W.  K.  Lindsay,  George,  Armstrong, 
S.  Brady.  R.  C.  Bonham,  (J.  C.  Tingle,  M.  C.  Good,  Robt.  C. 
Woods. 

of  The  high  respectability  of  the  above  body  of  vestry- 
men, under  whose  guardianship  the  Episcopal  ('lunch  in 
Wheeling  has  so  eminently  flourished,  the  citizens  of 
Wheeling,  during  the  term  of  their  service,  would,  I  doubt 
not,  bear  a  strong  and  willing  testimony.  Some  of  them 
were,  and  others  still  are,  personally  known  to  me.  Of 
those  who  were  known  to  me  on  earth,  and  whom  1  hope  to 
know  again  in  a  higher  sphere,  and  who  are  specially  noticed 


518  The  Episcopal  Church 

and  Honoured  on  the  records,  1  may  be  permitted  to  men- 
tion the  names  of  Judge  Caldwell  and  Richard  Sininis.  The 
latter  I  knew  from  the  year  1820  to  the  time  of  his  death, — 
a  few  years  since, — and  knew  him  always  as  the  same  active, 
useful  vestryman,  and  consistent  Christian.  He  helped  to 
build  the  first  church  in  Wheeling,  when  it  was  in  the  midst 
of  the  woods.  He  loved,  like  David,  to  be  a  doorkeeper  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  though  from  first  to  last  he  was  the 
chief  churchwarden.  Providence  permitted  him  to  experi- 
ence great  reverses  during  his  earthly  pilgrimage,  but, 
through  grace,  he  knew  how  to  abound  and  how  to  suffer 
need.  One  thing  he  did  not  know,  and  that  was  to  be  idle 
and  dependent.  When,  in  extreme  old  age,  he  was  depriv- 
ed of  all  earthly  property,  but  when  both  the  church  and  the 
town  would  have  felt  honoured  in  making  provision  for  him, 
he  could  not  endure  the  thought  of  being  unemployed,  but 
obtained  the  place  of  toll-keeper  on  the  great  turnpike-road 
from  east  to  west,  a  few  miles  from  Wheeling,  and  there, 
with  his  old  and  excellent  companion,  who  yet  survives  him, 
spent  the  evening  of  his  days, — still  turning  the  curse  into 
a  blessing,  and  by  the  sweat  of  his  brow  making  an  honest 
livelihood.  Mr.  Simms  was  a  native  of  Maryland,  moved  to 
Wheeling  in  1816,  was  married  by  Dr.  Doddridge,  died  in 
Triadelphia  in  March,  1854.  His  remains  were  brought  to 
Wheeling,  and  into  the  church,  and  from  thence  to  the  East 
Wheeling  Cemetery.  Judge  Caldwell  was  a  man  of  high 
character  and  standing  in  every  position  in  society,  but  above 
all  was  an  humble  Christian,  Whenever  the  Holy  Commun- 
ion is  administered,  the  pastor  and  the  people  partake  of  the 
emblems  of  the  Saviour's  body  and  blood  from  a  rich  ser- 
vice of  plate,  costing,  according  to  the  vestry-book,  the  sum 
of  three  hundred  dollars,  a  present  from  Mr.  Joseph  Caldwell, 
the  brother  of  Judge  Caldwell. 

St.  John's  Church,  East  Wheeling. 
The  following  account  of  it  has  been  furnished  me  bv  one 


in  West  Virginia.  519 

who  is  fully  acquainted  with  its  history.  St.  John's  par- 
ish, Wheeling,  was  organized  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1849. 
Previous  to  that  time  St.  Matthew's  parish  embraced  the 
whole  of  the  city  of  Wheeling,  and  was  the  only  Episcopal 
church  in   Ohio   county. 

The  location  of  the  church-building  was  at  an  inconvenient 
distance  from  the  residences  of  a  portion  of  the  congrega- 
tion. This,  together  with  the  rapid  increase  of  the  popula- 
tion and  business  of  the  city,  demanded  the  formation  of  a 
new  parish.  Moved  by  these  considerations,  and  an  earnest 
desire  to  extend  the  influence  and  benefits  of  the  Church,  the 
Rev.  William  Armstrong,  rector  of  St.  Matthew's  Church, 
on  the  31st  of  July,  1849,  called  a  meeting  of  his  vestry  for 
the  purpose  of  considering  the  propriety  and  expediency  of 
erecting  a  church  and  forming  another  congregation  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  city.  The  vestry,  in  pursuance  of  said 
call,  met  on  the  second  day  of  August,  1849.  The  follow- 
ing are  the  proceedings  of  the  vestry  at  said  meeting,  so  far 
as  they  relate  to  a  division  of  the  parish: — 

"The  petition  of  Robert  C.  Woods  and  others  upon  the 
subject  of  a  new  parish  being  the  first  business  before  the 
meeting,  Mr.  Brady  offered  the  following  paper: — "A  com- 
munication from  Robert  C.  Woods,  Beverley  M.  Eoff,  and 
Henry  Tallant, — committee, — was  presented  and  read,  signi- 
fying that  the  necessary  means  bad  been  raised  for  the  sup- 
port of  a  minister  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
a  new  parish  which  it  is  proposed  to  organize  within  the 
city,  and  asking  the  assent  of  the  rector,  wardens,  and  ves- 
try of  this  church  to  such  organization.'  Whereupon  it  was 
unanimously  ordered,  that  the  assent  desired  be  and  the  same 
is  hereby  cordially  given,  and  tnat  the  new  parish  embrace 
within  its  limits  all  south  of  Wheeling  Creek. 

"Resolved,  Moreover,  that  this  vestry  would  humbly  invoke 
God's  blessing  upon  the  organization  contemplated  in  the 
communication  this  day  submitted." 

Having  obtained  the  consent  of  the  vestry  of  St.  Matthew's 


520  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

Church,  and  being  favoured  with  the  hearty  support  and  sym- 
pathy of  the  respected  and  beloved  rector,  the  committee 
promptly  called  a  meeting  of  such  of  the  citizens  of  South 
Wheeling  as  were  favourable  to  the  formation  of  a  parish  of 
the  Church  in  that  part  of  the  city.  At  the  meeting  so 
called,  the  rector  of  St.  Matthew  s  Church  was  present,  and, 
in  remarks  appropriate  and  impressive,  explained  the  ob-' 
ject  of  the  meeting.  After  which,  suitable  measures  were 
adopted  for  the  complete  organization  of  the  new  parish;  and 
provision  made  for  the  erection  of  a  building  for  the  services 
of  the  Church. 

On  the  6th  of  August,  1849,  the  Rev.  -las.  D.  McCabe  was 
invited  to  take  charge  of  the  parish  as  rector  thereof,  which 
invitation  was  accepted  on  the  24th  of  the  following  month. 
The  rector-elect  did  not,  however,  enter  upon  the  duties  of 
his  office  until  January,  1850. 

On  the  8th  of  February,  L850,  the  building  erected  by  the 
congregation  was  sufficiently  near  completion  to  be  used, 
and  the  pulpit  was,  for  the  first  time,  occupied  on  that  day 
by  the  Kev.  Mr.  Armstrong.  The  services  were  conducted 
by  the  rector,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  William  L.  Hyland.  The 
organization  of  the  parish  was  sanctioned  and  confirmed  by 
the  Convention  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  in  May,  1850,  a& 
"St.  John's  Parish,  Wheeling/'  The  church-edifice — which 
had  been  erected  and  completed  by  the  congregation — was 
consecrated  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God,  by  the  Right 
Rev.  John  Johns,  Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia,  on  the  1st 
of  November,  1850. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  McCabe  laboured  profitably  and  acceptably 
to  the  congregation  until  the  8th  of  January,  1856,  when  he 
removed  to  Baltimore,  as  associate  rector  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  in  that  city. 

The  following  is  part  of  the  proceedings  of  the  vestry 
of  St.  John's  parish  at  the  meeting  called  to  act  upon  the 
resignation  of  the  rectorship  of  the  parish  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
McCabe.     This    resolution    was    adopted    unanimously,    and 


REV.    J.    W.    WARE. 


REV.    DAVID    II.    &REER,    D.    D. 


REV.  Gc.    \Y.  DAME. 


REV.  DOUGLAS  F.  FORREST,  D.  D. 


in  West  Virginia.  521 

heartily  concurred  in  by  every  member  of  the  congregation : — 

"Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  James  1).  McCabe,  D.  D.,  has  by 
courtesy  and  kindness,  by  purity  of  life  and  doctrine,  and  by 
the  faithful  discharge  of  duties  pertaining  to  his  holy  office, 
secured  the  love  and  confidence  of  his  people." 

The  Rev.  George  K.  Warner  was  elected  rector  of  the  par- 
ish in  January,  1850,  and  took  charge  of  the  congregation 
on  the  16th  of  March  following.  St.  John's  parish  wras  es- 
tablishel  upon  the  free-seat  system,  which  has  been  found 
to  work  satisfactorily.  The  rector's  salary  is  provided  for 
by  the  voluntary  subscription  of  the  members.  The  incident- 
al expenses,  &c,  are  met  by  weekly  collections  at  the  Bun- 
lay  morning  services.  The  parish  has  a  commodious  and  con- 
venient dwelling-house,  erected  in  1855  expressly  for  the  use 
of  the  rector. 

St.  John's  parish  has  at  this  time  (February,  1857)  eighty- 
six  communicants.  The  Sunday-school  connected  with  the 
parish  is  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and,  under  the  judicious 
care  and  management  of  the  rector,  proves  an  important  aux- 
iliary to  the  Church. 

I  must  add  to  the  above,  for  the  encouragement  of  others 
to  go  and  do  likewise,  that  the  rectory  mentioned  above, 
and  which  cost  three  or  four  thousand  dollars,  wTas  at  the 
sole  expense  of  a  very  few  zealous  individuals,  May  they  be 
rewarded  for  it  by  always  having  a  faithful  minister  of  God 
to  occupy  it! 

The  Church  in  Clarksburg. 

The  first  missionary  movement  in  our  Diocese  was  in  be- 
half of  Western  Virginia,  by  the  association  in  the  valley, 
composed  of  the  ministers  in  Frederick,  Jefferson,  and 
Berkeley,  in  the  early  part  of  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Ben- 
jamin Allen,  Mr.  Bryan,  B.  B.  Smith,  Enoch  Lowe,  and  the 
author  of  these  pages.  The  first  missionary  sent  into  West- 
ern Virginia  was  The  Rev.  Wm.  F.  Lee,  and  the  first  point  to 
which   he  went  was  Clarksburg  and  the  next  Morgantown. 


522  The  Episcopal  Church 

In  each  of  these  places  he  preached  repeatedly  and  accept- 
ably and  did  his  duty  faithfully  as  a  pioneer  and  explorer. 
He  was  soon  followed  by  his  relative, — the  Rev.  Charles 
Henry  Page, — who  imitated  his  example  in  all  things.  The 
first  effort  of  a  more  permanent  character  was  made  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Ward.  In  a  letter  from  a  friend  in  Clarksburg,  he 
thus  speaks  of  this  effort: — "Mr.  Ward  came  here  in  the  fall 
of  1834  or  1835.  At  first  he  was  the  inmate  of  the  family  of 
Mr.  Trapnall,  a  firm  friend  of  the  Church.  Mr.  Trapnall  dying, 
Mr.  Ward  abode  the  remainder  of  his  time  with  Mr.  Richard 
Despard,  a  devoted  friend  of  the  Church  from  the  old  coun- 
try. I  have  been  informed  that  Mr.  Ward  succeeded  in  awak- 
ening considerable  interest  among  the  friends  of  the  Church, 
— that  his  Sabbath-school  was  flourishing,  and  his  public 
services  well  sustained."  The  same  friend  continues: — "Mr. 
Ward  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  McMechin,  about  the 
year  1840.  He  had  previously  been  in  the  Methodist  ministry. 
You  are  well  acquainted  with  the  course  pursued  by  him  with 
the  unhappy  termination  of  his  ministry."  The  foregoing  re- 
mark requires  explanation.  Other  records  of  the  church  have 
already  made  it,  but,  for  the  benefit  of  young  ministers,  it 
deserves  a  place  here.  Mr.  McMechin,  though  of  an  ancient 
Episcopal  family,  had  united  himself  with  the  Methodist  com- 
munion and  ministry.  During  i  lie  few  years  of  his  continu- 
ance in  this  Society  he  was  much  esteemed.  He  then  entered 
the  Episcopal  Church  and  ministry.  After  a  short  stay  in 
Parkersburg,  he  commenced  the  duties  of  the  latter  under 
very  favourable  auspices  in  Clarksburg.  At  his  own  cost  he 
provided  a  house  which  should  answer  the  double  purpose  of 
schoolroom  and  place  of  worship.  In  this  place  he  preached 
on  the  Sabbath  and  instructed  young  females  during  the 
week, — deriving  his  support  chiefly,  if  not  entirely,  from  the 
latter.  His  pulpit-addresses  were  very  acceptable.  Numbers 
attended  his  ministry.  His  sermons  seemed  about  to  be  bless- 
ed in  the  conversion  of  many,  and  there  was  a  reasonable 


in  West  Virginia.  523 

probability  that  most,  if  not  all,  of  them  would  be  united  to 
our  Church.  In  several  successive  letters  he  communicated  to 
me  the  joyful  intelligence,  and  the  confident  expectation  of  a 
large  class  of  candidates  for  Confirmation  when  1  should  next 
visit  Clarksburg,  which  was  to  be  after  a  few  months.  Before 
that  time  arrived,  however,  I  perceived  a  change  in  the  tone 
of  his  letters.     He  was  less  confident  that  many  would  be 
ready  for  Confirmation, — was  afraid  that  he  would  be  disap- 
pointed in  a  number  who  had  promised  well.     At  length  my 
visit  was  made.     On  my  arrival,  he  gave  me  the  following 
honest  account  of  the  whole  matter:    After  having  for  some 
time  earnestly  preached  the  Gospel  of  salvation  to  those  who 
attended  his  ministry,  and  having  reason  to  believe  that  .a 
number  were  prepared  to  make  an  open  profession  of  religion, 
and  to  do  it  after  our  manner  and  in  connection  with  our 
Church,  he  determined  to  make  the  latter  sure  by  a  series  of 
discourses  on  the  ministry,  the  Sacraments,  the  Liturgy,  and 
the  rite  of  Confirmation.    I  do  not  know  what  particular  po- 
sition he  took  in  regard  to  these,  but  the  effect,  he  told  me, 
was  to  reduce  his  congregation  from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath, 
so  That,  by  the  time  the  series  was  over,  a  mere  handful  were 
left  him.    Meanwhile  the  pulpits  of  other  denominations  were 
denouncing  him  and  the  Church,  and  tracts  and  books  against 
Confirmation  and  our  peculiarities  were  gotten  up  and  put 
in   circulation   through   the   place,  so  that   when   I   reached 
Clarksburg  there  was  but  one  individual  who  would  dare  to 
appear  for  Confirmation,  and  sickness  prevented  the  attend- 
ance of  that  one.     Nor  did  the  calamity  end  here;  for,  not 
long  after.  Mr.  McMechin  himself  returned,  under  the  influ- 
ence of  excited  feelings,  to  the  Methodist  communion  as  a  lay 
member.     It  is,  however,  proper  to  state  that  when  that  ex- 
citement  passed  away  he  resumed  his  place  in  the  bosom  of 
the  Episcopal  Church,  but,  of  course,  only  as  a  lay  member, — 
having  been  displaced  from  our  ministry.     Let  young  minis- 


524  The  Episcopal  Church 

ters  in  new  parishes  learn  a  lesson  from  the  foregoing  state- 
ment, and  old  ones  even  in  old  parishes  not  despise  it. 

The  letter  of  my  correspondent  continues  by  saying  that 
"after  Mr.  McMechin  abandoned  the  ministry,  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Smith,  of  Parkersburg,  gave  the  little  flock  such  pas- 
toral care  as  his  distant  residence  allowed.  He  called  the 
friends  of  the  Church  together,  proposed  and  caused  to  be 
adopted  articles  of  confederation,  and  had  a  regular  vestry 
elected.  Until  the  services  of  a  regular  minister  were  se- 
cured, he  paid  them  several  visits, — riding  on  horseback  the 
distance  of  eighty-five  miles  to  supply  their  spiritual  necessi- 
ties. The  Rev.  Mr.  Kinsolving  was  the  next  settled  minister. 
He  officiated  regularly  at  Clarksburg  and  Weston,  and  occa- 
sionally at  Morgantown.  He  remained  about  a  year,  and  was 
not  only  acceptable  to  his  own  people,  but  popular  with  all 
classes.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  succeeded  him  at  Weston, 
and  preached  occasionally  at  Clarksburg, — perhaps  once  a 
month, — as  well  as  at  other  places."  To  this  communication 
I  add  that  in  the  year  1852,  the  Rev.  Robert  A.  Castleman 
went  to  Clarksburg,  and  was  soon  after  joined  by  the  Rev. 
James  Page,  who,  between  them,  supplied  Clarksburg,  Wes- 
ton, Fairmont,  Morgantown  and  Buchanon,  for  one  year, 
when  the  formed  confined  his  services  to  Clarksburg  and 
Fairmont,  and  the  latter  to  Weston  and  Buchanon.  During 
the  residence  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  in  Weston,  and  chief- 
ly by  his  exertions,  an  Episcopal  church  has  been  built  in  that 
place.  During  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Castleman,  one  has  been 
built  in  Clarksburg  and  one  purchased  and  repaired  at  Fair- 
mont. To  his  efforts  in  Clarksburg  ami  his  solicitation  abroad, 
we  are  indebted  for  the  excellent  house  now  standing  in 
Clarksburg.  A  few  zealous  friends  in  Fairmont  are.  entitled 
to  praise  for  what  they  have  done.  Although  our  efforts  have 
thus  far  failed  in  Morgantown,  I  cannot  pass  it  by  without 
mention  of  the  pleasant  visits  made  to  that  place,  and  the 
hospitable  reception  given  me  by  those  worthy  members  of 
our  Church,— Mr.  John  Rogers  and  Mr.  Guv  Allen.     Could 


in  West  Virginia.  525 

Tin-  zeal  and  liberality  of  two  individuals  have  sufficed  for  the 
establishment  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Morgantown,  theirs 
would  have  done  it.  I  have  nothing  more  to  add  but  that  Mr. 
<  'astleman  is  about  to  leave  Clarksburg,  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Smyth,  a  Deacon,  is  officiating  in  Weston. 

Article  LXXIX.  from  Bishop  Meade's  Book.    Churches  in   Kanawha, 

Ravenswood,  Parkersburg  and  the  neighborhood, 

New  Martinsville,  and  Moundsville. 

Still  pursuing  the  order  in  which  efforts  have  been  made 
for  the  establishment  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Western 
Virginia,  we  proceed  to  speak  of  the  churches  in  Kanawha. 
The  Rev.  Messrs.  Lee  and  Page,  our  first  missionaries,  ex- 
tended their  visits  to  Kanawha,  and  by  the  way  of  Point 
Pleasant  ascended  the  Ohio,  stopping  at  Parkersburg.  The 
visit  of  Mr.  Page  led  to  his  settlement  in  Kanawha,  and  dur- 
ing the  time  of  his  residence  there  he  officiated  in  Charles- 
ton, at  Coalsmouth  and  Point  Pleasant.  A  good  beginning 
was  made  by  Mr.  Page,  and,  if  circumstances  had  not  made 
him  feel  it  his  duty  to  seek  another  field  of  labour  after  a 
few  years,  it  is  thought  that  the  Church  in  that  county  would 
have  greatly  benefited  by  his  labours.  He  was  succeeded, 
after  a  num'ober  of  years,  by  the  Rev.  Frederick  D.  Goodwin, 
who  laboured  amidst  many  difficulties  for  two  years  and  then 
removed  to  another  field.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Martin  followed  Mr. 
Goodwin,  and  laboured  at  Charleston  and  Coalsmouth.  He 
was  since,  ded  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craik,  now  of  Louisville,  who 
laboured  among  them  for  some  years.  Mr.  Whittle  and  Mr. 
Ward  were  the  next  ministers.  Mr.  Ward  was  followed  by 
the  Rev.  R.  T.  Brown,  who,  after  a  few  years,  was  obliged,  on 
account  of  his  failing  voice,  to  relinquish  the  charge.  The 
Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith  is  the  present  minister. 

There  is  an  excellent  brick  church  in  Charleston,  whose 
history  deserves  a  special  notice.  When  I  first  visited  Ka- 
nawha, there  were  only  two  communicants  in  our  Church  in 
Charleston, — Mrs.  Colonel  Lovell  and  Mrs.  Quarrier.  There 
were  some  few  other  ladies,  who  by  birth  or  education  were 


526  The  Episcopal  Church 

i 

attached  to  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  some  few  gentlemen 
who  laughingly  advocated  it  in  preference  to  others.     There 
was  no  Episcopal  Church,  and  the  idea  of  building  one  seem- 
ed preposterous.    Some  two  or  three  ladies,  however,  deter- 
mined upon  a  trial, — their  husbands,  fathers,  and  brothers 
making  sport  of  it.     They  used  their  tongues,  their  hands, 
their  pens,  and  raised  in  one  year  about  a  hundred  dollars, 
which  afforded  amusement  to  the  gentlemen.     The   ladies, 
with  characteristic  good-humour,  patience  and  perseverance, 
endured  it  all,  putting  their  earnings  in  the  bank,  and  pro- 
ceeded in  their  work.     The  next  year  doubled  their  collec- 
tions, which  were  also  put  at  interest.    How  many  years  were 
thus  spent,  and  what  was  the  increase  of  each  year,  I  cannot 
say;  but  this  I  know,  that  after  many  years  of  patient  perse- 
verence,  and  the  accumulation  of  a  very  considerable  sum, 
the  gentlemen  found  that  the  ladies  could  not  be  laughed 
out  of  their  determination,  and,  some  of  them  having  also 
come  to  better  thoughts  on  the  subject  of  religion,  it  was 
resolved  to  accept  the  large  amount  now  in  hand,  and  add  to 
it  as  much  as  was  necessary  to  build  a  church  costing  four 
or  five  thousand  dollars. 

Old  Mrs.  Quarrier. 

I  mentioned  that  at  one  time  there  were  only  two  commu- 
nicants in  our  Church  at  Charleston, — Mrs.  Lovell  and  Mrs. 
Quarrier.  The  latter  died  in  the  year  1852,  full  of  years,  and 
ready  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ.  As  Mrs.  Quarrier,  be- 
yond any  other  individual,  may  be  considered  the  mother  of 
the  Church  in  Western  Virginia,  by  reason  of  her  age.  her 
holy  life,  and  numerous  posterity,  who  in  different  places 
have  zealously  promoted  it,  I  must  give  a  brief  genealogical 
sketch  of  the  same.  Mr.  Alexander  Quarrier  was  born  in 
Scotland  in  the  year  1746.  He  removed  to  America  in  his 
twenty-ninth  year,  and,  settling  in  Philadelphia  and  marry- 
ing, lived  there  twelve  years,  when  he  removed  to  Richmond. 
His  wife  dying,  he  contracted  a  second  marriage  with  Miss 
Sally  Burns.    He  left  Richmond  in  1811,  and  removed  to  Ka- 


in  West  Virginia.  527 

nawha,  where  he  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-two.  By 
his  first  marriage  he  had  six  children, — Harriet,  Eliza,  Mar- 
garet, Helen,  Alexander  and  Betsy.  By  his  second  wife  he 
had  seven  children, — William,  James,  Gustavus,  Monroe, 
Archibald,  Fanny  and  Virginia.  Being  unable  to  state  the 
marriages  and  localities,  &c,  of  all  of  them,  I  shall  mention 
none.  The  members  of  the  Church  in  different  parts  of  West- 
ern Virginia  know  how  much  it  has  been  indebted  to  them. 

The  Church  in  the  Salines. 

About  six  miles  above  Charleston,  in  the  midst  of  the  cele- 
brated salt-works,  there  is  a  considerable  population  and  sev- 
eral churches.  One  of  them  belongs  to  the  Episcopalians. 
When  I  was  last  there,  it  had  been  deserted  for  a  time  on  ac- 
count of  its  bad  construction,  with  a  view  either  to  its  repair 
or  the  building  of  another.  The  minister  at  Charleston  gives 
a  portion  of  his  time  and  labours  to  this  place. 

The  Church  at  Coalsmouth. 

About  twelve  miles  from  Charleston,  and  lower  down,  the 
river  Coal  enters  into  the  Kanawha.  At  this  place  a  number 
of  Episcopal  families  settled  themselves  from  thirty  to  sixty 
years  ago.  They  attracted  the  attention  of  our  first  minis- 
ters in  Kanawha,  and  shared  their  labours.  Among  those 
families  was  that  of  Mr.  Philip  Thompson,  of  Culpepper,  son 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thompson,  of  St.  Mark's  parish,  of  whom  we 
have  given  so  good  an  account  in  our  article  on  Culpepper. 
His  family,  now  reduced  in  numbers  by  death  and  dispersion, 
have  contributed  largely  to  the  support  of  this  congregation. 
The  venerable  mother,  daughter  of  old  Mr.  Robert  Slaughter, 
of  Culpepper,  was  loved  and  esteemed  by  all  who  knew  her, 
as  one  of  the  humblest  and  most  devoted  members  of  the 
Church  in  Virginia.  I  have  always  felt  my  own  sense  of  the 
divine  power  and  excellency  of  religion  strengthened  by  every 
visit  made  to  her  abode.  She  exchanged  it  some  years  since 
for  a  better  one  above. 

The  following  communication  from  Mr.  Francis  Thompson, 


528  The  Episcopal  Church 

who  has  long  been  a  lay  reader  of  the  Church,  contains  every- 
thing- of  importance  in  relation  to  the  congregation  at  Coals- 
mouth  : — 

Coals,  February  24,  1857. 
"Right  Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: — I  hasten  to  give  you  an 
imperfect  account  of  the  history  of  the  Church  in  this  neigh- 
bourhood; and,  as  there  are  no  records  to  refer  to,  I  shall 
have  to  rely  on  an  imperfect  memory.  Morris  Hudson,  Eliza- 
beth his  wife,  and  their  six  children,  nearly  all  married,  re- 
moved to  this  neighbourhood  from  Botetourt  county,  Vir- 
ginia, in  1797,  and  were  probably  the  first  Episcopalians  that 
settled  in  this  neighbourhood.  They  were  both  communi- 
cants of  the  Church.  They  came  to  Virginia  originally  from 
Lancaster  county,  Pennsylvania,  and  were  members  of  Ban- 
gor Church, — an  old  church  erected  before  the  Revolution. 
They  removed  to  Botetourt  county,  in  this  State,  during 
Bishop  Madison's  time.  The  old  patriarch,  then  in  his  eight- 
ieth year,  (being  uncertain  whether  he  had  been  confirmed  in 
childhood),  received  the  rite  of  Confirmation  at  your  hands, 
on  your  first  visit  to  this  county,  together  with  several  of  his 
children.  Some  of  their  descendants  "still  continue  true  to 
the  faith  of  their  fathers,  whilsc  others  have  wandered  into 
other  folds.  The  next  Episcopalians  who  settled  here  were 
my  father's  family,  with  whose  history  you  are  well  acquaint- 
ed. They  removed  here  in  1817.  My  father  died  in  1837,  in 
the  seventieth  year  of  his  age.  My  mother  died  the  8th  of 
March,  1852,  in  the  seventy-fifth  year  of  her  age. 

"The  first  clergyman  who  visited  us  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Page, 
who  came  as  a  missionary,  and  was  afterwards  the  pastor  of 
the  congregation  in  this  neighbourhood,  and  officiated  gen- 
erally throughout  the  county.  He  laboured  zealously  for 
several  years,  and,  I  have  no  doubt,  accomplished  much  good. 
Had  he  remained.  I  think  the  Church  would  have  been  estab- 
lished here  on  a  firm  foundation.  I  do  not  recollect  the  pre- 
cise time  of  his  coming  or  leaving.  The  little  brick  church  on 
the  hill  was  erected  in  1825,  (chiefly  by  old  Mr.  Hudson).     I 


in  West  Virginia.  529 

think  the  Rev.  Mr.  Page  preached  in  it  for  some  years.    This 
church  was  used  until  1835,  when  it  was  burned. 

"The  first  vestry  was  P.  R.  Thompson,  Davis  Hudson,  Jesse 
Hudson  and  others  whose  names  I  have  forgotten.  After 
Mr.  Page  left,  we  were  for  some  time  without  a  minister,  and 
the  Methodists  and  Presbyterians  came  in  and  gathered  up 
the  sheaves  already  bound  by  him,  as  many  baptized  by  him 
connected  themselves  with  those  churches.  The  Rev.  F.  D. 
Goodwin  succeeded  Mr.  Page,  and  continued  about  two  years. 
I  think  he  came  in  1830  or  1831,  and  was  followed  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Martin  in  1833,  who  remained  in  the  county  about  five 
years,  and  gave  place  to  Mr.  Craik,  who  preached  for  us  occa- 
sionally for  several  years.  Old  Mr.  West  had  charge  of  this 
parish  part  of  a  year  during  Mr.  Craik's  ministry  in  Charles- 
ton. After  Mr.  West  left  us,  Mr.  Craik  still  continued  to 
preach  for  us,  until  the  spring  of  1845,  when  the  Rev.  F.  B. 
Nash  was  called  to  this  parish.  He  continued  to  labour  zeal- 
ously for  several  years.  During  his  ministry  St.  Mark's 
Church  was  built  on  a  part  of  the  lot  given  by  my  father  for 
a  church  and  parsonage.  The  parsonage  was  built  for  Mr. 
Martin,  but  was  never  occupied  by  a  minister  until  Mr.  Nash 
came.  St.  Mark's  Church  was  built  in  1846,  and  shortly 
afterward  St.  John's  in  the  Valley.  The  congregation  in 
Teays  Valley  was  first  gathered  by  -Mr.  Craik,  and  an  old  still- 
house  converted  into  a  place  of  worship.  I  think  he  started  a 
subscription-paper  for  St.  John's  before  he  left.  There  are  sev- 
eral communicants  still  living  near  this  church,  though  they 
have  never  had  any  services  since  Mr.  Xash  left,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  one  or  two  sermons  from  Mr.  Henderson,  who  con- 
i  in ued  here  a  short  time.  I  was  licensed  as  a  lay  reader  about 
thirty-two  years  ago,  and  have  continued  to  officiate  in  thai 
capacity  and  as  superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school  up  to 
this  time.  Our  school  lasi  summer,  and  as  long  as  the  weather 
permitted  during  the  fall,  was  quite  a  nourishing  one.  num- 
bering more  than  forty  scholars.    We  shall  resume  it  on  next 


530  The  Episcopal  Church 

Sunday,  if  the  weather  continues  good.    I  remain,  dear  sir, 
your  attached  friend, 

F.  Thompson." 

List  of  persons  who  have  acted  as  Vestrymen  (from  memory). 

P.  R.  Thompson,  Sen.,  Davis  Hudson,  Jesse  Hudson,  John 
Lewis,  P.  R.  Thompson,  Jr.,  John  P.  Turner,  Alexander  Brad- 
ford, Dr.  John  Thompson,  Robert  Simms,  George  Rogers,  Al- 
fred A.  Thornton,  Benjamin  S.  Thompson,  George  W.  Thorn- 
ton, Francis  Thompson. 

We  have  no  other  church  besides  these  on  the  Kanawha 
River,  though  our  ministers  have  had  stations  at  the  court- 
house in  a  neighboring  county  and  at  Buffalo  in  Kanawha 
county.  At  Point  Pleasant,  besides  the  occasional  visits  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Craik  and  Mr.  Henderson,  the  Rev.  James  Good- 
win laboured  several  years  in  the  hope  of  building  a  church 
and  raising  up  a  congregation,  but  was  disappointed.  Vari- 
ous circumstances  have  prevented  the  establishment  of  a 
flourishing  village  on  that  most  beautiful  of  all  the  sites  on 
the  Ohio  and  Kanawha  Rivers,  which,  by  their  junction  there, 
concur  to  make  it  as  convenient  for  trade  as  it  is  memorable 
for  the  bloody  battle  with  the  Indians  in  which  the  family  of 
Lewis  so  signalized  itself, — some  of  whose  descendants  still 
live  upon  the  spot  and  adhere  to  the  Church  of  their  ances- 
tors. 

Bruce  Chapel. 

About  twelve  miles  below  Point  Pleasant,  on  Mercer's  Bot- 
tom, a  large  and  fertile  tract  of  land,  once  owned  by  Charles 
Fenton  Mercer,  we  have  a  comfortable  brick  building  called 
Bruce  Chapel,  erected  during  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  James 
Goodwin,  and  so  named  because  of  the  large  contribution 
made  to  it  by  Mrs.  Eliza  Bruce,  now  of  Richmond,  and  whose 
liberality  to  so  many  other  objects  is  well  known  throughout 
Virginia.  The  chapel  is  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Moores, 
Beales,  General  Steenbergen  and  others  whose  names  I  can- 
not now  recall. 


in  West  Virginia.  531 

The  Church  at  Ravenswood. 

Ravenswood  is  a  small  village  on  the  Ohio  River,  built  on 
land  taken  up  by  General  Washington,  (who  never  made  a 
mistake  as  to  the  quality  of  soil),  and  left  to  some  of  the  Ash- 
ton  family  of  King  George,  with  whom  the  Washington  fam- 
ily was  connected.  Mr.  Henry  Fitzhugh,  formerly  of  Fau- 
quier, marrying  a  descendant  of  the  Ashtons,  became  pos- 
sessed of  a  part  of  this  estate,  and  settled  on  it  with  a  large 
family  of  children.  At  his  expense  a  neat  little  chapel  has 
been  put  up  at  Ravenswood,  and  when  ministerial  services- 
were  not  to  be  had  one  of  his  sons  has  officiated  as  lay  reader. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  has  now  for  the  last  two  years  been 
residing  there,  discharging  the  duties  of  a  teacher  and  minis- 
ter at  the  same  time.  Services  are  also  held  at  the  court- 
house of  that  county. 

Since  the  above  was  penned,  I  have  received  a  communica- 
tion which  states  that  the  ladies,  by  their  zeal  and  diligence, 
raised  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  the  furnishing  of  the 
chapel,  and  that  some  contributions  were  made  by  individ- 
uals other  than  the  family  above  mentioned,  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood, and  in  Wheeling  and  Cincinnati,  though  not  to  a 
large  amount.  Contributions  of  labour  were  also  made  by 
some  of  the  neighbours.  The  Rey.  Mr.  Wheeler  was  the  min- 
ister for  two  years  from  the  vear  1842.  The  Rev.  Messrs. 
Martin  and  Craik  and  Brown,  of  Charleston;  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Goodwin,  of  Point  Pleasant;  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Smith  and  Per- 
kins, of  Parkersburg;  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  of  Moundsville, 
and  Drs.  Armstrong  and  McCabe,  of  Wheeling,  have  all  ren- 
dered acceptable  services  at  Ravenswood.  The  vestrymen 
have  been  Mr.  Henry  Fitzhugh,  Dr.  John  Armstrong,  Thomas 
Atkinson.  W.  S.  Holmes,  D.  M.  Barr,  Burdett  Fitzhugh, 
Henry  Fitzhugh,  Jr.,  R.  H.  Dickenson,  James  R.  Mays,  George 
H.  Fitzhugh,  T.  D.  Noussey,  J.  Beckwith,  Thomas  Kirk,  D. 
Frost,  I.  J.  C.  Davenport,  H.  Harpold  and  James  Beatty. 

The  Churches  in  Parkersburg  and  the  Vicinity. 

Parkersburg  was  one  of  the  places  visited  by  our  first  mis- 


532  The  Episcopal  Church 

sionaries, — the  Rev.  Messrs.  Lee  and  Page.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Goodwin,  also,  either  before  or  after  his  settlement  in  Kana- 
wha, paid  an  acceptable  visit  to  the  people  of  that  place. 
The  Rev.  Mr..  McMechin,  soon  after  his  ordination,  spent  a 
year  or  more  in  attempting  to  raise  up  a  congregation  there. 
In  the  year  1843  the  Rev.  Thomas  Smith  was  elected  its  min- 
ister and  the  church  was  regularly  organized,  and  in  the  fol- 
lowing year  was  admitted  into  union  with  the  Convention  of 
Virginia.  Mr.  Smith  immediately  commenced,  with  his  accus- 
tomed enterprise,  to  raise  funds  for  building  a  church,  and 
was  sufficiently  successful  in  securing  enough  to  provide  a 
small  and  plain  church;  but,  as  is  too  often  the  case  in  the 
progress  of  such  a  work,  the  views  of  those  engaged  in  it 
were  enlarged,  both  as  to  the  size  of  the  building  and  the 
style  of  its  execution,  so  that  the  completion  of  it  was  de- 
layed for  some  years.  It  is  a  well-built  and  handsome  brick 
church,  and  stands  on  ground  presented  to  the  vestry  by  J. 
F.  Snodgrass,  late  member  of  Congress  from  that  district. 
For  a  large  portion  of  the  funds  for  its  erection,  and  for  much 
of  the  superintendence  of  the  work,  the  congregation  is  in- 
debted to  General  J.  J.  Jackson,  of  Parkersburg.  Mr.  Smith 
died  in  1817,  and  was  buried  beneath  the  vestibule  of  the 
church,  at  his  own  request,  the  reason  being  assigned  that, 
as  he  felt  himself  to  be  a  poor  sinner,  he  wished  to  be  tram- 
pled under  the  feet  of  all  who  entered  the  house.  In  the 
same  year  the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins  was  chosen,  who  entered  on 
his  duties  in  the  month  of  October.  In  the  year  1853,  Mr. 
Perkins  resigned  the  charge,  since  which  time  it  has  been  va- 
cant. During  Mr.  Perkins'  term  of  service  two  other  church- 
es have  been  built  in  connection  with  Parkersburg, — one 
about  fifteen  or  twenty  miles  above  it,  on  Cow  Creek,  and 
another  about  ten  or  twelve  miles  below  it,  at  Bellville.  The 
latter  was  built  almost  entirely  by  Mr.  Wells,  on  whose  land 
and  near  whose  house  it  stands.  Mr.  Perkins  used  occasion- 
ally to  officiate  at  each  of  these  places. 

The  following  is  the  list  of  the  vestrymen  of  this  parish: — 


in  West  Virginia.  533 

John  Taylor,  J.  G.  Stringer,  Dr.  D.  Creel.,  A.  L.  Kinnaird,  J. 
M.  Littleboy,  Sen.,  J.  F.  Snodgrass,  J.  R.  Murdock,  \Y.  S.  Gar- 
diner, David  B.  Spencer,  J.  J.  Jackson,  Beverley  Smith,  \V.  P. 
Rathbone,  Dr.  Fannin,  E.  D.  Satt'ord,  0.  J.  Meale,  Isaac  Mor- 
ris, W.  H.  Morehead,,  G.  B.  Neaie,  J.  J.  Dickenson,  W.  II.  Lau- 
rence, W.  H.  Small,  J.  J.  Neale,  J.  H.  Adams  and  E.  F.  De 
Seldine. 

Church  in  Wetzel  County. 

A  church  at  New  Martinsville,  in  this  county,  was  partly 
built  some  years  since,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Rev.  James 
McCabe  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  and  supplied  for  some  time 
with  services  by  the  same.  I  have  no  list  of  the  vestrymen 
of  this  parish,  which  was  called  Wetzel  parish  after  the  name 
of  the  county. 

Church  at  Moundsville. 

Within  twelve  miles  of  Wheeling,  on  the  Ohio  River,  is  to 
be  seen  one  of  the  largest  of  those  Indian  mounds  which  are 
to  be  found  in  our  Western  world.  It  gives  the  name  to  the 
place.  In  the  time  of  the  elder  Mr.  Armstrong,  there  were 
some  families  belonging  to  our  Church  in  and  around  it, 
which  were  visited  by  him,  and  to  whom  with  the  other  peo- 
ple of  the  place  he  preached.  The  passage  of  the  Baltimore 
and  Ohio  Railroad  through  it,  and  the  establishment  of  a 
large  depot  at  it,  has  increased  the  population  so  much  that 
an  Episcopal  church  was  erected  here  some  years  since,  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland  has.  in  connection  with  a  school,  per- 
formed the  duties  of  a  minister  in  it. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  vestrymen  of  the  parish: — 
Colonel  John  Thompson,  Isaac  Doge,  E.  II.  Caldwell,  W.  S. 
Lane,  O.  S.  Hock,  G.  W.  Bruce.  William  Collins.  General  G. 
Jones. 

From  the  foregoing  notices  of  the  Church  in  Western  Vir- 
ginia, it  will  be  perceived  that  our  "beginning  is  small.*'  May 
some  future  historian,  when  all  its  resources  have  been  de- 
veloped, have  the  pleasure  of  recording  that  "its  latter  end 
has  greatly  increased!" 


534  Thi-:  Episcopal  Church 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Records  of  all  the  Parishes,  Churches,  Missions,  Stations,  &c,  in 
West  Virginia,  since  Bishop  Meade's  book  was  published  in 
1857,  compiled  from  accounts  furnished  by  the  Clergy  and 
others.  Barbour,  Berkeley,  Boone,  Braxton.  Brooke,  Cabell, 
Calhoun,  Clay,  Doddridge  Counties.  Churches  in  Martins- 
burg,  Hedgesville,  Bunker-Hill,  Sutton,  Wellsburg,  Hunting- 
ton, &.c.     Account  of  Rev.  Joseph  Doddridge. 


Barbour. 


Barbour  county  was  formed  from  parts  of  Harrison,  Lewis 
ami  Randolph,  in  1843.  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Hon.  Phil- 
ip P.  Barbour,  of  Virginia.  Square  miles.  300.  Population 
—1870,  L0,312;  1880,  11,870;  1890.  12.80.-);  1900,  14,198. 

Bishop  Potorkin  visited  Philippi  in  November,  1880,  finding 
only  one  communicant.  In  the  last  few  years  there  has  been 
quite  a  development,  in  and  about  Belington.  This  point  has 
been  repeatedly  visited  by  both  the  Bishops.  It  is  now  under 
the  charge  of  the  Rev.  James  L.  Fish,  who  has  his  headquar- 
ters at  Elkins.  In  the  course  of  a  year's  time  we  hope  to  have 
a  chapel. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons  conducted  services  and  preached  in 
Philippi.  once  or  twice  in  the  autumn  of  1880.  Living  in  Fair- 
mont. Mr.  Gibbons  would  sometimes  drive  through  Barbour 
to  Beverley,  in  Randolph,  a  distance  of  sixty  miles,  and 
preach  at  different  places,  including  Philippi. 

Berkeley. 

Berkeley  connty  was  formed  from  Frederick  in  1772.  It  was 
named  for  Sir  William  Berkeley,  Governor  of  Virginia,  1642. 


i\  West  Virginia.  535 

Be  ii  was  who  rendered  himself  so  unpopular  because  of  his 
severity  against  those  who  took  part  in  Brown's  rebellion, 
ion;.  He  caused  twenty-three  persona  to  be  executed,  and 
Charles  II.,  when  he  heard  of  it.  exclaimed,  "The  old  fool,  he 
h;is  tikcn  more  Lives  in  that  naked  country,  than  I  have  for 
my  father's  murder.'  Berkeley,  in  describing Virginjain  1665. 
said,  "Thank  God,  there  are  no  free  schools  or  printing  press- 
es in  this  colony,  and  I  hope  there  will  be  none  for  a  hundred 
years."  Square  miles,  320.  Population— 1870,  L4,900;  L880 
17^80;  1800,  18,503;  1900,  L9,469. 

Trinity  Episcopal  Church,  Norbourne  Parish- First  account. 

When  Frederick  county  was  created  by  Act  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Virginia,  in  1738,  a  parish  was 
constituted,  embracing  the  entire  district,  and  given  the  same 
name  ;ls  the  county.  But  in  1700  this  large  parish  was  sub- 
divided into  three,  the  upper  being  Beckford,  the  middle  Fred- 
erick, and  the  lower,  comprising  the  counties  now  known  as 
Berkeley,  Jefferson  and  Morgan,  Norborne;  so  named  in 
honor  of  Governor  Norborne  Berkeley.  There  were  three 
chapels  in  this  parish  at  a  very  early  date,  some  contending, 
in  fact,  that  the  Episcopal,  or  rather,  at  that  time,  t  lie  <  'hurch 
of  England,  has  the  best  claim  to  having  built  the  first  church 
edifice  in  the  Valley,  south  of  the  Potomac.  The  reasons 
seem  to  be  strong  for  this  claim:  the  leading  men  wh<>  organ- 
ized Frederick  county  were  Church  of  England  men.  and  it 
is  very  natural  that  they  should  have  a  house  of  worship, 
shortly  after  the  erection  of  a  parish.  <ertain  it  is,  from 
actual  documentary  evidence  (the  records  of  Frederick  coun- 
t.v,  that  there  was  a  '"Morgan's  Chapel"  and  a  "Cunningham's 
Chapel,"  before  1750.  One  of  these  was  near  Bunker  Hill, 
and  the  other  about  twelve  miles  southeast  of  Winchester. 
Hedgesville,  also,  lays  claim  to  having  a  chapel  at  an  early 
day.  Not  until  after  the  Revolutionary  War  had  Martins- 
burg  a  church  of  this  denomination.  Bishop  Meade  says  that 
this  first  church  was  erected  chiefly  at  the  cost,  and  under 
the  superintendence,  of  Philip  Pendleton,  who  was  a  devout 


536  The  Episcopal  Church 

Episcopalian,  and  a  man  of  very  liberal  mind.  The  church 
stood  at  the  entrance  of  the  cemetery,  laid  out  by  General 
Adam  Stephen,  who  had  it  established  by  law.  About  1835r 
the  old  church  began  to  be  considered  unfit  for  use.  Its  walls 
gave  evidence  of  being  unsafe,  and  measures  were  taken  to 
build  another  one,  not  upon  its  site,  but  nearer  to  the  center 
of  the  population  of  the  town.  A  lot  being  donated  on  King 
street,  an  effort  to  raise  the  necessary  funds  was  made, 
which,  being  successful,  the  building  was  put  under  construc- 
tion about  1839.  Not  until  1843,  however,  was  the  structure 
finished,  at  which  time  it  was  consecrated  by  Bishop  Meade, 
who  was  assisted  by  Revs.  Alexander  Jones  and  J.  Chisholni, 
of  Virginia,  and  Revs.  James  A.  Buck  and  Theodore  B.  Ly- 
man, of  Maryland.  In  regard  to  the  clergy  of  the  parish  there 
are  many  breaks  in  the  succession.  Whether  their  names 
have  been  forgotten,  or  whether  there  were  no  ministers  in 
charge  of  the  parish  at  those  times,  it  is  impossible  now  to 
determine.  But  it  is  altogether  probable  the  latter  is  the 
correct  solution. 

Although  Xorborne  Parish  was  organized  in  1769,  no 
clergyman  can  be  identified  as  its  rector  until  1771,  when 
Rev.  Daniel  Sturges  was  licensed  for  the  parish,  by  the  Bish- 
op of  London.  He  was  succeeded  in  1786  by  Rev.  Mr.  Veasey, 
and  he,  by  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson.  In  1795  Rev.  Bernard  Page  be- 
came rector,  who  was,  according  to  Bishop  Meade,  "deeply 
pious,  zealous  and  far  beyond  the  ministerial  standard  of  the 
parish."  Rev.  Mr.  Heath  came  next,  who  was  minister  till 
about  1800,  when  he  died,  not  far  from  that  date.  Rev.  Eman- 
uel Wiliner  succeeded  Mr.  Heath,  and  was  in  charge  of  the 
parish  about  1805-'06-'07.  Rev.  Mr.  Price  was  rector  from 
1811  till  1813,  and  then  there  seems  to  have  been  a  gap  of 
several  years,  in  consequence  of  the  war  of  1812'14.  In  1815 
Rev.  Benjamin  Allen  took  charge  of  the  parish.  He  is  said 
to  have  been  "a  man  of  untiring  energy  and  deep  piety,  and 
not  unknown  to  the  literary  world."  He  published  six  vol- 
umes of  poems,  a  history  of  the  Reformation  that  ran  through 


REV.    JOHN    SMALLWOOD    DOUGLAS. 


TRINITY    CHURCH    AM)    KKCTORY,    MART1NSBURG. 


REV.   HENRY   THOMAS. 


CHRIST   CHURCH,    BUNKER   HILL. 


in  West  Virginia.  537 

three  editions,  a  history  of  the  church  and  edited  the  Chris- 
tian Magazine.  He  also  edited,  while  in  Martinsburg,  the 
Layman's  Magazine,  the  first  religious  paper  ever  published 
in  the  Valley  of  the  Shenandoah.  He  was  the  first  to  propose 
a  division  of  the  diocese,  and  the  committee  appointed  to 
confer  with  the  Bishop  and  Standing  Committee  on  this  sub- 
ject, was  Kev.  Enoch  Lowe,  Edward  Colston  and  Robert 
Page.  Mr.  Allen  died  on  shipboard,  coming  from  a  foreign 
trip,  where  he  had  sought  a  restoration  of  his  shattered 
health.  His  successor  was  Rev.  Thomas  Horrell,  in  1816,  who 
remained  three  years. 

Fifteen  rectors  have  served  the  parish  during  the  interval 
from  that  time  until  the  present  day. 

Trinity  Church,  Norbourne  Parish,  Martinsburg — Second  account. 

Xorborne  Parish  is  coeval  with  Berkeley  county.  Bishop 
Meade  says  that  "this  parish  and  county  were,  by  Act  of  As- 
sembly, taken  from  Frederick  in  the  year  1769."  The  original 
parish  included  all  the  territory  now  embraced  by  the  coun- 
ties of  Jefferson  and  Berkeley,  and  there  seems  to  have  been 
but  two,  possibly  three,  churches  within  these  limits.  The 
one  at  Mill  Creek,  or  Bunker  Hill,  which  was  founded  by  Mor- 
gan Morgan  about  the  year  1740,  was  the  first  Episcopal 
Church  erected  in  The  valley.  The  other  was  located  in  Meck- 
lenberg,  or  Shepherdstown.  It  was  built  by  Mr.  VanSwear- 
Lngen,  a  little  while  before  the  parish  was  formed.  We  have 
it  on  authority  better  than  mere  tradition  that  there  was 
also  a  chapel  about  this  linn-  in  Hedgesville.  If  the  latter  is 
correct,  then  there  were  three  and  not  two  churches  in  the 
original  parish. 

The  next  church  erected  in  the  parish  was  the  one  in  Char- 
lestown.  This  was  done  soon  after  the  division  from  Freder- 
ick, and  not  many  years  before  the  Revolutionary  War.  But 
it  was  not  until  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  war  that  the 
first  Episcopal  Church  in  Martirsburg  was  built.  This,  savs 
Bishop  Meade,  "was  erected  chiefly  at  the  cost  and  under  the 
superintendence  of  Mr.  Philip  Pendleton,  who  was  a  zealous 


538  The  Episcopal  Chubch 

Churchman,  and  so  far  as  we  know  and  believe,  a  good  Chris- 
tian." This  church  stood  at  the  entrance  to  Norborne  ceme- 
tery, which,  by  the  way,  was  laid  out  by  Adam  Stephen  and 
established  by  law  in  1778.  Just  about  this  time  the  church 
in  Hedgesville  was  erected,  because  the  founders  and  princi- 
pal contributors  to  that  were  Mr.  Kaleigh  Colston  and  Mr. 
William  Pendleton,  brother  to  Philip. 

In  the  year  1801,  Jefferson  county  was  formed  from  Berke- 
ley, and  that  territory  in  name  and  fact  cut  off  from  Nor- 
borne parish.  The  whole  county  is  included  in  St.  Andrew's 
parish.  Norborne  parish  thus  reduced  contained  three 
churches.  One  of  these,  that  at  Bunker  Hill,  was  served 
principally  by  the  rector  at  Smithfield,  which  arrangement 
has  been  continued  to  this  day.  The  church  at  Martinsburg 
and  Hedgesville  jointly  supported  a  minister. 

The  first  Confirmation  in  the  church,  of  which  we  have  any 
record,  was  held  by  Bishop  Meade  November  14,  1830,  when 
he  confirmed  a  class  of  nineteen  persons,  two  of  whom,  Miss 
Jane  Maxwell  and  Miss  Lucy  Harrison,  are  still  living  in  Mar- 
tinsburg, (when  this  account  was  written,  1900). 

About  1835  the  old  stone  church  became  unsafe  for  use  and 
measures  were  taken  to  erect  another  in  the  town.  But  there 
was  some  apprehension  on  the  part  of  many,  lest  such  a  step 
should  leave  the  old  burying  ground  unprotected ;  whereupon 
on  the  13th  day  of  August,  1836,  it  was  resolved  "that  it  is 
the  fixed  determination  of  the  vestry  that  they  will  preserve 
said  burying  ground  as  now  located  and  keep  it  from  injury, 
exposure  or  desecration,"  which  determination  has  been 
faithfully  observed,  and  the  cemetery  is  still  used  as  a  bury- 
ing place  by  members  of  the  congregation,  and  those  to  whom 
it  is  endeared  by  hallowed  associations. 

A  lot'  on  King  street  having  been  donated,  the  present  edi- 
fice was  erected,  and  consecrated  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  William 
Meade,  of  Virginia,  on  Thursday,  August  10th,  1843.  Present 
and  assisting,  were  the  following  clergy:  The  Rector,  Rev. 
James  Chisholm,  and  the  Rev.  Alexander  Jones,  of  Virginia; 


in  West  Virginia.  539 

Revs.  James  A.  Buck  and  Theodore  B.  Lyman,  of  Maryland, 
afterwards  Bishop  Lyman,  of  North  Carolina.  The  sentence 
of  consecration  was  read  by  the  rector,  and  the  sermon 
preached  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  from  Zechariah,  Chapter 
xiv.  20,  "  In  that  day  shall  there  be  upon  the  bells  of  the 
horses,  Holiness  unto  the  Lord:  and  the  pots  in  the  Lord's 
house  shall  be  like  the  bowls  before  the  altar."  At  a  Diocesan 
Convention  held  in  Norfolk,  Virginia,  May,  1848,  a  petition 
was  presented  by  Trinity  Church,  Martinsburg,  for  its  erec- 
tion into  a  separate  parish.  This  petition  was  granted  by  the 
convention,  and  from  that  date  Norborne  was  divided  into 
two  parishes:  the  one  included  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Hedgesville, 
and  Calvary  Church,  Back  Creek,  and  the  other  Trinity 
Church,  Martinsburg. 

During  the  Civil  War  this  church  was  so  badly  damaged 
(having  been  used  as  a  hospital)  that  in  1865,  it  was  found 
necessary  to  have  it  thoroughly  renovated,  before  it  could  be 
used  for  divine  service.  This  was  done  under  the  rectorship 
of  the  Rev.  William  D.  Hanson.  The  present  vestibule  and 
iron  railing  were  added  in  lSG'J.  In  1883,  under  the  Rev. 
Robert  Douglas  Roller,  D.  D.,  the  church  edifice  was  com- 
pletely renovated,  enlarged  and  improved,  and  was  conse- 
crated by  the  Rt.  Rev.  George  W.  Peterkin,  D.  D.,  March  18, 
1888.  The  Rev.  R,  T.  Davis,  D.  D.,  of  Leesburg,  Va.,  a  former 
rector -of  the  parish,  preached  the  sermon.  The  other  clergy 
present  were  the  Revs.  Landon  R.  Mason,  of  Shepherdstown; 
William  T.  Leavell,  of  Hedgesville;  Dallas  Tucker,  of  Charles- 
town,  and  John  S.  Gibson,  of  Smithfield.  During  the  rector- 
ship of  the  Rev.  Henry  Thomas,  who  took  charge  October  the 
1st,  1888,  a  debt  of  two  thousand  dollars  was  paid,  the  in- 
terior of  the  church  improved,  and  a  handsome  pipe  organ 
built.  The  parish  has  at  present  a  large  and  active  Guild,  a 
congregation  of  about  two  hundred  souls,  and  a  prospect  of 
active  work  for  the  future.  The  present  rector,  Rev.  John 
S.  Douglas,  took  charge  October  2nd,  IS!)!). 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  clergy  who  have  served  as 


540  The  Episcopal  Church 

rectors  of  the  parish:  1771,  Rev.  Daniel  Sturges,  licensed  by 

Bishop  of  London;  1786,  Rev.  Mr.  Veasey; ,  Rev.  Francis 

Wilson;  1795,  Rev.  Bernard  Page;  1800,  Rev.  Mr.  Heath; 
1806-'7,  Rev.  Emmanuel  Wilmer;  1811--13,  Rev.  James  Price; 
1815,  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen;  1815-'19,  Rev.  Thomas  Horrel; 
1819,  Rev.  Enoch  M.  Lowe;  1821'22,  Rev.  Edward  R.  Lippett; 
1826'29,  John  T.  Brooke;  1S30-'31,  Rev.  James  H.  Tyng;  1832- 
'36,  Rev.  William  P.  C.  Johnson;  1836,  Rev.  Cyrus  M.  Jacobs; 
1837-'42,  Rev.  Charles  C.  Taliaferro;  1842-'50,  James  Chis- 
holm ;  1850-'55,  Rev.  D.  F.  Sprigg,  D.  D.,  1855-'59,  Rev.  Richard 
T.  Davis,  D.  D.;  1860-'74,  Rev.  William  D.  Hanson;  1875-78, 
Rev.  John  W.  Lea;  1879'88,  Rev.  Robert  Douglas  Roller,  D. 
D.;  1888'99,  Rev.  Henry  Thomas;  1899,  Rev.  John  S.  Douglas. 
It  may  interest  some  to  know  that,  among  others,  many 
of  the  oldest  and  most  esteemed  citizens  have  served  as  ves- 
trymen of  this  church.  Among  them  may  be  mentioned  the 
following:  Ed.  P.  Hunter,  Jacob  Van  Dorn,  Robert  Gregory, 
Franklin  Thomas,  Norman  Miller,  Stephen  B.  Snodgrass,  T. 
Fryatt,  Dr.  Page,  William  D.  Burkhardt,  D.  Conrad,  Jacob 
Van  Dorn,  Jr.,  B.  S.  Lyeth,  Thornton  Heushaw,  D.  H.  Con- 
rad, James  I  jams,  John  A^rdenger,  John  F.  Staub,  C.  S.  Lee, 
H.  H.  Conrad,  J.  F.  Young,  Edw.  Pendleton,  John  J.  Yellott, 
J.  L.  W.  Baker,  W.  B.  Colston,  R.  J.  Rankin,  William  T.  Hen- 
shaw,  Talcott  Eliason,  John  H.  Hunter,  John  W.  Abell,  J.  H. 
Tegmeyer,  William  Dorsey,  R.  P.  Magruder,  George  D.  Creg- 
low,  Dr.  James  W.  MeSherry,  John  B.  Nadenbusche,  William 
P.  Phillips,  Dr.  N.  D.  Baker,  John  E.  Boyd,  George  A.  Chris- 
man,  Jacob  Gassman,  E.  J.  Simpson,  John  H.  Doll,  John  M. 
Howell,  J.  T.  Young,  N.  W.  Jones,  C.  A.  Miller,  Samuel  Yes- 
tig,  D.  S.  Eiclielberger,  Edward  Rutledge,  Dr.  V.  B.  Warren- 
fells,  Alexander  Parks,  John  Hutzler,  Herbert  Alexander,  A. 
M.  Gilbert,  Dr.  Alonzo  Andrews,  Prof.  J.  W.  Tinsley. 

Reminiscenses  of  Mrs.  Mary  W.  Leigh,  daughter  of  Colonel   Ra- 
leigh Colston. 

My  Dear  Mrs.  Leavell: 

You  ask  nw  for  some  reminiscenses  of  old  Mt.  Zion  Church, 


in  West  Virginia.  541 

Hedgesville.  I  am  afraid  the  few  I  can  contribute  will  not 
be  of  much  interest,  but  I  will  do  the  best  1  can.  The  chapel, 
as  ii  was  called,  as  I  can  first  remember,  was  built  in  1817,  I 
have  been  told  mainly  by  the  efforts  of  my  grandfather,  Mr. 
Rawleigh  Colston,  and  old  Mr.  Hedges,  who  gave  the  ground. 
My  first  recollection  of  Mt.  Zion  Church  was  in  connection 
with  the  Rev.  Charles  Taliaferro,  who  was  the  incumbent — 
but  I  was  then  a  very  little  girl.  I  have  a  very  dim  recollec- 
tion of  a  Rev.  Mr.  Johnson,  who  baptized  me,  and  my  brother 
Rawleigh,  two  years  younger,  at  the  same  time.  After  him 
came  Mr.  Taliaferro,  but  his  bad  health  and  that  of  his  wife 
obliged  him  to  give  up  the  church  after  a  few  years.  There 
were  no  Sunday  schools  in  those  days,  but  Mr.  Taliaferro  was 
in  the  habit  of  gathering  all  the  children  around  the  chan- 
cel, after  services  were  over,  who  were  old  enough,  and  re- 
quiring them  to  say  the  Catechism,  expounding  it  to  them  at 
the  same  time,  and  I  remember  well,  how  I  always  trembled 
in  my  shoes,  for  fear  the  "I  desire''  would  come  to  me.  I 
remember  standing  up  with  my  two  sisters,  and  answering  in 
my  turn,  and  it  was  no  slight  ordeal  for  the  children  to 
"speak  out  plainly,"  as  we  were  enjoined  to  do,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  such  members  of  the  congregation  as  chose  to  re- 
main. Some  of  the  boys  were  almost  grown,  the  oue  I  re- 
member best  was  Edmund  Hedges,  who  afterwards  lost  his 
life  in  the  Mexican  war.  Mr.  Taliaferro  had  no  choir  and 
wore  no  gown,  and  the  service  was  the  baldest  you  can  im- 
agine. The  only  attempt  at  music,  was  the  singing  <»f  a  couple 
of  hymns,  or  a  psalm  and  a  hymn,  when  Mr.  W.  Pendleton 
would  generally  "lift  the  tune.'  one  of  the  simple,  old  fash- 
ioned ones,  but  the  whole  congregation  joined  in  with  many 
quirks  and  quavers,  but  with  ;i  hearty  good  will.  .Mr.  Pen- 
dleton was  one  of  the  wardens,  and  a.  very  prominent  figure 
in  the  church;  he  with  his  family  occupied  a  pew  just  in 
front  of  our  own.  Another  prominenl  person  in  the  congrega- 
tion was  old  Mr.  Josiah  Hedges,  who  always  wore  shoe  buck- 
les and  his  hair  combed  straighl   back,  and  plaited  down  his 


542  The  Episcopal  Church 

back  in  a  queue.  For  some  years  we  were  without  a  minis- 
ter, and  then  came  the  Rev.  James  Chisholm.  All  these  min- 
isters divided  their  services  between  Martinsburg  and 
Hedgesville,  preaching  alternately  in  the  two  churches.  Like 
Zacheus,  Mr.  Chisholm  was  very  small  of  stature,  but  I  well 
remember  the  indignation  of  rthe  ladies  of  the  Hedgesville 
congregation  when  they  determined  to  send  to  Baltimore  and 
have  a  black  silk  gown,  the  students'  gown  made,  for  Mr. 
Chisholm  to  officiate  in,  so,  that  all  things  might  be  done  de- 
cently and  in  order.  Mr.  Chisholm's  measure  had  been  taken 
and  sent  down  to  have  the  gown  made  by  some  one,  who 
knew  how  such  things  were  to  be  done,  for  this  was  an  in- 
novation, such  a  thing  having  never  been  seen  amongst  us 
before.  When  the  box  arrived,  there  was  the  black  silk 
irown  beautifully  made,  but  at  least  one-fourth  of  a  yard  too 
short,  even  for  little  Mr.  Chisholm,  and  there  was  nothing  to 
be  done,  but  to  buy  more  silk  and  add  it  to  the  bottom  to 
lengthen  it.  It  was  during  Mr.  Chisholm's  time  that  a  small 
pipe  organ  was  bought,  and  a  choir  formed  for  the  singing 
of  the  chants  and  anthems.  It  was  a  great  event  when  the 
organ  was  set  up,  and  was  the  wonder  of  all  the  children, 
as  to  what  the  words  "Laus  Deo,"  which  were  over  the  top, 
meant.  Mr.  Daly,  who  taught  the  children  at  Honeywood, 
was  organist,  and  with  Mr.  Chisholm's  assistance  undertook 
to  train  the  choir,  with  Mr.  James  Cox  as  leader.  Mr.  Chis- 
holm vvas  very  much  beloved  and  the  memory  of  him  is  still 
fresh  in  the  hearts  of  some  who  were  only  children  then,  but 
who  are  old  people  now. 

He  possessed  a  fund  of  quiet  humor,  and  would  often  tell 
of  very  amusing  people  and  things  he  met  in  his  journey- 
ings  in  the  mountains.  At  that  time,  services  were  held 
once  a  month  in  a  little  stone  church,  belonging  to  the  Epis- 
copalians, near  "Tomahawk."  Mr.  Chisholm  was  called  to 
Portsmouth,  Virginia,  and  perished  there  in  1856  from  yel- 
low fever.  Next  in  order,  was  Rev.  D.  F.  Sprigg,  and,  I  do 
not  suppose  there  has  ever  been  a  man  more  beloved,  than 


in  West  Virginia.  543 

he  was  by  both  congregations.  The  Church  seemed  to  take 
on  a  new  life  and  the  confirmation  classes  were  always  large. 
I  well  remember  a  Aery  ludicrous  thing  which  happened  at 
one  of  the  visitations  of  Bishop  Johns.  The  "collection,"  as 
it  was  called,  was  taken  up  in  deep  velvet  bags,  attached 
to  long  poles,  and  the  bags  had  heavy  silk  tassels  at  the 
bottom.  The  two  wardens  were  taking  up  the  offering,  one 
of  whom,  was  my  father,  and  the  other  Mr.  Pendleton,  and 
father  accidentally  brushed  his  bag,  heavy  with  silver,  over 
the  head  of  old  Mr.  Tabb,  who  wore  a  slick,  new  wig.  The 
wig  was  knocked  off,  exposing  the  shining  bald  pate.  The 
old  gentleman  made  a  number  of  efforts  to  catch  his  wig,  but 
in  vain,  and  he  picked  it  up  in  great  confusion  and  dismay 
and  replaced  it  on  his  head,  amid  the  scarcely  suppressed 
laughter  of  the  whole  congregation,  Of  course,  Mr.  Sprigg 
and  the  Bishop  had  full  benefit  and  Mr.  Sprigg,  who  had  a 
keen  sense  of  humor,  repeated  it  afterwards  with  great  ef- 
fect. After  Dr.  Sprigg,  came  the  Rev.  Richard  Davis  and 
after  him  the  Rev.  W.  D.  Hanson,  one  of  the  most  saintly 
and  gentle  spirits  that  ever  blessed  this  earth.  He  remain- 
ed through  the  whole  of  the  civil  war  and  ministered  to 
people  of  all  denominations,  as  all  the  other  ministers  had 
left  Martinsburg,  and  Mr.  Hanson  was  left  alone,  and  was 
always  ready  to  minister  to  the  sick,  and  dying,  or  to  bap- 
tize or  marry  or  bury  when  ever  he  was  called  upon. 

Amongst  the  prominent  people  in  the  church  when  I  was 
a  child  were  Mr.  Josiah  Hedges  and  his  wife,  Mr.  Hezekiah 
Hedges,  the  Misses  Wever,  Mr.  Garrett  Wynkopp,  Mr.  James 
Cox,  Mr.  Aaron  Myers  and  others.  I  have  written  this  lit- 
tle sketch,  which  I  hope  you  will  like.  I  am  truly  your 
friend. 

Mary  W.  Leigh. 

Franklin  Parish,  Louisiana. 

Feb.  10,  1901. 

To  this  may  very  properly  be  added  a  similar  letter  of  rem- 
iniscences, from  Mrs.  Leavell. 


541  The  Episcopal  Church 

Hedgesville,  West  Virginia, 
March  23d,  1901. 
My  Dear  Mrs.  Leigh, 

Thank  you  very  much  for  your  interesting  reminiscences 
of  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Hedgesville,  and  I  thought  you  would 
like  to  know  something  of  its  subsequent  history  after  you 
connected  yourself  with  the  Church  at  Martinsburg.  But 
let  me  tell  you  of  something  that  occurred  one  Sunday 
morning.  When  you  were  a  member,  but  absent;  you  must 
have  been,  for  your  keen  sense  of  humor  would  never  have 
permitted  you  to  forget  it.  You  remember  Mr.  Daly's  he- 
roic efforts  to  teach  Miss  C to  play  on  the  pipe  organ. 

It  was  her  habit  to  practice  the  tunes  before  service.  The 
congregation  had  assembled  and  the  Church  was  full  and 
only  a  few  minutes  before  service.     For  half  an  hour  or 

more,  Miss  C had  been  patiently  toiling  at  the  organ, 

and  after  several  ineffectual  attempts  to  bring  time  or  mel- 
ody out  of  one  of  the  tunes,  her  father  sitting  in  the  front 
aisle,  and  whose  musical  ear  was  more  correct  than  his 
daughter's,  suddenly  sprang  to  his  feet  and  facing  the  gal- 
lery, cried  in  an  excited  voice,  "Sally,  Sally,  You  had  bet- 
ter stop,  there  is  a  hole  in  that  piece."  The  effect  on  the  con- 
gregation is  better  imagined  than  described.  Her  persistent 
perseverence  was  an  example  to  all  and  no  doubt  had  its 
reward.  They  have  all  passed  away  now— not  one  of  the  fam- 
ily left. 

The  church  was  much  distressed  and  disorganized  by  its 
separation  from  Martinsburg;  also  suffered  greatly  from  the 
effects  of  the  war.  On  one  occasion  when  Rev.  W.  D.  Han- 
son was  holding  service,  some  Federal  officers  having  heard 
his  sympathies  were  with  the  South,  pinned  three  or  four 
small  flags  to  the  cushion  on  the  reading  desk,  and  placed 
two  large  flags  at  the  door.  You  remember  Mr.  Hanson  was 
very  near-sighted.  He  had  not  noticed  the  small  flags,  and 
in  opening  the  Bible,  knocked  them  down.  He  was  immedi- 
ately  surrounded  by  a  sergeant    and   several   soldiers.     In 


REV.    WILLIAM    THOMAS   LEAVELL. 


ZION   CHUUCH.    HEDGESVILLE. 


REV.    CHARLES    E.    SHAW. 


in  West  Virginia.  545 

great  surprise,  he  asked  "What  is  the  matter?"  "You  are 
under  arrest,  sir,"  said  the  sergeant.  In  great  simplicity  he 
said,  "Wrhat  have  I  been  guilty  of?"  "You  have  knocked 
down  your  country's  flag." 

"My  county's  flag!     Where  was  it?" 

My  father  then  went  to  the  chancel  and  showed  him  the 
little  flags. 

"Oh!  I  did  not  see  them,"  and,  turning  to  the  officer,  said, 
"Please  pin  them  a  little  lower  down,  so,  I  can  open  the  Bi- 
ble." 

They  insisted  upon  the  arrest,  then  papa  told  the  sergeant 
he  was  very  near-sighted,  and  he  knew  he  had  done  it  un- 
intentionally. Finally  they  desisted,  but  remained  in  the 
Church  until  the  service  was  over.  Soon  after  that  the 
Church  was  closed.  Colonel  Cole's  cavalry  and  several  reg- 
iments of  infantry  were  encamped  around  the  town,  the  win- 
ter was  severe,  and  the  Methodist  church  had  been  occupied 
some  time  for  barracks,  Several  times  they  sent  for  the  key 
of  our  church,  but  my  father  always  had  some  excuse  and 
failed  to  produce  the  key,  and  strange  to  say,  they  did  not 
force  him.  Becoming  more  urgent  he  tried  to  save  the  church 
by  a  little  diplomacy.  He  called  to  see  Colonel  Cole  and 
told  him  he  had  heard  his  brother  was  a  clergyman  in  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  church  and  chaplain  of  his  regiment,, 
that  our  church  had  been  closed  sometime  and  would  they 
not  consent  to  hold  regular  services  in  the  church,  benefitting 
the  people  as  well  as  the  soldiers,  and  use  one  or  two  empty 
dwellings  near  the  church  for  quarters?  They  consented 
very  cheerfully,  and  the  next  Sunday  found  the  church  full 
of  officers  and  soldiers,  in  the  Federal  uniform.  Papa  at- 
tended regularly  and  frequently  was  the  only  voice  heard 
in  response.  One  of  the  soldiers  was  organist  and  the  sol- 
diers attended  well,  but  never  look  any  part  in  the  service. 
After  the  war,  it  was  a  work  of  great  patience  to  build  up 
the  chnrch.  Many  of  the  old,  staunch  churchmen  had  gone 
to  their  reward — their  deep  love  for  the  church  and  the  de- 


546  The  Episcopal  Church 

light  they  took  in  its  services,  could  be  questioned  by  none, 
but  many  of  their  descendants  torn  by  conflicting  opinions 
and  prejudices,  generated  by  the  civil  war,  were  of  a  very 
different  type  of  churchmanship.  In  1870,  Rev.  W.  T.  Lea- 
veil  became  permanent  Rector,  and  for  nearly  twenty  years 
labored  most  patiently  and  cheerfully.  His  hopeful  dispo- 
sition being  a  great  help  in  the  dull  routine  of  a  country 
clergyman's  life,  but  his  whole  life  was  characterized  by 
humility  and  unselfishness,  and  his  chief  ambition  was  to 
lead  the  weakest  lamb  in  the  flock  to  the  fold.  He  died  on 
the  25th  of  August,  1899,  in  his  86th  year. 

Genuine  sorrow  was  manifested  by  the  whole  community, 
his  own  people  ever  holding  him  in  affectionate  remembrance 
and  at  Easter  will  place  a  memorial  tablet  in  the  church. 
Cordially,  and  sincerely  yours, 

Emma  W.  Leavell. 

Bunker  Hill,  is  on  ©r  near,  the  turnpike,  where  Mill  Creek 
strikes  that  thoroughfare.  There  is  one  of  the  oldest  church- 
es in  the  valley  at  this  point,  or  rather  the  site  of  the  old 
church,  for  the  original  passed  away  nearly  one  hundred 
years  ago. 

Christ  Church,  Bunker  Hill.  The  records  of  this  Church 
are  meagre,  and  badly  kept.  The  original  church  was  erect- 
ed by  Morgan  Morgan,  in  1740,  and  was  the  first  church 
built  in  the  Valley.  The  rectors  who  have  served  the  con- 
gregation of  this  church  since  1850  are:  Rev.  C.  M.  Calla- 
way, 1851-1855;  Rev.  Julius  E.  Grammer,  1855-1857;  Rev. 
Wm.  McGuire,  1857-1858;  Rev.  Wm.  T.  Leavell,  1861;  Rev. 
T.  M.  Carson,  1866-1869;  Rev.  Jas.  Grammer,  D.  D.,  1869- 
1878;  Rev.  Jas.  H.  W.  Blake,  1879-1881;  Rev.  John  S.  Gibson, 
1882-1888;  Rev.  Henry  Thomas,  1889-1899;  Rev.  John  S.  Doug- 
las, 1899.  In  1866,  under  the  rectorship  of  Rev.  Mr.  Carson, 
there  were  three  churches,  St.  Bartholomew's,  Leetown; 
Grace,  Smithfield,  and  Christ  Church,  Bunker  Hill.  When 
Rev.  James  Grammer  took  charge  in  1869,  Summit  Point 
was  added  where  services  were  held  in  a  school  house.     At 


in  West  Virginia.  547 

the  Council  of  West  Virginia,  which  met  in  Hunting- 
ton, June  6th,  1888,  Nelson  Parish  was  organized. 
Christ  Church,  Bunker  Hill,  remained  in  Norborne  Par- 
ish. In  1880  it  was  taken  under  the  protection  of  Martinst- 
burg  and  that  arrangement  continues  to  the  present  time. 
Among  the  members  of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church 
Bunker  Hill,  are  the  following:  Wm.  Morgan,  Levi  Hen- 
shaw,  Chas.  Stuckey,  Wm.  North,  Thos.  C.  Bryarly,  John 
Swimley,  Morgan  Morgan,  Sr.,  James  Ijams,  Geo.  Lemon, 
Rich'd  Seanion,  S.  D.  Bryarly,  Richard  H.  Bryarly,  Wm. 
Swimley,  J.  K.  Cunningham,  Zephaniah  Morgan,  Joseph  Mor- 
gan. The  account  of  Morgan  Morgan  elsewhere  given  in  this 
Book,  throws  much  light  upon  the  early  history  of  the  Bun- 
ker Hill  Church. 

Calvary  Church,  near  Hedgesville.  There  was  a  Church, 
called  Calvary  Church,  near  Back  Creek,  six  or  seven  miles 
West  of  Hedgesville.  The  corner  stone  was  laid  Saturday, 
November  16th,  1844,  the  Rev.  Jas.  A.  Buck,  of  Maryland, 
present  and  assisting. 

It  was  opened  the  first  time  for  religious  services  Satur- 
day and  Sunday,  the  10th  and  11th  of  January,  1846. 

Bishop  Meade  consecrated  this  Church  November  28th, 
1846.  There  were  present  and  assisting,  the  Revs.  R.  H.  Wil- 
mer,  Richard  T.  Brown  and  the  Rector,  Rev.  Jas.  Chisholm. 
The  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilmer,  from 
Zech.  iv  .  6. 

This  Church  has  since  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  United 
Brethren. 

Boone. 

Boone  county  was  formed  in  1847,  and  was  named  for  Dan- 
iel Boone.  Square  miles,  500.  Population — 1870,  4,553;  1880, 
5,824;  1800,  6,885;  1900,  8,104. 

Work  in  this  county  was  begun  by  Mr.  John  Howe  Peyton, 
who  in  addition  to  his  great  activity  in  the  immediate  neigh- 
borhood of  Charleston,  resulting  in  the  building  of  St.  Mat- 


548  The  Episcopal  Church 

tkew's  Church,  and  also*  St.  Andrew's,  Davis  Creek,  was  ac- 
customed to  make  missionary  excursions  into  the  regions 
beyond.  In  this  work  he  was  assisted  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bar- 
cus,  and  Mr.  Warner,  who  at  various  points  in  this  section 
of  the  county,  have  signalized  their  devotion  to  the  Church 
by  gathering  children  into  Sunday  schools,  and  otherwise 
preparing  the  way  for  the  regular  ministrations  of  the 
Church. 

Bishop  Peterkin  first  visited  Boone  county  in  October,  1882. 
He  was  accompanied  by  the  Bev.  Dr.  Lacy,  of  Hinton.  Mad- 
ison, the  county  seat,  was  embraced  in  a  long  circuit  they 
took  on  horseback.  Starting  from  Hinton,  they  rode  through 
Athens,  (then  Concord),  to  Princeton,  and  on  to  Pocahon- 
tas, thence  by  the  peeled  chestnuts,  (a  famous  land  mark  in 
that  section),  to  Moses  Cartwright's,  on  Tug  River,  and  so 
on  to  Peeryville,  the  county  seat  of  McDowell  county.  From 
McDowell,  they  went  to  Wyoming  Court  House,  and  on 
through  Logan  and  Boone,  everywhere  having  service,  and 
meeting  with  a  most  cordial  reception  from  the  public  gen- 
erally. Bishop  Peterkin  preached  in  Madison  on  the  even- 
ing of  Tuesday,  October  17,  1882.  Judge  Johnson,  no  doubt 
at  the  instance  of  Maj.  T.  L.  Broun,  who  was  attending 
court,  put  the  Court  House  at  our  disposal. 

A  second  visit  was  paid  by  Bishop  Peterkin  in  October, 
1891.  This  time  he  drove  from  Charleston,  and  continued  his 
journey  over  to  Logan  Court  House,  and  to  Dingess,  a  sta- 
tion on  the  Norfolk  and  Western  Railroad.  At  this  time, 
there  were  no  members  of  our  Church  in  the  county.  At 
a  later  date,  however,  work  was  begun,  as  I  have  stated 
above,  and  in  1895,  Christ  Church  was  built,  on  Short  Creek, 
only  a  mile  or  two  from  Racine.  This  Church  was  on  ground 
given  by  Mrs.  Evans,  and  was  constructed  of  logs,  which 
were  contributed  by  that  ever  staunch  friend  of  the  Church, 
Maj.  T.  L.  Broun.  The  work  was  largely  done  through  the 
personal  efforts  of  Mr.  Peyton,  though  at  this  time  he  was 
receiving  assistance  from  the  Rev.  Gerald  Card,  who  with 


in  West  Virginia.  549 

Charleston  as  a  centre,  was  extending  his  ministrations  as 
widely  as  it  was  possible  for  any  one  man  to  do. 

In  addition  to  such  services  as  Mr.  Card  could  give  in 
person,  and  by  the  help  of  Mr.  Peyton  and  Mr.  Warner,  his 
Lay  Readers,  he  had  the  co-operation  of  such  young  students 
he  could  get  to  help  him  from  time  to  time  during  the 
summer,  and  so  with  occasional  visitations  from  the  Bishop 
the  work  has  gone  on,  sometimes  with  a  good  deal  of  en- 
couragement, and  then  again  apparently  lagging. 

At  last  however,  in  his  visit  in  August,  1901,  the  Bishop 
found  this  state  of  things:  About  seven  communicants  and 
twenty  Sunday  school  scholars  at  Christ  Church,  and  about 
twenty  miles  beyond,  at  the  mouth  of  Robinson,  a  Sunday 
school  of  sixty,  gathered  by  Mr.  aud  Mrs.  Barcus,  and  Mr. 
Warner,  and  about  five  miles  still  further  on,  at  a  school 
house  on  Bull  Creek,  another  Sunday  school  of  one  hundred 
children  gathered  by  the  sarnie  workers.  Here  on  Sunday, 
September  1st,  service  was  held  in  the  open  air,  as  the  room 
was  too  small  for  the  congregation.  Ten  were  baptized 
and  seven  confirmed.  Under  these  conditions,  with  the  Sun- 
day schools  mentioned  above,  and  seven  communicants  at 
Bull  Creek,  four  at  Robinson,  and  seven  at  Christ  Church, 
it  seemed  necessary  that  some  forward  move  should  be  made, 
and,  accordingly,  arrangement  were  made  to  put  a  man  in 
this  county,  who  should  shepherd  these  people.  We  hope,  as 
this  book  goes  to  press,  that  the  work  has  been  fairly  begun 
under  these  favorable  conditions,  and  that  we  may  look  for 
encouraging  results  in  the  future. 

Braxton. 

Braxton  county  was  formed  in  1836,  and  named  for  Carter 
Braxton,  of  Virginia.  Square  miles,  620.  Population — 1870, 
6,480;  1880,  9,787;  1890,  13,921;  1900,  18,904. 

Sutton. — The  first  Episcopal  services  in  Sutton  were  held 
Thursday,  August  12,  1880,  in  the  Methodist  Church  by 
Bishop  Peterkin.  assisted  by  ili<i  Rev.  W.  H.  H.  Powers  and 
the  Rev.  George  W.  Dame.    At  that  time  there  were  but  two 


550  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

members  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Sutton,  in  fact,  in  the 
county  of  Braxton.  Subsequently,  services  were  held  at  in- 
tervals by  the  Sectors  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston,  in  the 
following  order:  Revs.  Powers,  Keeble,  Lacy,  Burkhardt, 
until  about  the  year  1897,  at  which  time  the  Rev.  Thomas  E. 
Swan,  served  Sutton  and  Buckhannon  for  about  eighteen 
months,  alternately  giving  two  Sundays  to  each  place  every 
month.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Swan  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Rob- 
ert C.  Caswell  for  a  short  time.  Since  then  there  have  been 
no  services  until  May,  1901,  when  the  Rev.  A.  G.  Grinnan, 
Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston,  began  holding  monthly 
services.  In  1896,  under  very  adverse  circumstances,  the  lit- 
tle flock,  which  had  increased  to  some  ten  members,  succeed- 
ed in  completing  a  very  neat  church  building,  at  a  cost  of 
about  fl,200,  which  has  a  seating  capacity  of  about  175  per- 
sons. Before  this,  services  were  held  in  the  Methodist  Church 
(South.} 

Brooke. — Brooke  county  was  formed  from  Ohio  county  in 
1796,  and  was  named  for  Robert  Brooke,  a  descendant  of  one 
of  those  who  accompanied  Governor  Spottswood  to  Virginia 
in  1710.  Square  miles,  80.  Population— 1870,  5,464;  1880, 
6,013;  1890,  6,630;  1900,  7,219. 

8t.  John's,  Brooke  County,  and  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg — 
In  1862-'63  the  Rev.  James  Hervey  Lee,  assistant  to  Dr. 
Morse,  at  Steubenville  Ohio,  held  services  at  Collier's,  near 
St.  John's.  After  him  for  a  short  time  the  Rev.  Mr.  Andrews, 
and  then  for  about  a  year  the  Rev.  M.  M.  Gilbert.  In  the 
fall  of  1865  or  '66  the  Rev.  Wellington  E.  Webb,  of  Hillsboro, 
Ohio,  took  charge  of  St.  John's  in  connection  with  St.  vTames', 
Jefferson  county,  Ohio.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Cowpland  succeeded 
Mr.  Webb  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Christian  succeeded  him.  After 
Mr.  Christian's  death  the  Rev.  Jacob  Rarubo,  of  Bellaire, 
Ohio,  ''supplied  "  for  awhile.  The  Rev.  Anselan  Buchanan, 
Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg,  succeeded  him. 
After  Mr.  Buchanan's  removal,  St.  John's  passed  un- 
der    the     care     of     the    minister     in     Steubenville.     Ohio, 


in  West  Virginia.  551 

who  generally  gave  two  Sunday  afternoons  each  month, 
except  during  the  winter  weather.  The  Rev.  R.  W.  Grange 
was  in  charge  from  April  16,  1882,  to  May  1,  1889,  and  the 
Rev.  C.  D.  Williams  came  June  30,  1889.  Rev.  Thomas  A. 
Waterman,  Mr.  William's  assistant,  preached  from  July  1, 
1890,  to  October  of  the  same  year,  and  Rev.  C.  K.  Benedict 
took  his  place  October  19, 1890,  and  stayed  until  May  22,  1892. 
July  10,  1892,  Mr.  Thompson,  a  candidate  for  Orders,  came 
and  stayed  two  months;  then  the  Rev.  Thomas  Stafford  came 
and  stayed  until  Mr.  William®  left  Steubenville,  January, 
1S!>:5.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Graham  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cogswell,  his  as- 
sistant, preached  for  a  time,  and  then  again  St.  John's  Church 
became  associated  with  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg,  as  appears 
from  this  record. 

( )n  April  16,  1879,  the  Rev.  Anselan  Buchanan  accepted  the 
Rectorship  of  Christ  Church,  Wellsburg,  and  preached  his 
first  sermon  here  April  27,  1879.  Rev.  R.  G.  Noland  preached 
his  first  sermon  in  the  parish  August  17,  1881.  He  took  regu- 
lar charge,  as  deacon,  October  1,  1884  but  he  preached  on  al- 
ternate Sundays  between  these  two  dates. 

Rev.  Henry  T.  Wirgman  took  charge  of  Christ  Church  Sep- 
tember 1,  1S86.  There  is  no  record  of  his  departure,  but  it 
is  stated  that  in  1887  the  Rev.  Norman  Badger  gave  occa- 
sional services.  After  occasional  week  day  services  for 
more  than  a  year,  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods  accepted  a  call  to  the 
Rectorship  of  this  parish,  and  in  March,  1889,  began  holding 
a  regular  monthly  service.  On  March  1st,  1890,  he,  at  the 
suggestion  of  Bishop  Peterkin,  began  giving  half  of  his  time 
to  the  parish,  holding  services  on  the  first  and  third  Sundays 
of  the  month. 

The  minutes  of  the  vestry.  April  :'»u,  L895,  record  that  Bishop 
Peterkin  had  made  a  proposition  to  provide  a  resident  min- 
ister provided  the  congregation  could  pledge  the  payment  of 
#.*!<io  per  annum  for  salary.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Vestry  held 
May  20,  1895,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Woods  presented  his  resignation, 
to  take  effect  July  1,  1895,  giving  as  his  reason  for  so  doing, 


552  The  Episcopal  Church 

that  the  Bishop  thought  it  would  be  for  the  welfare  of  the 
work  of  the  Church  in  Brooke  county  to  have  a  resident  min- 
ister in  Wellsburg,  to  give  services  there  and  in  St.  John's 
Church,  Brooke  county. 

September  28, 1896,  there  was  a  meeting  of  the  Vestry,  the 
object  of  which  was  to  take  action  towards  securing  money 
to  build  a  rectory  adjoining  the  church.  On  motion,  a  com- 
mittee, viz. :  A.  C.  Hall,  T.  H.  Buchanan,  F.  L.  Hall  and  George 
A.  Baxter,  was  appointed  to  see  if  a  loan  of  $1,000  could  be 
obtained  by  giving  a  mortgage  on  the  property  to  be  built, 
not  including  the  ground  on  which  the  church  is  situated. 
This  they  succeeded  in  doing,  and  a  comfortable  rectory,  well 
furnished  and  worth  $1,700  was  built.  It  is  expected  that  the 
entire  debt  will  have  been  paid  in  six  years  from  the  time  it 
was  contracted. 

The  Rev.  C.  A.  Chrdsman  was  incumbent  from  August  4, 
1895,  to  October  1,  1897.  The  Rev.  William  K.  Marshall  took 
charge  of  the  parish  December  14,  1897.  The  church  flourish- 
ed greatly  under  his  ministry. 

On  Mr.  Marshall's  removal  to  Kentucky  Rev.  Thomas  E. 
Swan  took  charge  February  24,  1899,  coming  from  Buckhan- 
non.  He  resigned  to  go>  to  Ohio  August  1,  1900.  During  the 
fall  of  this  year  Rev.  H.  B.  Thomas  became  Rector  of  the  two 
churches.  By  his  efforts,  in  the  spring  of  1901,  the  debt  on 
the  rectory  in  Wellsburg  was  paid. 

Short  Creek,  Brooke  County — Rev.  J.  F.  Woods  has  held  an 
occasional  service  here  in  a  school-house,  generally  the  fifth 
Sunday  of  the  month.  While  there  is  not  a  single  communi- 
cant of  the  Episcopal  Church,  the  attendance  is  good  and  the 
people  heartily  welcome  our  services  and  join  in  them. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Doddridge. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Joseph  Doddridge  was  the  eldest  son  of  John 
Doddridge,  of  Maryland  (of  English  descent),  and  of  Mary, 
daughter  of  Richard  Wells,  of  the  same  State.  He  was  born 
October  14,  1769,  in  Friend's  Cove,  near  Bedford,  Penn.  His 
father  was  a  member  of  the  Wesleyan  Methodist  Societv,  then 


CHRIST    CHDRCH,    WELL.SBIJRG. 


RECTORY,    WELLSBURG. 


in  West  Virginia.  553 

in  its  infancy,  and  differing  but  little  in  its  doctrines  and  pub- 
lic ritual,  from  the  Church  of  England,  to  which  he  had  been 
attached  in  his  native  State.  Dr.  Doddridge  labored  for  sev- 
eral years  as  an  itinerant  in  the  Wesleyan  Society.  The  Hon. 
Thomas  Scott,  late  of  Chillicothe,  Ohio,  speaks  of  meeting 
him,  when  he  was  a  travelling  preacher,  at  the  house  of  the 
Rev.  John  J.  Jacob,  in  Hampshire  count}',  Va.,  in  July,  1788. 

Resolved  to  qualify  himself  more  thoroughly  for  his  sacred 
calling,  he  spent  some  time  at  Jefferson  Academy,  Cannons- 
burg,  Pa.,  between  1791  and  1794.  It  was  probably  about 
this  time,  that  he  determined  to  take  Orders  in  the  Protes- 
tant Episcopal  Church.  In  March,  1792,  being  then  a  resident 
of  Pennsylvania,  Dr.  Doddridge  was  ordained  Deacon,  by 
Bishop  White  in  Philadelphia,  and  in  March,  1800,  in  the  same 
city  and  by  the  same  Bishop,  he  was  ordained  Priest,  having, 
in  the  interval  between  his  ordinations,  moved  to  Virginia. 
He  speaks  of  the  Church  in  Virginia,  at  this  time,  as  having 
little  more  than  a  nominal  existence,  and  says,  that  the  resi- 
dence of  the  Bishop  of  Virginia,  was  so  far  from  his  own,  as 
to  make  the  requisite  correspondence  very  inconvenient. 

For  nearly  twenty-five  years,  Dr.  Doddridge  occupied  the 
cheerless  position  of  an  advanced  guard,  in  the  ministry  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church;  yet  he  faltered  not  in  his 
labors,  but  untiringly  exerted  himself,  to  promote  the  growth 
and  prosperity  of  the  Church,  and  to  awaken  an  interest  in 
the  trans-montane  diocese  by  appeals  to  their  Bishops,  in 
behalf  of  the  scattered  members  of  the  fold,  who  in  the  vast 
regions  of  the  west,  were  as  sheep  without  a  shepherd. 

We  do  not  find  among  Dr.  Doddridge's  papers,  any  indicat- 
ing that  he  entered  into  written  agreements  with  his  parish- 
ioners to  perform  clerical  duties,  previous  to  the  year  1800. 
He  attended  to  such  duties  continuously  from  the  year  1792, 
but  probably  prior  to  1800,  all  his  receipts  wore  from  volun- 
tary contributions,  which  we  may  conclude,  did  not  amount 
to  much,  from  the  fact  thai  a  few  years  after  his  entrance  in- 
to the  ministry,  he  was  undo!  I  lie  necessity  of  condoning  with 


554  The  Episcopal  Church 

his  clerical  profession,  that  of  medicine,  in  order  to  obtain  a 
support.  It  is  said  that  before  he  began  the  practice  of  medi- 
cine, he  was  too  poor  to  buy  himself  a  second  suit  of  clothes, 
and  when  Saturday  afternoon  came,  he  was  obliged  to  remain 
incognito,  while  his  wife  repaired  and  cleaned  his  clothes, 
for  appearance  in  the  pulpit  on  Sunday. 

I  >r.  Doddridge's  subscription  papers  for  the  year  1800,  and 
for  some  years  afterwards,  show  that  in  his  country  parishes, 
his  salary  was  to  be  paid  in  cash,  or  in  wheat  delivered  in 
some  merchant  mill,  or  such  other  produce  as  might  be 
agreed  upon. 

In  Virginia  he  seems  to  have  found  many  who  desired  to 
walk  in  the  "old  paths,"  by  worshipping  God  in  the  way  of 
their  fathers.  As  a  matter  of  interest  to  their  descendants, 
we  shall  give  the  names  of  the  supporters  of  the  Church  in 
several  of  these  parishes  built  up  in  the  Wilderness.  From 
these  lists,  may  be  gleaned  some  knowledge  of  the  number 
of  their  descendants,  who  still  adhere  to  the  faith  of  their 
forefathers.  They  will  also  show  that  the  number  of  those 
in  the  Western  regions,  who  felt  a  decided  preference  for  the 
Episcopal  Church,  at  that  early  day,  was  by  no  means  small. 
In  the  year  1793  Dr.  Doddridge  had  three  parishes  in  Vir- 
ginia, viz.:  West  Liberty,  in  Ohio  county;  St.  John's  and  St. 
Paul's,  in  Brooke  county. 

St.  John's  Church — St.  John's  Parish,  which  is  still  in  exist- 
ence, was  doubtless  the  first  one  organized  by  Dr.  Doddridge, 
in  Northwestern  Virginia.  As  early  as  1793  it  was  provided 
with  a  small  log  church,  since  replaced  by  a  handsome  brick 
edifice.  This  parish  continued  under  the  charge  of  its  first 
pastor  for  nearly  thirty  years,  when  declining  health  com- 
pelled him  to  resign. 

The  names  of  subscribers  in  this  parish  in  the  year  1800  are 
as  follows:  George  Atkinson,  John  Foster,  James  Britt,  Ab- 
salom Wells,  Abel  Johnson,  John  Crawford,  Archibald  Ell- 
son,  William  Baxter,  John  Ellson,  John  Davis,  James  White, 
Peter  Hoy,  Charles  McKey,  George  Wells,  George  Richard- 


in  West  Virginia.  555 

son,  Charles  Elliott,  George  Mahan,  Andrew  Lackey,  William 
Atkinson,  Simon  Elliott,  Hugh  Lingen,  John  Strong,  Simon 
Elliott,  Jr.,  John  Hendricks,  George  Swearingen,  Daniel 
Swearingien,  Richard  T.  Ellson,  William  Davis,  Anthony  Wil- 
coxen,  Israel  Swearingen,  Richard  Wells,  Andrew  Morehead, 
Richard  Ellson,  Asel  Owings,  Alexander  Morrow,  Thomas 
Crawford,  Andrew  Maneally,  George  Elliott,  Jane  Morrow, 
Thomas  Nicholson,  William  Lawther,  John  Myers,  William 
Adams. 

Church  at  West  Liberty — In  the  summer  of  1792  Dr.  Dod- 
dridge collected  a  congregation  at  West  Liberty,  the  seat  of 
justice  for  Ohio  county,  Ya.  Services  were  held  in  the  court- 
house. The  parish  was  much  weakened  by  the  removal  of 
many  of  its  members  to  Wheeling,  when  the  county  seat  was 
removed  to  that  place.  Dr.  Doddridge,  however,  still  held 
services  in  West  Liberty  every  third  Sunday  in  the  year  1800. 

The  supporters  of  the  church  there  in  that  year  were: 
Moses  Chapline,  Nathan  Harding,  Isaac  Taylor,  Benjamin 
Biggs,  Charles  Tibergein,  Thomas  Beck,  Andrew  Fout,  Ebzy 
Swearingen,  Thomas  Wyman,  Silas  Hedges,  William  Griffith, 
Stephen  G.  Francis,  John  Wilson,  Christian  Foster,  William 
Deniont,  Walter  Skinner,  Lyman  Fouts,  Zaccheus  Biggs,  Ab- 
raham  Roland,  Ticy  Cooper,  Benijah  Dement,  Thomas  Dicker- 
son,  James  Wilson,  William  Cully,  John  Cully,  Jacob  Zoll, 
George  G.  Dement,  Nicholas  Rogers,  John  Abrams,  John 
Wilkins,  Sr.,  Samuel  Beck,  John  Kirk,  William  Wilkin*. 
Amount  subscribed,  $98. 

West  Liberty,  like  many  other  places  in  the  Western  coun- 
try, in  the  early  part  of  the  present  century,  presented  a  fine 
opening  for  Episcopal  Missionary  labor,  in  the  absence  of 
which  the  field  has  been  successfully  cultivated  by  others, 
and  at  the  present  period  there  is  probably  not  an  Episcopal- 
ian in  the  place.  It  may  not  be  amiss,  in  this  connection,  to 
call  attention  to  the  fact,  that  the  ritual  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  was  exceedingly  popular  among  the  rude  pioneers  of 


556  The  Episcopal  Church 

the  West.     The  Book  of  Common  Prayer  has  always  been 
found  suited  to  all  classes  and  conditions  of  mankind. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  in  Brooke  county,  Va. — We  have  no 
means  of  positively  ascertaining  when  this  primitive  struc- 
ture was  erected.  Probably  it  was  before  1793.  Jt  was 
located  about  five  miles  east  of  Oharlestown  (Wellsburg)  and 
the  Ohio  River.  The  building  was  of  logs,  and  surrounded  by 
noble  forest  trees,  amid  which;  in  subsequent  years,  might 
be  seen  the  narrow  houses  of  many  of  those  who  had  wor- 
shipped within  it's  walls. 

The  list  of  names  in  this  parish  for  the  year  1800  is  small, 
containing  only  the  following:  Aaron  Robinson,  William 
Hendling,  James  Robinson,  Israel  Robinson,  John  Harris, 
Peter  Mooney,  Peter  Ross,  Benedict  Wells. 

At  a  later  period,  St.  Paul's  was  principally  sustained  by 
the  late  George  Hammond,  Esq.,  and  some  of  his  relatives 
and  friends,  among  whom  we  find  the  names  of  Gist.  Hood, 
Crawford,  Wells  and  others. 

Trinity  Church,  at  Charlestown,  now  Wellsburg. — At  Char- 
lestown,  now  Wellsburg,  Brooke  county,  Va.,  the  residence 
of  the  Rev.  J.  Doddridge,  Episcopal  services,  in  1800,  were 
held  in  Brooke  Academy.  This  town  was,  at  an  early  period 
of  its  settlement,  a  stopping  place  for  immigrants  from  be- 
yond the  Alleghanies,  some  of  whom  became  permanent  citi- 
zens. From  the  number  of  names,  attached  to  the  subscrip- 
tion paper  of  Dr.  Doddridge,  for  the  year  1800,  it  is  inferred 
that  the  congregation  was  then  large.  There  is  now  a  neat 
church  edifice  in  the  place,  and,  notwithstanding  numerous 
removals,  a  few  families  remain,  who  are  warmly  attached  to 
the  church. 

The  subscribers  for  1800  were  as  follows:  Philip  Dod- 
dridge, A.  Green,  Oliver  Brown,  Nicholas  P.  Tillinghast,  John 
T.  Windsor,  Sebastian  Derr,  Patience  Vilettle,  Alexander 
Caldwell,  Josiah  Reeves,  Elizabeth  Taylor,  Robert  T.  Moore, 
James  Darrow,  Silas  Bent,  James  H.  White,  William  Thorp, 
John  Connel,  Robert  H.  Johnson,  Henry  Prather,  Thomas 


in  West  Virginia .  557 

Hinds,  Charles  Prather,  James  Clark,  William  McConnell, 
Nicholas  Murray,  John  Fling,  John  Bly,  Salinual  Talman, 
Thomas  Oram. 

At  Wheeling,  Girave  Creek,  and  some  other  points,  were 
many  families  from  Maryland  and  Eastern  Virginia,  who, 
having  been  brought  up  in  the  Church  of  England,  now  in 
their  wilderness  homes,  longed  10  unite  in  prayer  and  praise 
to  God  in  the  language  of  her  incomparable  liturgy.  These 
people,  Dr.  Doddridge  visited,  as  often  as  his  other  engage- 
ments would  permit,  not  infrequently  holding  service  in  the 
open  air. 

The  few  Episcopal  clergymen  in  the  West,  kept  up  a  Church 
organization  and  had  semi-annual  meetings,  called  conven- 
tions, for  prayer,  consultation  and  the  mutual  edification  of 
ministers  and  people.  At  such  a  meeting,  held  in  St.  Thomas 
Church,  Washington  county,  in  1810,  it  was  resolved,  that 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Doddridge  do  open  a  correspondence  with 
Bishop  White,  of  Philadelphia,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining 
through  him  permission  from  the  General  Convention  to  form 
a  diocese  in  the  Western  country.  It  is  believed  that  the 
object  of  the  memorialists  at  this  time,  was  to  unite  the 
Western  counties  of  Pennsylvania,  Western  Virginia  and  the 
State  of  Ohio  in  one  diocese. 

Dr.  Doddridge  was  an  indefatigable  laborer,  and.  while 
buoyed  up  by  the  hope  that  his  efforts  for  promoting  the  in- 
terests of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Western  country, 
would  be  seconded  by  the  zeal  and  ministrations  of  mission- 
ary brethren  from  beyond  the  Alleghanies,  he  exerted  him- 
self, to  visit  and  cheer  desponding  members  of  the  same  faith, 
at  widely  distant  points.  But  no  missionaries  came,  and 
those  who  ardently  desired  for  themselves  and  families  the 
ministrations  of  the  Church,  to  which  they  had  been  attached 
in  earlier  days,  and  more  favored  localities,  were  compelled 
to  join  other  communions  or  live  and  die  without  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  Gospel. 

At  the  Second  Annual  Convention  of  the  Diocese  of  Ohio, 


558  The  Episcopal  Church 

held  in  Worthington,  on  June  2,  1819,  Bishop  Chase,  in  his 
address,  says:  "On  Monday,  May  10th,  at  the  request  of  Dr. 
Doddridge,  I  visited  Wheeling,  Va.  I  attempted  the  exercise 
of  no  Episcopal  office  here,  being  without  the  Diocese  of  Ohio. 
I,  however,  performed  morning  prayer  in  public  and  preached 
a  sermon  to  the  people,  after  which  the}'  saw  fit  to  organize 
a  parish  by  choosing  their  wardens  and  vestrymen.  Also, 
while  on  the  Virginia  side,  I  performed  the  visitation  to  a 
sick  man,  a  Mr.  Wilson,  and  the  next  day  (May  12),  preached 
and  performed  dlivine  service  at  West  Liberty;  stayed  the 
same  evening  at  Mrs.  Hammond's,  and  was  treated  with  great 
kindness. 

May  13th,  I  again  joined  my  worthy  friend  and  brother,  Dr. 
Doddridge,  at  his  home  in  Charleston  (alias  Wellsburg),  and 
was  welcomed  by  himself  and  excellent  family,  with  urbanity 
and  unfeigned  good-will.  Twice  the  same  day  we  held  divine 
service.  In  the  evening  the  congregation  was  large  and  very 
attentive. 

May  14th,  attended  by  the  Doctor  and  some  of  his  family, 
I  went  to  St.  John's  Parish,  a  small  church  about  ten  miles 
northeast  of  Charleston.  Here  the  morning  service  was  per- 
formed and  a  sermon  preached,  after  which  I  visited  a  sick 
woman,  and  the  same  night  passed  over  the  river  to  Steuben- 
ville. 

After  having  given  up  the  charge  of  his  parishes  in  Vir- 
ginia, for  several  years,  on  account  of  his  health,  Dr.  Dod- 
dridge died  at  his  home,  in  Wellsburg,  November  9th,  1826, 
in  the  58th  year  of  his  age. 

Cabell. 

Cabell  county  was  formed  from  Kanawha,  in  1809,  and 
named  for  William  H.  Cabell,  Governor  of  Virginia,  in  1805. 
Square  miles,  300.  Population— 1870,  6,429;  1880,  13,744; 
1890,  23,542;  1900,  29,252. 

The  Church  in  Cabell  County. — There  were  few  Episcopalians 
among  the  early  settlers,  and  of  these  W.  S.  Laidley,  Esq.,  of 
Charleston,  furnishes  the  following  items  of  interest: 


in  West  Virginia.  559 

"My  father,  John  Laidley,  lived  on  a  farm  on  the  Ohio,  be- 
low Guyandotte;  he  was  a  lawyer.  In  1843  he  rode  horse- 
back to  Staten's  Run,  on  the  Kanawha  River,  where  the 
Staten  and  Summers  families  and  others  had  taken  posses- 
sion of  an  abandoned  still-house  and  fitted  it  for  Sunday- 
school  purposes,  and  Bishop  Meade  preached  there  and  con- 
firmed a  class,  one  of  whom  was  John  Laidley. 

"John  Laidley  attended  church  at  the  chapel  at  Marshall 
Academy  and  College.  There  was  usually  a  sermon,  one  Sun- 
day by  a  Presbyterian,  and  the  next  by  a  Methodist  minister; 
the  congregation  was  the  same  each  Sunday.  His  library 
had  many  prayer  books  and  sermons;  one  set  was  by  Mr. 
Pusey,  with  the  name  erased.  Father  said  the  sermons  were 
better  without  the  name.  Of  his  family,  they  were  about 
equally  divided  between  the  Presbyterians,  Methodists  and 
Episcopalians.  Mrs.  Judge  Summers,  Colonel  T.  T.  S.  Laid- 
ley, U.  S.  A.,  Dr.  T.  M.  Laidley  and  myself  were  the  Episco- 
palians. 

''There  was  no  Episcopal  service  in  the  county,  and  few 
members  of  the  Church.  During  the  war,  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins 
came  from  Catlettsburg,  Kentucky,  and  conducted  service  and 
preached  at  Marshall  College.  Mrs.  Saline  C.  Mason  and  Mrs. 
J.  M.  Buffington  were  members  of  the  Church  residing  in  Cab- 
oil  county.  Mrs.  Buffington  was  Miss  Maria  Thompson,  of 
Culi)epper,  Virginia;  Mrs.  Mason  was  a  daughter  of  John  W. 
Eite.  My  mother  was  a  Hite,  and  how  »she  became  a  Meth- 
odist when  all  the  Hites  were  Church  people,  is  not  pertinent 
to  this  book,  though  very  interesting  to  the  family  and  the 
Methodists. 

"General  John  H.  Oley  went  from  Charleston  to  Cabell 
county  about  1872,  and  he  organized  the  Church  there.  Pre- 
vious to  the  founding  of  the  city  of  ITuntington,  by  Mr.  Collis 
P.  Huntington,  then  president  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio 
Railroad,  Church  services  were  held  at  Barboursville, — the 
then  county-seat, — on  August  22d,  1860,  being  the  fourteenth 
Sunday  after  Trinity,  by  Rev.  Horace  Edwin  Hayden.  Rector 


560  The  Episcopal  Church 

of  Christ  Church,  Point  Pleasant.   After  Evening  Prayer  on 
that  daj>,  a  meeting  of  persons  favorable  to  the  Church,  was 
held,  and  four  gentlemen,  viz.:  Charles  J.  Burnett,  H.  J.  Sam- 
uels, Thomas  B.  Kline  and  Abraham  Suydarn,  were  elected 
vestrymen.    R.  R.  McLeod  was  elected  secretary  of  the  ves- 
try, though  he  appears  not  to  have  been  a  vestryman.    It  was 
resolved  to  call  the  parish, — the  bounds  of  which  were  no 
doubt  according  to  the  prevailing  custom,  coterminous  with 
those  of  the  county, — Cabell,  and  the  church,  Trinity,  and  to 
invite  the  Rector  at  Coalsmouth  to  hold  service  one  Sunday 
each  month.    The  salary  was  fixed  at  $200  and  traveling  ex- 
penses.   Rev.  Joseph  Nock  was  the  first  to  officiate  under  this 
resolution.    He  held  (he  first  service  on  March  6th,  1870,  and 
subsequently  on  the  first  Sunday  of  each  month.    The  first 
lay-delegate  to  represent  the  parish  was  Mr.  Abraham  Suy- 
dam,  who  was  elected  to  attend  the  Annual  Convention  of  the 
Diocese  of  Virginia  at  Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  in  May,  1870. 
We  find  Rev.  C.  Brassington  Mee  in  charge  in  April,  1872,  and 
that  Messrs.  J.  M.  Love,  John  K.  Oley  and  J.  N.  Buffington, 
M.  D.,  of  Huntington,  had  been  elected  as  additional  mem- 
bers of  the  vestry.    In  June  of  this  year,  1872,  Bishop  John 
Johns  visited  Huntington,  accompanied  by  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland, 
of  Parkersburg,  and  preached  in  the  chapel  of  Marshall  Col- 
lege and  confirmed  four  persons      In  October,  1872,  Rev.  E. 
Valentine  Jones  became  the  Rector,  officiating  at  both  Bar- 
boursville  and  Huntington.    There  was  no  church  building  at 
either  point,  however.    At  Huntington  the  services  were  held 
in  a  rented  hall,  '  Trinity  Hall,'  and  the  congregation  began 
to  have  some  coherence.     The  Civil  Court,  upon  request  of 
the  congregation,  appointed  Messrs.  John  H.  Oley,  A.  J.  Ens- 
low  and  John  Hooe  Russell  trustees,  and  in  them  was  vested 
the  title  to  lots  6  and  7,  block  115,  in  the  city  of  Huntington. 
Hon.  A.  A.  Low,  of  New  York,  ene  of  the  owners  of  the  land 
on  which  the  city  stands,  and  an  earnest  Churchman,  mad'.' 
the  necessary  payments  on  these  lots.     They  were  a  little 
later  exchanged  for  four  lots  on  the  corner  of  Fifth  avenue 


TRINITY    CHURCH,    HUNTINGTON. 


RECTORY,    HUNTINGTON. 


REV.    JOHN*    SHACKELFORD    GIBSON. 


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TRINITY   CHURCH,    HUNTING-TON. 


in  West  Virginia.  ~>*>1 

and  Eleventh  street,  where  the  church  and  rectory  now 
stand.  The  first  lots  were  on  Fifth  avenue  and  Tenth  street, 
southwest  corner. 

•After  September  1st,  1873,  the  services  at  Barboursville 
were  discontinued  and  the  work  concentrated  in  an  effort  to 
build  up  the  parish  at  Huntington,  then  beginning  to  grow 
very  rapidly.  Rev.  Mr.  Jones  continued  to  serve  until  June, 
LS74,  when  he  resigned  and  returned  to  Old  Virginia. 

From  this  date,  1874,  until  the  consecration  of  Bishop 
Feterkin  as  the  Diocesan  of  the  newly-erected  Diocese  of 
West  Virginia,  in  1878,  there  was  no  settled  minister  or  regu- 
lar service  maintained  in  Cabell  parish.  In  1877  Rev.  Dr. 
Dashiell,  of  Richmond,  Virginia,  representing  Bishop  Whittle 
and  the  Diocean  Missionary  Society,  of  Virginia,  visited  the 
parish  and  conferred  with  the  vestry  as  to  what  could  be  done 
to  support  the  work,  but,  owing  to  the  agitation  of  the  sub- 
ject of  division  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  into  Virginia  and 
West  Virginia,  which  was  accomplished  in  this  year,  1877,  no 
minister  was  appointed. 

"Bishop  Peterkin,  with  Rev.  Robert  A.  Cobbs  and  Rev.  T. 
Hugo  Lacy,  visited  the  parish  on  August  6th,  1878,  preaching 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  presided  at  a  meeting  of  the 
vestry  and  congregation,  at  which  there  was  pledged  the  sum 
of  $200  for  the  salary  of  a  minister,  who  should  officiate  twice 
a  month.  In  1882  Rev.  John  W.  Lea  took  charge,  residing  at 
St.  Albans  and  officiating  on  alternate  Sundays  in  Hunting- 
ton. Steps  were  at  once  taken  to  erect  a  church  in  Hunting- 
ton. Friends  in  New  York  pledged  $3,500  if  the  little  con- 
gregation at  Huntington  would  gather  $2,500  additional,  and 
the  vestry  resolved  that  the  $2,500  should  be  raised.  Plans 
were  procured  from  Mr.  Cassell,  architect  of  Baltimore.  Md., 
and  the  work  of  erection  began.  During  the  building  of  the 
church,  which  occupied  several  years,  services  were  held  in 
the  Presbyterian  Church  near-by.  rented  for  the  purpose. 

'Rev.  Mr.  Lea  died  suddenly  of  carbuncle  in  1884,  much 
lamented  by  the  Church  and  community.  1>\  whom  he  was  be- 


562  The  Episcopal  Church 

loved  for  many  manly  virtues  and  Christian  graces.  The  next 
Rector  was  Rev.  J.  B.  Fitzpatrick,  residing  at  St.  Albans,  who 
took  charge  in  1884,  having  just  been  ordained  Deacon  in  the 
Church,  after  many  years  spent  in  the  ministry  of  the  Metho- 
dist Church.  During  his  ministry  the  Guild-room,  in  the  base- 
ment, was  completed,  and  the  first  services,  held  by  Episco- 
palians in  a  church-building  of  their  own,  were  held  in  this 
room.  Before  the  close  of  his  rectorship,  in  1886,  he  had  the 
happiness  of  seeing  the  church  in  use — temporarily  seated 
with  chairs — for  divine  service.  Mr.  Fitzpatrick  resigned  in 
1886  and  removed  to  the  far  South. 

In  May,  1887,  Rev.  Norman  Fitzhugh  Marshall,  of  Virginia, 
became  Rector,  and  was  the  first  resident  minister  of  the 
parish  since  1874.  He  gave  his  whole  time  to  Huntington. 
The  salary  was  fixed  at  $600,  and  $200  missionary  stipend. 
During  his  ministry  of  nearly  five  years  the  city  and  Church 
advanced  rapidly,  so  that  in  1888  the  Diocesan  Council  could 
be  entertained  in  the  parish.  The  rectory,  a  modern  house 
of  good  design,  and  commodious,  was  built  at  a  cost  of  $3.500 ; 
the  church  was  supplied  with  pews  and  furnaces  and  beauti- 
fied with  memorials  to  General  John  H.  Oley,  (a  faithful  sol- 
dier of  the  State  and  Cross,  who,  after  sixteen  years'  earnest 
service  of  the  parish,  as  treasurer,  vestryman  and  choir- 
master, entered  into  rest,  greatly  beloved  by  all  classes,  in 
March,  1888);  Mrs,  Anne  Harvey  and  Miss  May  P.  Ensign. 
Mr.  Marshall  resigned  in  1892  and  removed  to  Delaware,  Ohio. 

"On  September  15th,  1892,  Rev.  John  Shackelford  Gibson 
became  Rector,  and  at  this  writing,  July,  1901,  continues  at 
his  post.  The  membership,  despite  many  losses  by  removal 
and  death,  and  the  prevalence  of  long  years  of  depression  of 
business,  has  continued  to  increase,  and  the  Church  has  been 
greatly  improved  and  beautified,  being  now  painted  and  car- 
peted, supplied  with  a  pipe  organ  and  other  needed  equip- 
ments, and  both  it  and  the  rectory  lighted  and  heated  with 
natural  gas.  In  1899,  the  Twenty-second  Annual  Council  as- 
sembled here,  and  action  was  taken  to  elect  a  Bishop-Coadju- 


in  West  Virginia.  563 

tor  for  the  Diocese.    Those  who  have  ministered  in  Word  and 
Sacraments  to  this  parish  have  been  mentioned. 

Those  who  have  served  as  vestrymen  since  1869  are:  Dr. 
Charles  J.  Burnett,  S.  W.;  Judge  H.  J.  Samuels,  Thomas  B. 
Kline,  Abraham  Suydam,  Lucien  C.  Ricketts,  Registrar;  Al- 
beit Laidley,  General  John  II.  Oley,  Treasurer,  Registrar; 
<  ioveneur  Morris,  Registrar ;  J.  M.  Love,  J.  W.;  Dr.  J.  D.  Mon- 
cure,  S.  W.;  Dr.  J.  N.  Buffington,  G.  T.  Herndon,  Ely  Ensign, 
S.  W.;  James  Nelson,  John  Hooe  Russell.  Treasurer:  George 
Cullen,  T.  J.  Harmer,  Roberc  C.  Ward,  Dr.  M.  L.  Mayo.  S.  W.; 
George  McDonough  (did  not  qualify),  Colonel  Robert  T.  Har- 
vey, W.  R.  Poindexter,  J.  C.  Fitzgerald,  Registrar;  J.  W.  Bur- 
nett, William  S.  Gladstone,  J.  W.,  Registrar;  H.  Jenkins, 
Francis  Bliss  Enslow,  William  11.  Banks,  Registrar:  James 
M.  Wyatt,  Registrar,  Treasurer;  (Justavus  A.  Northcott, 
Treasurer;  Dr.  R.  H.  Pepper,  Registrar;  Carlton  D.  Emmons, 
Treasurer,  Registrar;  Henry  J.  Derbyshire,  Captain  Cameron 
L.  Thompson,  J.  W. ;  Joseph  B.  Hagan,  Z.  S.  Durfey.  Marion 
C.  Dimmick,  J.  W.;  L.  H.  Hutchinson,  Edmund  Behon,  Frank 
Dow  Fuller,  Thomas  L.  Trimmer,  Edward  Shepard  Alcshire, 
Harry  Chambers.  Lay-readers  have  been:  M.  Lewis  Mayo, 
ML  D.;  M.  C.  Dimmick. 

Bishop  Meade,  in  his  book,  speaks  of  Guyandotte  as  one  of 
Hie  most  promising  towns  in  the  State,  but  the  diversion  of 
the  road  to  a  point  a  few  miles  lower  down  the  river  and  the 
building  there  of  the  town  of  Huntington,  has  greatly  lessen- 
ed its  importance;  occasional  services  have  been  held  there, 
but  tli "  low  resident  communicants  are  identified  with  Trinity 
Church,  Huntington.  In  like  manner,  in  Barboursvillo.  which 
was  for  a  long  time  the  county-seat  and  whore  our  church 
was  first  organized  we  no  longer  have  services,  and  the  few 
communicants  there  are  identified  with  Huntington.  For  a 
few  words  about  services  in  Milton  see  Kanawha  county. 

Calhoun. 

Calhoun  county  was  formed  from  Gilmer  in  L856,  ami 
nanieo!  for  John  C.  Calhoun.  Square  miles.  260.  Population — 
1870,  2,039;  1880,  6,072:  L890,  8,051  :  1900,  10,266. 


564  The  Episcopal  Church 

In  September,  1884,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wood, 
Bishop  Peter  kin  visited  Grants  vi  lie.  We  have  had,  however, 
as  yet,  no  occasion  and  no  encouragement  to  start  any  work 
there. 

Clay. 

Clay  county  was  formed  from  parts  of  Braxton  and  Nicho- 
las, in  1858,  and  named  for  Henry  Clay.  Square  miles,  390. 
Population— 1870,  2,196;  1880,  3,460;  1890,  4,656;  1900,  8,248. 

In  August,  1887,  the  Bishop  paid  a  visit  to  Clay  county, 
preaching  in  the  court-house.  As  far  as  he  could  find  out, 
there  were  then  no  Church  people  in  the  county.  Since  the 
railroad  has  been  finished  up  to  Clay,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Card,  of 
Charleston,  has  paid  several  visits  to  the  vicinity  of  the  coun- 
ly  scat,  and  ministered  to  a  few  Church  people  from  Canada, 
who  have  come  in  there  in  connection  with  the  lumber  inter- 
est. The  building  of  a  chapel  has  been  proposed,  and  some 
steps  taken  towards  it,  but  at  this  time  of  writing  no  real 
beginning  has  been  made.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Roller,  has  held 
services  at  Bailing  Creek,  and  Clendenin.  He  makes  this 
note  as  of  July  21,  1895:  "I  had  the  first  Episcopal  Service 
(Morning  Prayer  and  Sermon)  ever  helld  at  Clendenin;  40 
men,  20  women  and  about  half  a  dozen  children  present.  Met 
with  a  favorable  reception." 

Doddridge. 

Doddridge  county  was  formed  in  1845,  from  parts  of  Harri- 
son, Tyler,  Ritchie  and  Lewis,  and  named  for  Philip  Dod- 
dridge. Square  miles,  300.  Population— 1870,  7,076;  1880, 
10,552;  1890,  11,999;  1900,  13,689. 

Bishop  Peterkin  visited  West  Union  in  April,  1888,  and 
preached  in  the  Methodist  Church.  We  have,  from  time  to 
time,  had  a  few  of  our  Church  people  living  in  West  Union, 
but  so  far  have  not  been  able  to  undertake  any  regular  work 
there. 


in  West  Virginia.  5G5 


CHAPTER  X. 

Records  Continued.  Fayette,  Gilmer,  Grant,  Greenbrier,  Hamp- 
shire, Hancock,  Hardy,  Harrison,  Jackson  Counties.  Churches 
in  Montgomery,  Ansted,  Lewisburg,  Ronceverte,  White  Sul- 
phur, Romney,  Moorefield,  Clarksburg,  Ripley,  Ravenswood, 
&c. 


Fayette. 

Fayette  county  was  formed  from  Kanawha,  Greenbrier, 
Nicholas  arid  Logan,  in  1831,  and  named  for  General  Lafay- 
ette. Square  miles,  750.  Population — 1870,  6,647;  1880,  11,- 
560;  1800,  20,488;  1900,  31,987. 

The  Church  of  the  Redeemer,  Ansted.  —  In  1873,  the  site 
now  occupied  by  the  town  of  Ansted,  contained  only  two 
residences,  one  occupied  by  Colonel  William  Tyree,  a  stage 
stand  on  the  James  River  and  Kanawha  Turnpike,  and  the 
old  Westlake  farm  house,  since  destroyed.  In  the  fall  of 
that  year,  The  Gauley  Kanawha  Coal  Company,  (Limited), 
was  organized  in  London,  through  the  efforts  of  General  J. 
1>.  Imboden,  and  Professor  David  Thomas  Ansted, — for  whom 
the  town  was  named, — was  sent  out  as  Chairman  of  the  Com- 
pany, and  the  mines  were  first  opened  and  operated  under 
his  personal  supervision.  He  was  a  scientist  of  world-wide 
lame,  as  the  author  of  "Ansted's  Ancient  World,'*  from  which 
Ilumbolt  frequently  quotes  in  bis  "Cosmos,"  and  "Ansted's 
l  reology"  was  the  standard  text-book  for  many  years  at  West 
Point  and  Annapolis.  In  a  controversy  between  Greece  and 
France,  over  certain  mining  rights,  and  concessions  by  the 
former,  England  was  appealed  to  as  Arbitrator,  and  the  P>rit- 
ish  Government  selected  Professor  Ansted  as  its  representa- 
tive to  ascertain  the  facts  and  settle  the  dispute,  which  task 


566  The  Episcopal.  Chubch 

was  satisfactorily  accomplished,  just  before  his  arrival  in 
Fayette  county. 

At  that  time,  there  was  not  an  Episcopalian  within  ten 
miles  of  Ansted,  and  probably  not  a  half-dozen  members  of 
the  Church  within  the  confines  of  the  county,  the  community 
being  composed  almost  wholly  of  Baptists  and  Methodists. 

About  1879,  the  mines  had  drawn  two  or  three  members  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  from  Virginia,  among  whom  was  Mrs. 
Olivia  Page,  relict  of  the  late  Edwin  Randolph  Page,  of  Camp- 
bell county,  Virginia;  and,  without  money,  or  with  little 
financial  influence,  or  aid,  beyond  what  she  derived  from  a 
fixed  and  steadfast  purpose,  she  began  the  erection  of  the 
church,  known  as  that  of  the  ''Redeemer,''  which  was  com- 
pleted, paid  for,  and  consecrated  within  a  few  years;  the 
necessary  funds  for  which  were  raised  by  small  individual 
donations,  few  of  which  exceeded  five  or  ten  dollars.  When 
the  building  was  completed,  Mr.  Thomas  Coats,  of  the  firm 
of  J.  P.  Coats  &  Co.,  of  London,  presented  an  organ,  which 
was  the  largest  single  donation  ever  received,  either  in  the 
construction  or  furnishing  of  the  church.  A  Sunday-school 
was  started,  and  steadily  maintained,  with  an  enrollment  ex- 
ceeding one  hundred  and  twenty  scholars  at  times,  and  rarely 
falling  below  eighty,  the  average  being  from  ninety  to  one 
hundred.  No  records  were  kept  prior  to  1887,  but  from  July 
10th  of  that  year  to  date,  about  ninety  baptisms  and  forty 
confirmations  are  recorded,  nearly  all  of  which  have  been  the 
direct  fruit  of  the  Sunday-school.  On  May  14th,  1898,  there 
were  fifty-five  communicants,  since  which  date  there  has  been 
no  regular  pastor,  and  the  number  has  been  reduced  to  about 
thirty  at  present,  by  deaths  and  removals.  A  mission  school 
was  started,  and  conducted  for  several  years  by  Mrs.  Quinby, 
and  later  by  Miss  Rose  Pendleton,  but  of  this  there  is  no 
record  save  the  good  work  they  left.  The  first  Missionary 
regularly  attached  to  the  field,  was  probably  the  Rev.  F.  K. 
Lea  veil,  since  which  date  there  has  been  in  regular 
order,  the  Revs.  J.  H.  Birkhead,  G.  P.  Summerville,  Peter 


in  West  Virginia.  567 

Wage*,  J.  R.  Taylor,  F.  A.  Meade  and  J.  Tiltoii  Martey.  At 
present  the  services  are  being  very  satisfactorily  conducted 
by  Mr.  T.  C.  Darst,  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  assigned  to 
Ansted.  Powellton  and  Montgomery  during  the  summer  vaca- 
tion. 

From  the  beginning,  the  church  has  been  sustained  by  the 
efforts  of  a  few  members,  not  overburdened  with  this  world's 
goods;  and  but  for  assistance  derived  from  the  Missionary 
fund,  little  could  have  been  accomplished.  In  time  they  hope 
to  become  self-sustaining,  but  at  present  the  communicants 
are  composed  almost  entirely  of  a  mining  class,  wholly  depen- 
dent upon  their  daily  labor,  with  little  to  spare  for  the  sup- 
port of  a  minister,  however  earnest  may  be  their  desire.  Such 
as  they  have,  they  give  freely,  but  they  have  little  from 
which  to  contribute.  The  earthly  remains  of  the  founder 
now  repose  in  the  church-yard,  a  monument  to  her  labor,  and 
in  fulfillment  of  her  earnest  desire;  but  the  work  she  began, 
will — by  the  Grace  of  God — outlive  the  stone  which  marks 
her  grave. 

William  N.  Page. 

St.  David's  Mission.  Poibellton. — The  first  service  of  the 
Church  was  held  at  Powellton  on  December  5th,  1886,  by  Rev. 
J.  H.  Birkhead,  of  the  Coal  Valley  (now  Montgomery)  Mis- 
sion, after  which,  services  were  held  from  time  to  time  by 
Kev.  J.  H.  Birkhead  and  Rev.  Peter  Wager,  until  early  in 
1893,  when  the  latter  resigned.  On  July  14th,  1893,  Rev.  A. 
K.  Fenton  arrived  in  Powellton  to  reside  there  and  take 
charge  of  the  work  at  that  and  near-by  points,  devoting  two 
Sundays  in  each  month  to  Powellton,  two  to  Montgomery. 
and  holding  occasional  service  a.1  Mount  Carbon  and  other 
points. 

Prior  to  the  summer  of  1893  services  were  held,  sometimes 
in  the  Pnion  Church  and  sometimes  in  the  school-house,  but 
since  that  time  they  have  been  held  in  a  building  erected  by 
The  Mount  Carbon  Company,  Limited,  for  the  convenience 
of  its  miners  and  other  employees,  and   for  the  meeting  of 


508  The  Episcopal  Church 

Benevolent  Societies,  &c.  A  sanctuary,  well  furnished,  is 
divided  off  in  one  of  the  halls. 

On  December  2d,  1893,  a  meeting  of  the  communicants  was 
held  to  organize  a  mission,  and  on  January  3d,  1894,  Bishop 
Peterkin  sanctioned  the  organization  of  St.  David's  Mission 
of  Powellton,  with  the  following  officers:  Treasurer,  Evan 
Powell;  Warden,  D.  T.  Evans;  Registrar,  H.  P.  Devonshire. 
The  present  committee  in  charge  is  as  follows:  D.  Swain,  J. 
I.  Absalom,  E.  T.  Jones,  Godwin  H.  Powel,  D.  T.  Evans  and 
Thomas  Price,  the  three  first  named  being  Warden,  Registrar 
and  Treasurer,  respectively. 

Services  are  held  by  the  Missionary  in  charge  on  two  Sun- 
days in  the  month,  and  upon  the  other  Sundays,  Morning 
Prayer  is  read  by  the  lay-reader,  Mr.  Godwin  H.  Powel. 

The  first  report  concerning  Powellton  Mission  was  made 
in  1887,  showing:  Communicants,  7;  families,  25;  teachers 
and  officers  in  the  Sunday-school,  8;  scholars,  10.  The  last 
(1900)  report  shows:  Communicants,  20;  families,  16;  teach- 
ers and  officers  in  the  Sunday-school,  9;  scholars,  65. 

Rev.  A.  K.  Fenton  resigned  and  left  this  mission  in  July, 
1891;  Rev.  I.  A.  Canfield  took  charge  from  March  1st  to  No- 
vember 1st,  1895;  Rev.  J.  T.  Marley  took  charge  in  July,  1896. 
and  continued  until  December  1st,  1899,  giving  two  Sundays 
in  each  month  to  this  mission,  two  to  Ansted,  and  holding 
occasional  services  at  Montgomery,  Mount  Carbon  and  sev- 
eral points  in  the  New  River  field.  Rev.  L.  W.  Doggett  was 
in  charge  from  May  1st  to  November  15th,  1900,  and  Rev.  A. 
R.  Price  from  December  1st,  1900,  to  April  15th,  1901.  (At 
this  writing  (July,  1901,)  the  mission  is  in  temporary  charge 
of  Mr.  Thomas  C.  Darst,  of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Vir- 
ginia.) The  Rev.  A.  M.  Lewis,  deacon,  has  recently  been  as- 
signed to  this  field,  with  headquarters  at  this  place,  and  will 
take  charge  the  first  Sunday  in  September.  Services  are 
held  regularly,  though  infrequently,  at  Mt.  Carbon,  where 
we  have  a  few  Church  people. 

Gaperton. — There  is  no  Episcopal  Church  at  Oaperton.    The 


REV.   ARTHUR  M.    LEWIS. 


CHURCH   OF   THE   REDEEMER,   ANSTED. 


REV.    FRANCIS   K.    EEAVELL. 


CALVARY,    MONTGOMERY 


in  West  Virginia.  569 

Kev.  P.  A.  Meade  holds  service  once  a  month  in  the  Union 
Church,  and  there  are  only  four  communicants  and  no  vestry. 
There  is  at  Caperton  a  smaM  Union  Sunday-school.  The  Rev. 
Messrs.  Marley,  Turner,  Thomas,  Crook  and  Meade  have 
preached  there  at  different  times. 

Nuttallburg. — There  is  no  church  building  at  Nuttall, 
but  services  are  held  about  once  a  month  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs,  of  Charleston,  tried  to  establish 
a  church  organization  here,  but  did  not  succeed.  There  have 
been  occasional  services  for  twenty-five  years,  sometimes 
once  a  month.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Wager,  Meade,  Marley, 
Thomas  and  Crook  have  preached  at  different  times. 

Beury. — There  is  a  Union  Church  at  Beury,  which  was  built 
in  1889,  in  which  Messrs.  Meade,  Marley  and  Thomas  have 
preached  at  different  times. 

The  Bishops  visit  all  three  places  regularly. 

Dubree  and  Kcencifs  Mountain. — At  these  two  points,  which 
art'  perhaps  four  miles  up  from  Nuttallburg,  we  have  fifteen 
or  twenty  communicants,  the  most  of  them  belonging  to  fam- 
ilies that  have  been  identified  with  the  Church  of  England. 
At  Keeney's  Mountain  we  use  a  school-house,  and  at  Dubree 
the  Presbyterian  Church  has  been  kindly  loaned.  Nothing 
but  our  inability  to  give  this  work  the  care  it  deserved  has 
prevented  us  from  gathering  a  large  congregation.  The  Rev. 
Messrs.  Meade,  Thomas,  Wager  and  Marley  have  labored 
among  these  people,  as  also  Mr.  Crook  and  Mr.  Darst,  Candi- 
dates for  Orders.  It  is  all  distinctly  encouraging,  but  we 
cannot  yet  attain  unto  it. 

Fayette*  ilk — Here  we  have  occasional  services,  and  at  times 
a  good  prospect  of  building  a  chapel,  but  so  far  it  has  not 
been  realized.  The  number  of  Church  people  has  greatly 
varied — sometimes  there  have  been  five  or  six  and  sometimes 
none. 

(lien  Jean. — The  first  communicants  of  the  Church  at  Glen 
Jean  were  Mrs.  1).  E.  Llewellen,  Mrs.  J.  J.  Robinson  and  Mrs. 
Justus  Collins.     Before  L897  there  was  no  house  of  worship 


o70  The  Episcopal  Church 

in  Gleo  Jean  of  any  denomination,  but  at  that  time  it  was 
decided  to  erect  a  building,  which  should  be  a  Union  Church, 
to  be  used  by  all  orthodox  denominations. 

The  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  under  the  energetic  leadership  of 
Mrs.  C.  B.  Lee,  began  the  work,  and  in  1898  a  neat  building 
was  finished,  at  a  cost  of  $1,800,  less  $642,  the  final  debt.  The 
Ladies'  Society  then  offered  the  church  to  any  denomination 
which  would  assume  the  debt  ($642.)  After  all  others  had 
refused.  Bishop  Peterkin  offered  to  pay  $500  if  the  church  in 
Glen  Jean  would  assume  the  rest.  This  was  done,  through 
the  substantial  intervention  of  Mr.  Justus  Collins. 

Before  regular  services  could  be  secured,  the  pulpit  was 
filled  from  time  to  time  by  Bishop  Peterkin  and  by  the  Rev. 
F.  A.  Meade,  from  Hinton.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Marley  had  charge 
for  a  time,  and  the  Rev.  H.  B.  Thomas,  then  a  deacon,  suc- 
ceeded him.  The  Rev.  Guy  H.  Crook,  a  deacon,  assumed 
charge  June  30,  1901. 

Gilmer. 

Gilmer  county  was  formed  from  parts  of  Lewis  and 
Kanawha,  in  1845,  and  was  named  for  Thomas  Walker 
Gilmer,  Governor  of  Virginia,  1840.  Square  miles,  360. 
Population— 1870,  4,338;  1880,  7,108;  1890,  9,674;  1900,  11,762. 

Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Glemille  in  November,  1887,  and 
again  in  July,  1897,  preaching  on  each  occasion  in  the  Pres- 
byterian Church.  The  Rectors  at  Weston  have  also  visited 
this  point,  but  we  have  never  had  more  than  two  or  three 
communicants,  and  no  prospect  as  yet  for  a  station. 

Grant. 

Grant  county  was  formed  from  Hardy,  in  1866,  and  was 
named  for  General  Grant.  Square  miles,  520.  Population — 
1870,  4,467;  1880,  5,542;  1890,  6,270;  1900,  7,275. 

Mission  Work. — On  September  1st,  1882,  Bishop  Peterkin 
preached  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Petersburg.  This  was 
his  first  visit  to  Grant  county.  He  found  three  communi- 
cants and  baptized  an  infant. 


ix  West  Virginia.  571 

In  1885  and  1886  tbe  Rev.  G.  A.  (Hbbons  preached  in  Peters- 
burg once  or  twice  and  visited  a  few  people.  No  communi- 
cants wer>k  living  there  as  far  as  he  could  ascertain,  and,  hav- 
ing his  hands  full  of  work  elsewhere,  he  could  not  go  to 
Petersburg. 

The  Rev.  <J.  A.  Gibbons  reports,  December  10,  1883,  that  ho 
had  in  November,  conducted  service  and  preached  at  Fairfax 
Stone,  Grant  County,  and  baptized  two  or  three  children.  This 
h<-  believed  to  be  the  first  service  ever  held  by  any  clergyman 
in  that  wilderness. 

Greenbrier. 

Greenbrier  county  was  formed  from  Montgomery  and 
Botetourt,  in  1777.  Square  miles,  1,000.  Population — 1870, 
11.417;  1880,  15,060 ;  1890,  18,000;  1000,  20,682. 

Greenbrier  Parish — Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  from  time  to  time 
held  services  in  Pocahontas  and  Greenbrier  counties,  but 
in  1878,  Rev.  Eniile  J.  Hall,  Deacon,  was  sent  by  Bishop  Whit- 
tle to  take  formal  charge  of  the  work  in  Pocahontas  county, 
and  to  extend  his  ministrations  to  Greenbrier  county.  In 
the  summer  of  1878,  Bishop- Peterkin  found  that  he  had  mov- 
ed to  Lewisburg  and  was  dividing  his  time  between  Lewis- 
burg  and  Ronceverte,  in  Greenbrier  county,  and  Hillsboro, 
Huntersville  and  Clover  Lick,  in  Pocahontas  county.  He  also 
visited  Glencoe.  In  Lewisburg  service  was  held  in  the  court 
house  or  in  a  school  house,  and  at  Ronceverte  in  a  Union 
church,  which  some  of  our  members,  notably  Col.  Clay  and 
Mr.  Hurxthal  had  been  instrumental  in  building. 

Mr.  Hall  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Francis  D.  Lee,  and  he 
again  by  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  D.  D.  Dr.  Lacy's  ministry  was  em- 
inently successful  here,  as  elsewhere,  and  it  has  always  been 
the  dream  of  many  of  our  warmest  friends  that  could  he  have 
remained,  the  church  in  this  extensive  parish  would  have 
been  much  more  speedily  built  up.  Of  course  time  was  un- 
avoidably lost  by  vacancies,  and  by  the  delay  occasioned,  as 
new  men  were  getting  accustomed  to  the  field. 

Greenbrier  Parish  was  organized  and  admitted  to  union 


572  The  Episcopal  Church 

with  the  Diocese  in  1883.  It  embraced  in  its  territory  the 
county  of  Greenbrier)  exclusive  of  the  White  Sulphur  Springs, 
which  is  placed  under  the  control  of  the  Bishop),  the  town 
of  Alderson,  in  Monroe  county,  and  four  miles  around.  At 
the  time  of  its  organization,  there  were  two  churches  in.  the 
Parish.  St.  James',  at  Lewisburg,  and  The  Church  of  The 
Incarnation,  at  Ronceverte,  both  nearly  completed,  also 
Epiphany,  a  private  chapel  at  Glencoe,  the  residence  of  Mrs. 
MacFarland. 

Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy,  D.  D.,  was  the  first  minister  in  charge  of 
the  Parish.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Curtis  Grubb.  June 
9,  1888.  Rev.  Arthur  P.  Gray  took  charge  of  the  Parish 
July  22nd,  1889. 

Rev.  G.  P.  Summerville  became  Rector  of  the  Parish,  April 
ill,  and  remained  in  charge  until  May  10,  1891.  The  records 
do  not  state  when  Rev.  John  Moncure  was  called  to  the  Par- 
ish, but  it  is  recorded  that  he  gave  up  charge  of  it  October 
26,  1891,  to  accept  a  call  to  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Geo.  W.  Easter  took  charge  of  the  churches  at 
Lewisburg  and  Ronceverte,  April"  18,  1892.  He  was  succeed- 
ed by  the  Rev.  Lawrence  R.  Combs,  who  resided  in  Coving- 
ton, Virginia,  and  gave  two  Sundays  a  month  to  Lewisburg 
and  Ronceverte.  He  resigned  in  1897  and  was  succeeded 
by  Rev.  Isaac  A.  Canfield,  who  remained  about  three  months. 
He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  M.  T.  Turner,  who  took  charge 
of  the  work  November  10,  1897.  in  connection  with  Madison 
Parish.  Previous  to  the  formal  ion  of  the  Parish,  services 
were  held  by  the  following  ministers:  Revs.  E.  J.  Hal!.  R.  H. 
Mason  and  F.  D.  Lee. 

The  first  vestry  of  the  Parish  was  composed  of  the  fol- 
lowing persons:  Nathaniel  A.  Kailie,  Senior  Warden;  Ben 
Hurxthal,  Junior  Warden;  John  W.  Harris,  Registrar;  W. 
1*.  Backer,  Treasurer;  Dr.  A.  S.  Patrick.  The  names  of  oth- 
ers who  have  served  are:  H.  H.  Harrison,  J.  S.  Withrow, 
Geo.  C.  Bloomer,  D.  L.  Wetzel,  Dr.  Grove,  D.  Y.  Huddleston, 


ix  West  Virginia.  573 

Chas.  W.  Simnis,  Mr.  Miles,  Joel  M.  Harris  and  J.  V.  Sup- 
ple. 

The  rectory  at  Lewisburg  wag  a  gift  to  the  Church  by 
.Mis.  Violet  B.  Bloomer,  a  lady  prominent  in  good  works. 
The  Church  of  The  Incarnation.  Ronceverte,  was  given  to 
the  Parish  by  Mr.  Ben  Hurxthal,  a  resident  of  Ronceverte, 
and  a  faithful  worker  in  the  Master's  cause.  Various  com- 
binations have  from  time  to  time  been  made  looking  to  the 
better  working  of  this  part  of  the  field,  and  with  greater 
or  less  success,  for  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  continuous 
administrations  in  our  small  congregations  are  very  great. 

In  the  summer  of  1899,  Rev.  H.  B.  Thomas  was  sent  by 
the  Bishop  to  take  charge  of  this  work,  but  owing  to  the 
many  vacancies  in  the  New  River  and  Kanawha  Valleys,  at 
this  time  the  demands  upon  his  time  were  too  great  for  very 
successful  administration.  After  a  faithful  and  laborious 
service  of  more  than  a  year,  Mr.  Thomas  was  succeeded  by 
Rev.  Guy  H.  Crook,  also  sent  by  the  Bishop  in  July,  1900. 
Mr.  ('rook's  charge  comprised  Lewisburg,  Ronceverte.  in 
Greenbrier  county;  in  Pocahontas;  Hillsboro,  Huntersvilie 
and  Clover  Lick.  He  also  goes  to  Glen  Jean,  and  Raleigh. 
This,  of  course,  is  more  than  he  can  satisfactorily  attend  to, 
but  we  have  neither  the  men  nor  the  means  for  other  ser- 
vice at  present. 

The  Mission  at  Fori  Spring — Sometimes  called  Holy  Com- 
forter Mission.  This  Mission  was  begun  by  the  Rev.  T.  H. 
Lacy,  I  think,  but  when,  I  do  not  know,  and  has  been  contin- 
ued under  the  Revs.  F.  A.  Meade.  John  Moncure  and  Geo.  W. 
Easter.  The  last  named  took  charge  April  18,  L892,  and 
continues  in  charge  at  this  date,  December  28,  1!»00.  Services 
were  first  held  in  a  school  room  belonging  to  Mr.  D.  Y.  Hud- 
dleston  and  afterwards  in  the  Methodist  Church;  to  the 
building  of  which  our  people  contributed  with  the  under- 
standing that  they  should  have  the  use  of  it  when  needed 
by  us  and  not  otherwise  in  use.  We  have  not  a  church  build- 
ing of  our  own.     The  present  number  of  families  or  parts 


574  The  Episcopal  Chuwh 

of  families  connected  with  the  Mission  is  4;  present  number 
of  confirmed  persons,  8;  of  baptized  persons,  10;  of  commu- 
nicants, 7. 

Services  are  held  once  a  month  on  the  second  Sunday.  The 
contributions  last  reported,  June,  1900,  were:  Parochial,  $25; 
Diocesan  $31.64;  Extra  Diocesan,  $1.10;  total,  $60.83.  Fort 
Spring  is  a  small  village  on  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Rail- 
road in  Greenbrier  county.  Geo.  W.  Easter. 

St.  Thomas'  Organized  Mission,  White  Sulphur  Springs — Ser- 
vices of  the  Episcopal  Church  have  been  held  at  the  White 
Sulphur  Springs  by  visiting  clergy  from  time  immemorial. 
When  the  place  was  first  put  in  charge  of  a  particular  minis- 
ter the  writer  does  not  know,  but  believes  the  Rev.  Richard 
H.  Mason  was  the  first  regular  minister.  The  present  hand- 
some church  in  the  grounds,  seating  500  persons  and  cost- 
ing, with  ground,  about  $10,000,  was  built  while  Mr.  Mason 
was  in  charge.  The  ground  was  bought  from  the  company 
for  $1,000,  and  the  sale  was  confirmed  by  decree  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  District  Court,  June  5,  1879.  Services  are  sup 
plied  during  the  Spring  season  by  clergymen  engaged  by  the 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  for  that  purpose  and  their  expenses 
are  paid  from  the  contributions  of  the  guests.  The  local 
congregation  worships  during  the  summer  in  the  Parish 
rhurch  and  at  other  times  in  the  public  school  house  at 
Dry  Creek,  near  by,  the  church  being  too  large  and  having 
no  means  of  heating  and  lighting. 

Three  miles  away  in  another  school  house,  known  as  Eak- 
les',  another  mission  is  conducted.  It  was  begun,  I  believe, 
by  the  Rev.  Richard  H.  Mason,  and  has  been  carried  on  for 
nearly  nine  years,  by  the  present  missionary  in  charge  of 
the  local  White  Sulphur  congregation,  the  Rev.  Geo.  W.  Eas- 
ter, (December,  1900). 

In  St.  Thomas'  Mission,  with  these  two  local  congrega- 
tions, there  are  20  families  or  parts  of  families,  32  confirmed 


in  West  Virginia.  575 

persons,  63  baptized  persons,  30  communicants  and  2  Sun- 
day schools,  numbering  together  0  teachers  and  87  pupils. 
The  offerings  as  last  reported,  were:  Parochial,  $326.47;  Dio- 
cesan, 133.28;  Extra  Parochial,  $0.80;  total,  $360.50.  The 
larger  part  of  these  contributions  come,  of  course,  from  the 
summer  guests  of  the  Springs. 

Gko  W.  Easter. 

Glencoe. — In  1870  at  Glencoe,  the  home  of  Mrs.  Win.  H. 
Macfarland,  in  the  Lewisburg  district,  a  cabin  on  the  lawn 
was  turned  into  a  private  chapel.  The  chapel  of  the  Epiph- 
any, which,  though  never  consecrated,  has  been  used  since 
that  date  by  Mrs.  Macfarland's  family.  The  seats,  chancel, 
and  furniture  were  all  prepared  by  willing  hands  on  the 
grounds  and  all  so  appropriate  and  neat  that  it  is  a  most 
pleasing  little  house  of  God. 

The  Bishop  of  West  Virginia  has,  with  only  a  few  excep- 
tions, made  annual  visits  to  this  chapel,  and  has  baptized 
one  child  and  confirmed  two  persons.  The  Kectors  in  charge 
of  the  Lewisburg,  Union  and  Alderson  districts,  have  made 
visits  to  the  chapel  of  the  Epiphany  during  the  summer 
months  when  the  family  has  been  at  Glencoe.  For  ten  years 
a  Sunday  school  was  held  during  the  summer  months  at 
this  chapel,  there  being  an  average  attendance  of  thirty- 
five  mountaineers. 

The  clergy  of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  who  have  of- 
ficiated at  the  chapel  of  the  Epiphany  are  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Hall.  Lacy.  Lee,  Meade,  Easter,  Grubb,  Oobbs,  and  Fenton.  On 
one  of  the  Bishop's  visits  he  was  accompanied  by  the  late 
Rev.  Kinlock  Nelson,  of  the  Virginia  Theological  Seminary. 

Hampshire. 

Hampshire. — llamphire  county  is,  by  twenty-five  years,  the 
oldest  county  in  the  State,  li  was  formed  in  1754  out  of 
Frederick  and  Augusta,  to  embrace  the  territory  lying  to 
the  Westward  of  the  ridge  of  mountains  called  Great  North 
and   Gape  Gapon  mountains,   and    Warm   Spring  Mountains, 


576  Thu  Episcopal  Church 

extending  to  the  Potomac  River.     The  Western  boundary 
was  not  defined. 

It  is  said  that  Lord  Fairfax,  observing  a  drove  of  very 
fine  hogs,  and  learning  that  they  were  from  the  South  Branch 
Valley,  said,  that  when  a  new  county  should  be  formed  to 
include  that  section,  it  should  be  called  for  Hampshire 
county,  in  England,  so  celebrated  for  its  fat  hogs.  Square 
miles,  630.  Population— 1870,  7,643;  1880,  10,366;  1890,  11,- 
444;  1000,  11,806. 

Zion  Church,  S'lmesville. — September  18,  1894,  the  Bishop, 
with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons  and  others,  drove  out  from  Rom- 
ney,  seventeen  miles  to  old  Zion  Church,  at  Slanesville. 
Some  time  before,  Mr.  Gibbons  had  discovered  that  there 
was  such  a  church  and  that  it  belonged  to  us.  It  appears 
that  it  was  built  in  1818,  and  that  the  deed  was  made  and 
re<  orded  in  1830.  So  far  as  they  could  learn,  no  Episcopal 
clergyman  had  held  service  there  for  at  least  sixty  years. 
They  could  not  learn  whether  the  Bishop  of  Virginia  had 
ever  visited  the  Church.  The  building  is  in  good  condition, 
most  eligibly  located,  in  a  beautiful  grove  and  very  acces- 
sible, by  reason  of  converging  roads,  to  a  large  section  of 
country,  the  building  has  been  used  indiscriminately  by  the 
various  Christian  bodies,  who  have  representatives  in  the 
neighborhood,  and  has  several  times  been  repaired  by  the 
united  contributions  of  the  community. 

The  Bishop  says:  "For  this  we  may  be  thankful,  that 
during  all  these  years  when  we  could  not  or  did  not  use  the 
chinch,  yet  that  others  have  read  Cod's  Word  and  preached, 
too,  within  these  sacred  walls,  and  we  trust  that  to  many 
earnest  souls  asking  the  way  to  Zion  with  their  faces  thith- 
erward, that  this  simple  Zion  Church  (way  off  in  the  moun- 
tains, and  for  so  long  a  time  forgotten  by  those  in  whom  the 
title  stood)  has  been  as  the  house  of  God  and  the  gate  of 
Heaven/1 

July  1,  1895,  the  Bishop  and  Mr.  Gibbons  again  held  ser- 
vice in  Zion  Church  and  placed  a  prayer  book  on  the  desk,  to 


REV.    GEO.    A.    GIBBONS. 


ST.    STEPHENB,    ROMNEY. 


REV.    J.    DUDLEY    FERGUSON. 


EMMANUEL,    MOOKEFIELD. 


in  West  Virginia.  577 

remain  in  the  church  for  use  in  such  Episcopal  services  as 
may  oe  held  in  the  future,  which  bears  the  following  inscrip- 
tion: 

Zion  Church,  North  River,  18 IS. — On  Thursday,  September 
13,  1894,  the  first  Episcopal  service  held  in  this  church  for 
perhaps  sixty  years,  was  conducted  by  Bishop  George  W. 
Peterkin  and  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Gibbons.  On  the  occasion  of 
their  second  visit,  Monday,  July  1,  1895,  they  have  placed 
this  Prayer  Book  in  the  church  to  remain  on  this  desk  for 
use  in  such  Episcopal  services  as  may  be  held  here  in  the 
future,  and  for  the  use  of  others  also,  as  they  may  wish  to 
avail  themselves  of  it  from  time  to  time  at  their  discretion. 

"Hold  fast  the  form  of  sound  words."— 2  Tim.  I.  13. 

In  1771,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ogilvie  was  ordained  in  England  for 
Hampshire  county,  Va.,  (now  West  Virginia),  and  the  next 
year  (1772)  the  Revs.  Messrs.  Manning  and  Kenner  were  also 
ordained  for  Hampshire  county,  but  Mr.  Manning  only,  ever 
reached  Hampshire.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Reynolds  ministered  in 
Hampshire  in  1812  or  1813.  Soon  afterward  the  Rev.  Nor- 
man Nash  was  ordained  by  Bishop  Moore  for  work  in  this 
county,  and  his  nephew,  the  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash  (1824)  suc- 
ceeded him  and  built  a  neat  brick  church  in  the  old  town  of 
Romney,  which  was  laid  out  by  Lord  Fairfax  in  1762.  Mr. 
Nash  was  succeeded  in  the  work  by  Revs.  Messrs.  Hedges  and 
Irish,  successively.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  who  built  the  church 
in  Romney,  also  built  a  log  church  near  North  River  Mills, 
called  Zion,  and  which  is  still  in  good  repair  as  an  Episcopal 
Church,  Bishop  Peterkin  and  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons  visiting  it 
every  year  towards  the  close  of  the  nineteenth  century.  The 
brick  church  in  Romney  was  burned  before  the  late  war,  and 
the  lot  was  transferred  to  the  Board  of  Education  of  Rom- 
ney for  school  purposes. 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  the  present  new  church,  will,  we 
hope,  with  its  freshness  and  beauty,  more  than  supply  the 
place  of  the  old  one,  and  more  fully  be  clothed  with  the  gar- 
ments of  praise  and  have  a  brighter  crown  on  her  head.    The 


578  The  Episcopal  Church 

first  officers  appointed  by  Bishop  Peterkin  for  St.  Stephen's 
were  J.  C.  Covell,  Warden;  D.  R.  Williams,  Registrar;  G.  W. 
Parsons,  Treasurer. 

Prior  to  the  completion  of  St  Stephen's  Church,  services 
were  held  in  other  churches  of  Roinney,  and  in  the  chapel  of 
the  Schools  for  the  Deaf  and  the  Blind.  The  Rev.  J.  Dudley 
Ferguson  was  received  from  the  Diocese  of  Minnesota  and 
held  his  first  service  in  Romne}-  on  Advent  Sunday,  1S78,  and 
in  'SI  he  was  transferred  to  the  Diocese  of  Missouri  He  was 
succeeded  in  Romnej'  by  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Loftus  in  January  of 
1881,  and  on  September  Oth  of  1881  Mr.  Loftus  was  disabled 
by  an  accident  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  from  the 
effects  of  which  he  eventually  died  in  England  in  June,  1883. 
There  were  no  regular  services  then  until  the  Rev.  Samuel  IT. 
Griffith  was  received  and  took  charge  of  the  work  in  May, 
1884.  He  was  transferred  to  Maryland  the  next  year,  May, 
1S85.  Mr.  Griffith  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Gibbons, 
of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  July  1st,  1885;  said  Mr.  Gib- 
bons is  in  charge  of  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Romney,  at  this 
present  time.  July,  1901. 

aS7.  Stephen's  Church,  Romney. — A  contract  was  made  in  the 
fall  of  '84  for  a  comfortable,  commodious  and  sightly  church 
building,  of  brick,  in  Romney,  to  be  finished  within  sixty  days. 
The  total  cost  to  be  $1,800. 

August  12,  1885,  the  new  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  of 
St.  Stephen's,  opposite  the  Deaf,  Dumb  and  Blind  Institution, 
is  complete  and  ready  for  worship.  It  is  a  very  attractive 
building,  and  will  seat  175  persons,  and  cost  about  $2,000.  The 
organ  was  donated  by  Professor  Charles  Morris,  of  Baltimore. 
The  erection  of  St.  Stephen's  is  due  to  the  indefatigable  en- 
ergy and  philanthropy  of  Major  J.  C.  Covell,  who  donated  the 
building  site  and  also  contributed  largely  to  the  cost  of  the 
edifice.  The  church  was  consecrated  Sunday,  November  13, 
1888,  by  Bishop  Peterkin;  Rev.  G.  A.  Gibbons,  Rector. 

The  rectory  at  Romney  is  completed,  (1891.)  It  is  a  com- 
fortable and  commodious  building  and  well  located,  and  occu- 


ix  West  Virginia.  579 

pied  at  this  time,  July,  1901,  by  the  Rector,  Rev.  G.  A.  Gib- 
bons, and  his  family. 

Capon  Springs. — Services  have  been  held  from  time  to  lime 
in  the  chapel  here  during  the  summer,  specially  by  Bishop 
Wilmer,  of  Alabama,  who  was  accustomed  to  visit  Capon 
year  after  year. 

Epiphany  CJvurch,  OkonoJco. — In  November,  1885,  Bishop 
ivterkin.  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons,  visited  the  McGills  and 
Kussells  near  Okonoko,  and  conducted  service  and  preached 
in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  near  the  Cross 
Roads. 

Mr.  Gibbons  repeated  this  service  from  time  to  time  until 
the  number  of  communicants  grew  to  about  twenty,  and  the 
beautiful  Epiphany  Church  was  built  by  the  untiring  efforts 
of  the  faithful  few,  and  the  kindness  of  Mr.  William  L.  Davis, 
who  generously  donated  his  work.  There  is  now  a  Sunday 
school  of  about  twenty-five,  Mr.  Henry  McGill  Russell,  super- 
intendent. In  addition  to  these  services  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gib- 
bons has  preached  at  different  times  and  places  in  this  coun- 
ty, especially  at  "The  Rocks,"  where  there  are  several  Church 
members. 

I'tur  Paw,  Morgan  Count//. — Mr.  Gibbons  has  given  a 
service,  one  week  night  every  month  for  several  years,  and 
the  Bishop  regularly  visits  the  place.  Up  to  this  date  three 
persons  have  been  confirmed.  There  are  now  six  or  eight 
communicants  there. 

The  Central  Mission. — Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons  was  instrumental 
in  starting  the  work  in  this  section.  An  account  of  it  is  in- 
Serted   here: 

I  give  an  account  of  the  prospects  in  what  may  be  called 
the  Central  Mission.  I  have  repeatedly  visited  points  along 
the  West  Virginia  Central  Railroad,  since  1S00,  but.  up  to 
this  time,  the  way  never  has  seemed  clear  t<>  establish  our 
Church  in  this  rapidly  developing  section.  On  the  occasion 
of  nvy  last  visit,  I  could  find  only  ten  communicants  in  Min- 
eral, Grant,  Tucker,  Randolph  and  Barbour  counties,  a  terri- 


580  The  Episcopal  Church 

tory  having  about  50,000  population  and  at  least  3,000  square 
miles.  Under  these  circumstances,  it  did  not  seem  expedient 
to  start  any  work  along  the  lines  of  this  road.  At  times, 
Mr.  Gibbons  would  pay  a  visit  to  these  outlying  regions  of 
his  jurisdiction,  and  near  Bayard  services  have  been  main- 
tained through  the  energy  and  liberality  of  a  good  Christian 
woman,  but  no  congregations  were  gathered  and  (save  the 
one  near  Bayard)  no  chapels  built  in  any  of  our  growing 
towns.  The  following  named  places  have  the  communicants 
indicated,  although  they  are  scattered  along  100  miles  of 
road:  Keyser,  7  communicants;  Shaw,  3  communicants;  Bay- 
ard, 4  communicants;  Parsons,  2  communicants;  Davis,  10 
communicants;  Elkins,  10  communicants;  Belington,  6  com- 
municants; Beverly,  1  communicant;  Mingo,  7  communicants. 
This  gives  fifty  communicants  in  these  towns,  which  are  all 
accessible  by  the  West  Virginia  Central  Railroad. 

Not  being  able  to  do  quite  what  we  desire  to  do,  and  what 
the  field  demands,  we  fall  back  upon  the  plan  that  seems 
on  many  accounts  the  most  feasible.  We  propose  to  put  one 
man  in  the  field  at  once,  and  let  the  work  grow  from  centres 
he  may  reach.  This  is  made  possible  by  the  active  interest 
and  liberal  support  of  Mrs.  W.  J.  Brown,  near  Bayard,  of 
whom  mention  has  been  made.  She  has  united  with  the 
Rev.  John  P.  Hubbard,  D.  D.,  sometime  Rector  of  Trinity, 
Shepherdstown,  in  giving  us  about  an  acre  of  land  in  the 
town  of  Bayard,  upon  which  we  hope  to  put  a  church,  rectory 
and  parish  house,  although  we  have  not  the  funds  for  build- 
ing as  yet. 

By  giving  Bayard  two  Sundays  each  month  and  Davis  and 
Elkins  each  one  Sunday  a  month  and  also  one  week  day  when 
expedient,  he  can  utilize  the  fifth  Sunday  and  the  spare  time, 
if  he  has  any,  in  looking  after  the  other  points  named. 

To  carry  on  this  work  we  need  at  once  a  rectory,  chapel 
and  parish  house  at  Bayard,  a  chapel  at  Davis  and  a  chapel 
at  Elkins. 

This  is  the  plain,  unvarnished  story  of  the  Central  Mission 


in  West  Virginia.  581 

bo  far  as  it  miay  now  be  told.  I  may  add  that  Mr.  Gibbons 
expects  to  visit  the  field  in  July,  and  that  I  hope  to  follow 
him  early  in  August,  visiting  Bayard,  Davis,  Parsons,  Elkins 
and  Belington.  So,  while  thankful  for  the  measures  of  suc- 
cess the  good  Lord  has  so  far  granted  us,  we  want  to  be  con- 
tinually reaching  forth  into  the  regions  beyond. 

Hancock. 

Hancock  county  was  formed  in  1848,  and  named  for  John 
Hancock.  Square  miles,  100.  Population — 1870,  4.3(i."»:  1880, 
4,882;  1890,  6,477;  1900,  6,693. 

New  Cumberland. — After  several  ineffectual  attempts. 
Bishop  Peterkin  succeeded  in  holding  a  service  in  New  Cum- 
berland. He  preached  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  in  the 
spring  of  1897.  On  which  occasion  he  was  accompanied  by 
the  Rev.  C.  A.  Chrisman,  of  Wellsburg.  In  the  year  1898.  the 
Rev.  G.  W.  Hinkle,  of  St.  Pauls  Church,  Steubenville.  held 
a  service  at  the  residence  of  Mr.  S.  G.  Gaillard.  In  the  au- 
tumn of  the  same  year,  by  appointment  of  the  Northwestern 
Convocation,  the  Rev.  N.  S.  Thomas,  of  St.  Matthew's,  Wheel- 
ing, accompanied  by  the  Rev.  W.  K.  Marshall,  of  Wellsburg, 
visited  New  Cumberland,  but  did  not  succeed  in  having  a 
service.  In  the  year  following— i.  e.,  1899 — the  Rev.  Thomas 
E.  Swan  held  a  service  in  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church. 
Bishop  W.  L.  Gravatt,  in  April,  1900,  accompanied  by  the 
Rev.  Thomas  E.  SwTan,  held  a  service  in  the  court-house.  By 
appointment  of  the  Northwestern  Convocation,  the  Rev.  D. 
W.  Howard.  Rector  of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling,  visit- 
ed the  place,  on  September  25th,  1900,  but  did  not  succeed  in 
holding  a  service.  At  a  later  meeting  of  the  Convocation, 
ili»  Rev.  J.  Rrittingham,  of  St.  Luke's  Church,  Wheeling,  was 
appointed  to  hold  a  service,  which  he  did  on  November  9th, 
1 !»()(),  at  the  residence  of  Mr.  S.  G.  Gaillard.  The  above  ap- 
pointments were  all  made  on  week  days,  which  accounts  in 
a  great  measure  for  the  small  attendance,  or  failure  on  some 
occasions.    But  it  was  for  a  long  time  the  best  possible  that 


582  The  Episcopal  Church 

could  be  done.  The  want  of  a  Church  is  of  course  a  great 
drawback.  The  first  regular  monthly  Sunday  services  were 
begun  in  May,  1900,  by  the  Kev.  J.  F.  Woods.  These  are 
held  on  the  third  Sunday  of  the  month  at  the  residence  of 
Mr.  S.  G.  Gaillard,  who  cheerfully  and  kindly  opens  his 
house  for  them,  the  best  place  under  present  circum- 
stances. They  consist  of  Communion  in  the  morning  and 
Service  in  the  afternoon.  The  attendance  has  been  very  en- 
couraging, and  the  outlook  for  the  Church,  bright.  There 
are  five  communicants  and  about  fifteen  baptized  persons. 
A  church  building  fund  has  recently  been  started. 

Hardy. 

Hardy  county  was  formed  from  Hampshire  in  1785,  and 
named  for  Samuel  Hardy,  Isle  of  Wight  county,  Virginia. 
Square  miles,  700.  Population— 1870,  5,518;  1880,  6,794; 
1890,  7.610;  1900,  8,449. 

Emmanuel  Church. — The  first  service  of  the  Episcopal 
<  Jhurch  in  Hardy  county  was  conducted  by  the  Kev.  Dr. 
Thrall,  of  Cumberland,  February,  1875,  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  Moorefield.  In  April  of  '75  he  preached  again  in  the 
name  church  and  place. 

About  this  time  (April,  1875)  Josiah  Dent,  Esq.,  of  George- 
town, D.  C,  transferred  a  large  tract  of  mountain  land  in 
the  county  of  Hardy  to  William  M.  Randolph,  John  W.  Ins- 
keep  and  H.  McS.  Gamble,  M.  D.,  as  trustees,  for  the  Episco- 
pal Church,  and  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  church  and 
parish  school  in  Moorefield;  and  in  August,  1876,  work  on  the 
church  (the  present  beautiful  Emmanuel)  was  begun.  A  Sun- 
day school  was  organized  in  June,  '75,  and  continued  to  the 
present  day.  In  the  spring  of  1875,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Meredith,  of 
Winchester,  Va.,  preached  in  the  court-house,  Moorefield; 
and  in  August,  '75,  Dr.  Meredith  came  to  Moorefield  again, 
Avith  Bishop  Whittle,  of  Virginia,  who  has  the  credit  of  hav- 
ing made  the  first  Episcopal  visitation  to  Hardy. 


in  West  Virginia.  583 

Alter  services  at  various  times  by  different  clergymen, 
in  November,  ISTS,  the  Rev.  J.  Dudley  Ferguson,  of  the  Dio- 
cese  of  Minnesota,  was  elected  and  appointed  to  take  charge  of 
the  Church  work  in  Hardy  and  Hampshire.  Bishop  Peterkin 
made  his  first  visitation  to  Moorefield  July,  1878.  Emmanuel 
Church  was  now  nearly  completed,  and  in  June,  1879,  the 
Bishop  visited  the  parish  again,  conducted  service  for  the 
first  time  in  the  church,  confirmed  eight  persons  and  admin- 
istered Holy  Communion.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Ferguson  remained 
in  charge  of  this  church  for  two  and  a  half  years,  and  it 
grew  and  prospered  in  his  hand.  Then  came  the  Rev.  J.  T. 
Loftus  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Griffith  as  Rectors  for  about 
a  year  each;  when  the  Rev.  George  A.  Gibbons,  of  Fairmont, 
was  elected  Rector  and  took  charge  of  Emmanuel 
Church,  Moorefield,  and  the  Church  work  in  Hampshire  and 
several  other  adjoining  counties,  July  1st,  1S85,  and  he  re- 
mains in  charge  to  this  present  day,  July.  1901. 

In  the  spring  of  1900  there  was  completed  at  a  cost  of 
$1,200  a  tasteful  and  commodious  parish  house  adjoining 
the  church.  It  is  nicely  furnished  with  chairs  to  seat  about 
150  persons,  and  it  is  adorned  with  several  memorial  win- 
dows. A  piano  is  also  a  valued  and  most  useful  part  of  its 
furniture.  This  building  will  be  of  great  use  in  the  conduct 
of  the  Sunday-school,  and  will  serve  for  the  more  convenient 
meeting  of  the  various  Church  Societies,  whose  activities  it 
will  foster.  To  put  up  such  a  complete  building  has  been  a 
great  feat  for  so  small  a  congregation.  Those  who  are  skilled 
in  such  matters  have  no  doubt  guessed  the  secret:  It  is  due 
to  the  energy  and  liberality  of  a  few  good  women. 

Harrison. 

Harrison  county  was  formed  from  Monongalia  in  17S4,  and 
was  named  for  Benjamin  Harrison,  of  Charles  City  county. 
Ya..  and  Governor  1781-1784.  Square  miles.  450.  Popula- 
tion   -1870,  16,714;  1880.  20,181  ;  L890,  21/T0S;  1900,  27,690. 

Christ  Church,  Clarksburg.—  Taking  up  the  narrative  where 


584  The  Episcopal  Church 

Bishop  Meade  leaves  it,  we  note  that  Mr.  Castleman  helped 
to  erect  this  building",  of  which  Bishop  Meade  speaks,  by  the 
sweat  of  his  brow  and  the  labor  of  his  willing  hands,  actually 
carrying  the  bricks.  Since  Mr.  Castleman's  pastorate,  the  fol- 
lowing clergymen  have  ministered  to  the  spiritual  needs  of 
the  people.  Revs.  James  J.  Page,  J.  F.  Curtis,  Robert  W. 
Wolseley,  David  H.  Greer  (now  Rector  of  St.  Bartholomew's 
Church,  New  York  City),  Pendleton,  Brooke,  John  F.  Woods, 
George  W.  Dame,  J.  W.  Ware,  Jacob  Brittingham,  Rev.  Dr. 
Forrest  and  the  present  Rector,  Rev.  Thomas  W.  Cooke.  Soon 
after  Mr.  Ware's  brief  pastorate,  in  1883,  a  rectory  was 
bought  on  Mulberry  street,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Brittingham  took 
charge  of  Christ  Church  August  12,  1883,  and  devoted  all  his 
time  to  the  work  except  the  second  and  fourth  Sundays  of 
each  month,  which  were  given  to  the  church  in  Grafton.  By 
request  of  the  vestry,  the  whole  of  his  time  was  secured  for 
the  work  here  in  Clarksburg,  beginning  August  12,  1888. 
Mr.  Brittingham  resigned  to  accept  a  call  to  be  Rector  of  St. 
Luke's  Church,  Wheeling,  on  March  1st,  1889.  The  pulpit  of 
this  church  was  filled  by  an  occasional  supply  until  March 
27,  1891,  when  the  Rev.  Douglas  F.  Forrest,  D.  D..  who  had, 
after  a  ministry  of  seven  years  at  Calvary  Church,  Clifton, 
Cincinnati,  resigned  to  accept  a  call  to  a  parish  in  Washing- 
ton, consented,  at  the  urgent  request  of  Bishop  Peterkin,  to 
accept  the  call  of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church.  The  Church, 
before  the  end  of  the  year,  declined  the  aid  of  the  Missionary 
Committee  of  the  Diocese,  and  became  self-supporting.  The 
old  Rectory  on  Mulberry  street,  purchased  during  Mr.  Brit- 
tingham's  rectorate,  was  sold  and  a  more  convenient  rectory, 
adjoining  the  church  lot,  was  purchased,  and  extensive  re- 
pairs and  enlargement  made  of  the  church  itself.  After  the 
resignation  of  Dr.  Forrest,  which  took  place  in  1897.  the  Rev. 
Thomas  W.  Cooke,  of  Ascension  Church,  Washington,  D.  C, 
was  called  to  be  the  Rector,  and  he  accepted  and  commenced 
work  June  1,  1898.  In  August,  1899.  a  new  pipe  organ  was 
purchased,  costing  $2,000,  and  placed  in  position,  with  other 


REV.    THOMAS    W.    COOKE. 


CHRIST  CBURCH,   CLARKSHURG. 


REV.    ARTHUR    KIRKBY    FENTON. 


ST.    THOMAS,    CLARKSBUBG. 


in  West  Virginia.  585 

new  chancel  furniture  to  correspond.  In  the  spring  of  1900 
a  Mission  Church  was  started  at  West  View,  St.  Thomas'  by 
name,  and  completed  in  the  same  year,  costing  $2,000.  Here 
the  work  continues  to  grow,  as  well  as  in  the  mother  Church. 
Preparations  are  also  being  made  to  remodel  an  old  church 
at  Wilsonsburg,  the  land  and  building  having  been  given  to 
the  Rector  of  Christ  Church  as  a  foundation  for  the  work  in 
that  field. 

At  Bridgeport  a  few  Services  have  been  held,  and  for  a  time 
(1900-1901)  Rev.  Mr.  Fenton  resided  there,  but  our  few  church 
people  there  are  enrolled  at  Clarksburg. 

St.  Thomas  Church,  North  View. — The  work  at  North  View, 
Clarksburg,  was  practically  started  during  the  month  of 
June,  1899,  when  a  Sunday-school  was  convened  in  a  small 
school-house  a  mile  from  town.  The  attendance  on  the  first 
Sunday  was  seventy-three  children  and  teachers,  at  which 
time  some  were  baptized,  numbering  twenty-eight  boys  and 
girls.  This  encouraging  beginning  of  the  work  led  to  a  regu- 
lar established  mission,  where  not  only  a  Sunday-school  was 
held  regularly,  but  preaching  on  every  Sunday  afternoon.  It 
was  not  long  before  a  class  was  prepared  for  Confirmation, 
and  on  January,  1900,  Bishop  Gravatt  visited  the  mission  and 
confirmed  seven  persons.  Thus  having  a  constituency  in  this 
new  field,  and  the  school-house  being  inadequate  to  hold  the 
crowds  of  people,  work  was  commenced  at  once  in  the  way 
of  planning  for  a  church  building.  The  Rector  secured  two 
lots  on  which  to  build  a  chapel,  work  was  started  at  once  on 
1  he  building,  and  in  six  months  a  brick  church,  costing  $1,800, 
was  completed,  whereby  the  work  could  be  pushed  forward 
on  a  more  extensive  scale.  Since  starting  this  work,  I  have 
baptized  forty-three  in  all,  and  presented  thirty-three  for 
confirmation  (including  the  twenty-five  presented  last  month.) 
In  this  work  at  present,  which  continues  to  grow,  the  Rector 
has  been  assisted  by  Colonel  Henry  Haymond,  who  is  super- 
intendent of  the  Sunday-school  (which  numbers  eighty-three 
children),  and  Rev.  A.  K.  Fenton,  who  for  some  time  acted 


586  The  Episcopal  Church 

as  the  assistant  minister,  or  Missionary,  to  the  Rev.  Thomas 
W.  Cooke,  minister  in  charge. 

Salem,  West  Union  and  Sliinnston. — There  is  no  church  or- 
ganization at  either  Salem  or  West  Union.  Here  the  Church 
is  unknown,  save  to  a  very  few.  At  West  Union  a  few  ser- 
vices have  been  held,  and  one  visitation  made  by  the  Bishop. 

At  Shinnston  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cooke  made  one  visitation  and 
preached  in  the  Methodist  Church,  receiving  a  warm  wel- 
come.   Bishop  Peterkin  has  also  visited  Salem. 

Jackson. 

Jackson  county  was  formed  from  parts  of  Mason,  Kanawha 
and  Wood,  in  1S31,  and  was  named  for  President  Andrew 
Jackson.  Square  miles,  400.  Population— 1870,  10,300;  1880, 
16,312;  1S90,  18,982;  1900,  22,9S7. 

Ravenswood  Parish. — The  First  Article  of  Association  reads: 
"This  parish  shall  be  called  Ravenswood  Parish,  with  the 
following  metes  and  bounds,  Viz.:  The  legal  limit  of  Jackson 
county,  Virginia." 

These  Articles,  ten  in  number,  bear  no  date.  The  following 
names  are  appended:  Henry  Fitzhugh,  Thos.  Armstrong,  Bur- 
dett  Fitzhugh,  D.  M.  Barre,  W.  S.  Holmes,  Thomas  Atkin- 
son. Robert  Park,  J.  L.  Dickinson,  Laura  Dickinson,  Fanny 
Thomas,  Sarah  Fitzhugh,  Anne  Fitzhugh,  Henrietta  S.  Fitz- 
hugh Susan  McFarland,  Elenor  McFarland. 

The  lirst  dated  record  is  of  a  called  meeting  of  the  con- 
gregation, April  24th,  1855,  to  elect  a  vestry.  Rev.  S.  D. 
Tompkins  was  chairman,  and  B.  Fitzhugh,  secretarj',  and  the 
following  were  elected:  Dr.  J.  Armstrong,  Dr.  J.  Beatty,  G. 
N.  Fitzhugh,  H.  Harpold,  J.  Beckwith,  B.  Fitzhugh,  D.  Frost, 
Thomas  Kirk.  The  salary  promised  Mr.  Tompkins  was  $200 
and  a  house,  and  $200  seems  to  have  been  secured  for  the 
missionary  funds  through  Bishop  Meade.  This  appears  un- 
der date  of  May  5th,  1855. 

May  3d,  1856,  B.  Fitzhugh  was  appointed  a  delegate  to 
represent  this  Church  in  the  next  Diocesan  Convention.    He 


in  West  Virginia.  587 

seems;  also  to  have  been  present  at  the  Convention  of  1853. 
i See  Dashiell's  Digest,  Councils  of  Virginia,  p.  377.) 

Ten  years  later,  or  on  May  Oth,  I860,  when  the  Rev.  T.  B. 
Maury  was  "Missionary  Rector,"  as  he  signs  himself,  Theo- 
doric  B.  Fitzhugh,  Dr.  Hoyt,  Thomas  Kirk,  D.  McCoy  and 
John  Rudmon  comprised  the  vestry. 

1  Miring  the  rectorship  of  the  Rev.  Horace  Ed.  Hayden, 
which  lasted  only  from  the  summer  of  1867  to  the  end  of  the 
year,  besides  some  of  the  names  already  given  as  vestrymen, 
are  found  those  of  David  Fleming,  George  Hamilton.  S.  J.  C. 
Davenport. 

August  15th,  1872,  Rev.  Coupland  R.  Rage  was  sent  from 
the  Seminary  by  Bishop  Johns.  He  remained  until  the  spring 
of  1875,  when  he  accepted  a  call  to  Kentucky.  On  April  4th, 
1ST.".,  the  following  named  gentlemen  qualified  as  vestrymen: 
Joseph  Smith,  R,  1*.  Steed,  G.  T.  Thompson,  F.  H.  Green,  A. 
J.  Adams.  Thomas  Kirk;  and  a  year  or  two  later,  added  to  or 
in  the  place  of  some  of  these,  the  names  of  R.  S.  Morgan,  J. 
S.  Conner.  W.  A.  Holland,  Philip  Burwell,  M.  D.,  J.  W.  Rader 
and  W.  S.  Proctor  are  found.  A  little  farther  on  the  name 
of  Will  Williamson  appears  in  this  connection. 

Following  Mr.  Page's  resignation,  steps  were  taken  toward 
securing  the  services  of  Rev.  John  Ambler,  but  nothing- 
seems  to  have  come  of  it.  And  on  May  14th  of  the  same  year 
(1875)  it  was  unanimously  resolved  to  recall  Mr.  Page,  at  a 
salary  of  $800  per  annum,  payable  quarterly,  and  board.  This 
sum  was  to  be  made  up  from  Ravenswood  $400,  Ripley  $150, 
General  Jackson  $100,  Missionary  Funds  $150.  This  also 
seems  to  have  been  of  no  avail,  lor  during  the  summer  efforts 
were  being  made  to  secure  I  lie  services  of  Rev.  Robert  White 
and  of  Rev.  Charles  Holt,  but  without  success.  On  October 
L9th,  it  was  decided  to  ask  Rev.  T.  II.  Lacy  lor  a  service  on  a 
week-night  once  a  month.  There  is  no  record  to  show  that 
li«-  complied,  but  in  December,  1876,  he  was  present  at  a 
meeting  of  the  Vestry,  on  which  occasion  Rev.  C.  R.  Page 
was  again  elected  Rector  <>t  Grace  Church.    Mr.  Page  also  did 


588  The  Episcopal  Church 

missionary  work  in  the  county,  visiting  Ripley,  where,  under 
his  ministry,  the  Church  was  started;  Liverpool  (then  known 
as  Leroy),  and  Cottageville.  He  left  about  the  time  of  the 
erection  of  the  new  Diocese  of  West  Virginia.  From  July  or 
August  to  November,  187S,  Rev.  William  P.  Hyland  was  put 
in  charge  by  the  Bishop.  He  soon  afterwards  moved  to  Mary- 
land. 

During  the  summer  of  1882,  while  Rev.  Jacob  Brittingham 
was  Rector  of  the  parish,  the  first  steps  were  taken  toward 
securing  funds  for  the  building  of  a  rectory,  upon  lots  which 
had  been  donated  by  members  of  the  Fitzhugh  family.  It 
was  a  year  or  more  later,  however,  before  the  building  was 
actually  begun,  and  in  July,  1884,  it  was  sufficiently  com- 
pleted for  occupancy.  It  cost  about  $700,  and  at  the  time  of 
building  Rev.  K.  J.  Hammond  was  in  charge  of  the  parish, 
with  Judge  R.  F.  Fleming,  N.  C.  Prickitt,  G.  W.  Park,  J.  B. 
Sayre,  L.  M.  Keeney  and  R.  S.  Morgan  as  vestrymen,  the  two 
last  named  being  the  "Building  Committee."  A  little  later 
George  Crooks  and  C.  P.  Moore  were  added  to  the  vestry,  and 
also  to  the  Building  Committee.  In  the  spring  of  1893  this 
building  was  added  to  and  remodeled  and  in  every  way  im- 
proved, at  a  cost  of  about  |600.  Rev.  Mr.  Campbell  moved 
into  it  in  May. 

In  August,  1885,  Rev.  Henry  T.  Wirgman  took  charge,  re- 
maining only  a  short  time.  He  boarded  with  a  family  then 
occupying  the  rectory-  He  also  had  work  at  other  points 
along  the  river,  and  visited  Spencer  once. 

From  September  1st,  1887,  to  October  1st,  1888,  Rev.  John 
Ambler  held  monthly  services  in  Grace  Church,  when  he  was 
transferred  to  another  field,  and  the  work  was  assigned  to 
Rev.  C.  C.  Pearson,  Rector  of  Christ's  Church,  Pt.  Pleasant. 

Mr.  John  M.  Panetti,  a  student  from  the  Seminary,  held 
services  throughout  the  parish  during  the  summer  of  1889, 
from  July  6th  to  September  8th.  And  on  January  1st,  1890, 
Rev.  J.  R.  Taylor  was  sent  by  the  Bishop  to  take  charge.  Mr. 
Taylor  remained  but  a  few  months,  and  the  parish  was  again 


in  West  Virginia.  589 

vacant  until  May  1st,  1892,  when  the  present  Rector  took 
charge.  He  had,  however,  at  the  request  of  the  Bishop,  made 
several  -visits  both  to  Ravenswood  and  Ripley,  in  the  fall  of 
1889.  The  number  of  communicants  of  Grace  Church  has 
never  been  large,  ranging  only  from  ten  to  twenty.  In  1875, 
Mr.  Page  reports  forty-five,  but  this  includes  other  points  in 
the  parish.  Fifteen  were  reported  to  the  last  Diocesan 
I  Council.  The  record  shows  122  confirmed  in  the  whole  parish 
•since  its  organization.  The  date  of  the  first  is  that  of  the 
consecration  of  the  Church,  November  4th,  1851. 

Since  1895  the  Church  has  been  very  much  beautified  and 
improved,  by  the  addition  of  a  tower,  the  removal  of  the  old 
gallery  and  the  putting  in  of  new  windows,  pews,  chancel  rail 
and  carpet,  together  with  the  free  use  of  paper  and  paint  in 
the  vestry-room.  A  very  neat  and  tasty  pattern  in  metal 
ceiling  has  been  placed  on  the  walls  and  overhead,  and  the 
building  newly  and  thoroughly  lighted.  This  work  has  been 
made  possible  by  a  legacy  of  the  late  Mrs.  Henrietta  Fitz- 
hugh  Barre,  whose  childhood's  home  was  at  Ravenswood,  and 
to  whom  the  church  here  was  very  dear.  She  was  buried 
by  the  side  of  the  church  she  loved  so  well,  November  26th, 
1893,  having  passed  away  in  Charleston  two  days  before.  So 
one  by  one,  the  members  of  the  Fitzhugh  family  are  return- 
ing home,  although  it  be  only  to  be  laid  to  rest  in  the 
church-yard,  in  full  view  of  the  old  homestead.  Nearly  a  half- 
century  ago  they  built  the  church,  and  now,  after  many  and 
distant  wanderings,  they  are  coming  back  to  rest  in  her 
shadow. 

Grace  Church  was  built  in  1851,  and  the  expense  of  build- 
ing was  almost  entirely  defrayed  by  Mr.  Henry  Fitzhugh.  It 
was  consecrated  by  Bishop  Meade,  November  4th,  1851,  Rev. 
K.  T.  Brown,  of  Charleston,  preaching  the  sermon,  and 
Kavenswood  Parish  was  admitted  into  union  with  the  Coun- 
cil of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia  the  following  year  (1852).  It 
is  the  first  church  building  erected  in  Jackson  county,  and 
members  of     its  congregation  organized     the  first  Sunday- 


590  The  Episcopal  Church 

school.  Though,  its  fortunes  have  been  varied,  and  at  no  time 
has  its  list  of  communicants  been  large,  for  nearly  fifty 
years  it  has  stood  as  a  witness  for  "the  faith  once  delivered 
to  the  saints"  and  "the  belief  oi  our  forefathers."  May  she 
never  be  silent. 

On  the  night  of  Sunday,  October  7th,  1900,  a  disastrous 
fire,  thought  to  be  the  work  of  an  incendiary,  broke  out  in  a 
near-by  store-room,  from  which  the  church  soon  caught,  and 
was  totally  consumed  in  a  few  minutes.  By  the  unaided 
efforts  of  Mr.  F.  H.  Green,  a  member  of  the  vestry,  the  Com- 
munion Table,  Alms  Bason,  Lectern,  Bible  and  Font  and  the 
old  Organ,  which  was  in  the  vestry-room,  were  saved.  The 
new  organ,  a  memorial  of  Mr.  George  Crooks,  presented  by 
his  sisters  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  and  placed  in  the  church  the 
Christmas  before,  was  too  heavy  for  him  to  move,  and  was 
lost. 

We  were  fortunate  in  carrying  $1,000  insurance  on  the 
building  and  contents,  which,  with  |360  secured  by  the  sale 
of  forty-five  feet  of  the  lot,  gives  a  good  start  towards  the 
new  church,  which  has  been  commenced  on  part  of  the  rec- 
tory lots,  and  is  one  of  the  best  locations  in  the  town.  The 
framing  is  up,  and  nearly  enclosed,  and  the  roof,  which  is  to 
be  of  slate,  will  soon  be  put  on.  The  estimated  cost  of  the 
building,  finished  and  furnished,  is  about  $2,400,  and  the  con- 
gregation have  in  hand  and  in  sight  about  $1,700,  and  hope 
to  push  it  on  to  immediate  completion,  even  if  money  has  to 
be  borrowed  for  the  purpose.  It  will  seat  about  130  persons. 
The  present  vestry,  who  are  also  the  Building  Committee, 
are  Messrs.  J.  L.  Armstrong,  F.  H.  Green  and  J.  V.  Arm- 
strong. The  present  vestry  are:  George  Crooks,  Warden; 
J.  L.  Armstrong,  Registrar;  F.  H.  Green,  Treasurer;  C.  P. 
Moore  and  J.  V.  Armstrong. 

From  Bishop  John's  first  visit,  in  November,  1813,  to  Bishop 
Peterkin's  first  visit,  in  August,  1878,  there  were  twenty-one 
Episcopal  visitations,  six  by  Bishop  Meade,  eleven  by  Bishop 


in  West  Virginia.  591 

Johns  and  four  by  Bishop  Whittle.  Bishop  Johns'  farewell 
visit  was  October  ISth,  1875. 

St.  John's,  Ripley. — Twelve  miles  from  Ravenswood,  back 
from  the  river,  is  Ripley,  the  county-seat.  And  here  is  St. 
John's,  one  of  the  neatest  little  churches  in  the  Diocese. 
.Most  of  the  clergy  who  served  at  Ravenswood  came  here 
also,  and  for  many  years  the  court-house  was  used  for  ser- 
vices 

In  1874,  during  Mr.  Page's  rectorship,  a  lot  was  purchased 
for  $250,  and  not  long  after  the  corner-stone  was  laid,  sev- 
eral visiting  clergymen  being  present.  At  this  time  the  ves- 
try were:  Henry  C.  Flesher,  Charles  H.  Progler,  Ferdinand 
R.  Hassler,  James  A.  Park,  Robert  Mate,  George  B.  Crow, 
Edward  Maguire  and  Warren  Miller. 

For  several  years  the  building  stood  in  an  unfinished  con- 
dition, and,  though  not  entirely  completed,  was  used  for  the 
first  service  by  Rev.  Jacob  Brittingham,  May  27th,  1883.  On 
Thursday,  April  21st,  1887.  St.  John's  was  consecrated  by 
Bishop  Peterkin.  Revs.  R.  A.  Gibson,  of  Parkersburg  (now 
Bishop-Coadjutor  of  Virginia),  and  Jacob  Brittingham.  of 
Clarksburg,  were  also  present,  the  latter  preaching  the  ser- 
mon. The  windows  and  furniture  are  those  formerly  used  in 
Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg,  the  gift  of  that  congregation; 
and  are  much  appreciated.  This  congregation  is  the  largest 
in  the  parish, — thirty-six  communicants  reported  to  the  last 
Council.  It  receives  the  same  services  as  Ravenswood, — all 
of  one  or  part  of  two  Sundays  each  month,  and  the  prospect 
of  growth  is  perhaps  more  flattering  here  than  at  any  other 
point.  It  is  to  the  earnest  and  self-denying  labors  of  Mr.  W. 
T.  Greer,  who  has  been  the  superintendent  of  the  Sunday- 
school  since  its  organization,  and  who  for  many  years  acted 
as  sexton,  and  himself  bore  all  the  expense  of  keeping  the 
building  open  for  Divine  service,  that  the  Church  is  largely 
indebted  for  the  measure  of  success  with  which  it  has  beeB 
blessed.     The  present   vestry   are:     W.   T.   Greer,    Warden; 


592  The  Episcopal  Church 

George  B.  Crow,  Registrar;  H.  S.  Progler,  Treasurer;  C.  W. 
St  archer,  Dr.  C.  V.  Petty,  E.  A.  Cromley  and  Dan.  P.  Crow. 

Whittle  Chapel,  Liverpool. — Rev.  C.  R.  Page  first  visited  this 
locality  in  the  fall  of  1874,  and  services  were  held  for  some 
time  in  Harmony  school-house,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  be- 
low the  site  of  the  present  building.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  F.  H.  Green 
moved  here  in  1875,  remaining  eleven  years.  Largely  through 
the  efforts  of  the  latter,  a  Sunday-school  was  started,  and, 
though  union  in  name,  Church  literature  was  used.  On  May 
9th,  1875,  several  from  this  point  were  confirmed  by  Bishop 
Whittle  in  Grace  Church,  Raverswood. 

Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins  came  twice  in  1875  or  '76,  but  little 
can  be  learned  of  these  visits.  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods  made  his 
first  visit,  with  the  Bishop,  in  1879.  He  subsequently  made 
three  trips.  Next  to  be  in  charge  of  the  mission  was  Rev. 
Jacob  Brittingham,  Deacon,  having  been  appointed  by  the 
Bishop  in  October,  1881.  He  resigned  to  become  Rector  of 
Christ's  Church,  Clarksburg,  July,  1883.  During  his  stay 
several  were  confirmed.  Mr.  Brittingham  was  immediately 
succeeded  by  Rev.  Kensey  J.  Hammond,  who  remained  two 
years,  and  did  much  efficient  work.  He  resigned  June  30th, 
1885,  to  take  charge  of  the  work  at  Moundsville.  One  or  two 
others  visited  the  mission,  but  not  at  stated  times,  until  Rev. 
John  Ambler  began  coming,  in  +he  fall  of  1887.  He  was  very 
much  interested  in  the  people,  and  beloved  by  them  in  re- 
turn. And  now  the  bell  which  calls  them  to  Divine  worship 
in  the  regular  services  of  his  church,  is  a  memorial  of  him, 
presented  by  Bishop  Peterkin. 

The  idea  of  erecting  a  chapel  at  this  place  was  first  con- 
ceived in  1878,  when,  upon  the  Bishop's  visit,  Harmony  school- 
house  could  not  be  secured,  and  it  was  with  some  difficulty  a 
place  was  found  in  which  to  hold  the  service,  it  being  neces- 
sary, finally,  to  go  to  Stalnaker  school-house,  several  miles 
distant.  At  this  time,  Mr.  Irvin  McPherson,  one  of  the  lead- 
ing members  of  the  mission,  was  in  possession  of  a  fine  wal- 
nut tree,  which  he  determined  to  preserve  to  be  worked  into 


REV.    CHARLES   M.    CAMPBELL. 


WHITTLE   CHAPEL,   LIVERPOOL. 


GRACE  CHURCH,    RAVENSWOOD. 


RECTORY,   RAVENSWOOU. 


in  West  Virginia.  598 

the  church,  should  one  ever  be  erected.  Some  material  was 
placed  on  the  ground,  and  the  foundation  laid  in  1SS8,  and 
the  same  year  the  walnut  log  was  cut  into  boards  to  be  in 
readiness  for  use.  But  it  was  not  until  the  summer  of  1892 
that  the  desire  of  the  faithful  owner  of  this  log  was  gratified, 
when  the  Communion  Table,  Chancel  Rail,  Lectern  and  Desk 
were  made  from  the  boards  of  this  long-cherished  tree.  This 
is  but  one  incident  of  several  that  might  be  mentioned  to 
illustrate  the  patience  and  self-denial,  exercised  by  this  faith- 
ful little  band  of  six  to  nine  communicants,  in  their  efforts 
to  build  up  the  Church.  The  material  used  in  the  building 
was  given  and  much  of  the  work  done  by  members  of  the 
mission,  with  considerable  assistance  from  Mr.  W.  L.  Davis. 
A  gift  of  |200  from  Miss  Kate  Green,  in  memory  of  her  sister, 
Mrs.  H.  G.  Lawrence,  of  Philadelphia,  and  a  sister  of  Mr.  F. 
H.  Green,  enabled  them  to  contract  for  the  raising  and  en- 
closing of  the  building,  in  1891,  and  on  Saturday  night,  De- 
cember 17th,  1892,  it  was  first  used  for  Divine  service.  The 
chapel  was  consecrated  by  Bishop  Peterkin,  on  Sunday.  July 
29th.  1894. 

Liverpool  (former  name  Leroy)  is  seventeen  miles  south- 
east of  Ravenswood,  on  the  Ravenswood,  Spencer  and  Glen- 
ville  Railroad,  just  on  the  edge  of  Roane  county,  and  only  a 
mile  or  two  from  Wirt  county.  The  line  which  separates  the 
counties  of  Roane  and  Jackson  divides  the  settlement,  the 
railroad  depot  being  in  the  former  and  the  postoffice  and 
chapel  in  the  latter.  The  church  lot  was  given  by  Mr.  W.  T. 
Greer,  of  Ripley.  There  are  thirteen  confirmed  persons,  with 
Irvin  McPherson  and  John  Hartley  acting  as  church  officers, 
though  there  is  no  regular  organization. 


•94  The  Episcopal  Church 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Records  continued.  Jefferson  County.  Churches  in  Charles- 
Town,  Shepherdstown,  Harper's  Ferry,  Lee  Town,  Middle- 
way,  Summit  Point,  Ripon,  &c. 


Jefferson. 


Jefferson  county  was  formed  from  Berkeley  in  1801,  and 
named  for  President  Jefferson.  Square  miles,  250.  Popula- 
tion—1870,  13,219;  1880,  15,005;  1890,  15,155;  1900,  15,935. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  County,  W.  Va. — This  parish, 
at  the  present  time,  embraces  the  following  points  of  work: 
Zion  Church,  Charlestown;  St.  Philip's  Mission,  Charlestown; 
St.  Andrew's  Mission,  Blue  Ridge  Mountains,  Jefferson  coun- 
ty, and  Harewood  Mission,  three  and  one-half  miles  from 
Charlestown.  The  date  of  the  organization  of  the  parish  is  un- 
known, owing  to  the  fact  that,  by  some  means,  all  the  early 
records  of  the  parish  in  general  and  of  Zion  Church  in  par- 
ticular were  destroyed.  For  the  few  facts  concerning  the 
early  history  of  the  parish  we  are  indebted  to  "The  Memoir 
of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,"  by  his  brother,  the  Rev.  Thomas 
G.  Allen,  and,  also,  to  oral  history,  handed  down  from  genera- 
tion to  generation.  The  first  Rector  of  St.  Andrew's  Parish 
was  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  who,  in  1814,  came  to  Vir- 
ginia from  the  State  of  New  York.  He  was  ordained  by 
Bishop  Moore,  in  1816,  and  served  for  some  time  many  differ- 
ent points,  including  Shepherdstown,  Martinsburg,  Sharps- 
burg  and  Charlestown.  It  was  during  his  rectorship  that 
Zion  Church,  Charlestown,  was  built.  This  first  church  build- 
ing must  have  been  completed  in  1819,  since  we  find  Bishop 


in  West  Virginia.  595 

Moore,  in  a  letter  of  that  date,  written  to  Mr.  Allen,  asking 
if  the  church  was  completed.  The  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen  re- 
signed his  charge  in  1821,  accepting  a  call  to  Philadelphia, 
and  was  succeeded  at  Zion  Church  by  the  Rev.  B.  B.  Smith, 
who,  after  serving  as  Rector  one  year,  was  elevated  to  the 
Episcopate.  Dr.  Smith  became  the  first  Bishop  of  Kentucky. 
The  third  Rector  of  the  parish,  the  Rev.  Alexander  Jones,  D. 
D.,  was  called  in  1823,  serving  the  Church  for  twenty-seven 
years,  the  longest  rectorate  in  the  history  of  the  parish. 
During  the  rectorship  of  Dr.  Jones,  in  1847,  the  first  church 
building  was  torn  down  and  a  much  handsomer  one  erected. 
However,  the  congregation  had  enjoyed  this  new  building 
only  one  year,  when  it  accidentally  caught  fire,  and  was  burn- 
ed to  the  ground.  It  was  immediately  rebuilt,  and  on  the 
same  site,  this  being  the  present  building.  The  vacancy 
caused  by  the  resignation  of  Dr.  Jones  was  filled  by  the  Rev. 
Dudley  Tyng,  who  was  called  in  1851,  and  who  served  as  Rec- 
tor for  two  years.  Those  who  remember  Mr.  Tyng,  remember 
him  as  an  unusually  strong  preacher.  The  Rev.  Charles  Am- 
bler came  to  Zion  Church  in  1853,  and  remained  until  1867. 
It  was  he  who  ministered  to,  and  comforted  and  consoled  his 
people  during  the  dark  and  anxious  days  of  the  Civil  War 
Those  who  remember  him  best  tell  us  that  he  was  endowed 
with  that  tender  and  affectionate  sympathy,  coupled  with  an 
intense  spirituality,  qualities  which  always  leave  their  last- 
ing impress  upon  parish  life.  Like  Dr.  Jones,  "He  being  dead, 
yet  speaketh,"  not  only  through  his  sweet  memory,  but 
through  the  Christian  lives  of  his  widow  and  children,  who 
labor  and  worship  in  our  midst.  Mr.  Ambler  was  succeeded 
in  1867  by  the  Rev.  William  H.  Meade,  D.  D.,  another  man 
of  consecrated  Christian  life.  His  daily  walk  was  a  daily 
sermon.  Dr.  Meade,  during  his  rectorship,  succeeded  in  mak- 
ing Zion  Church  the  banner  Church  of  the  Diocese,  in  mis- 
sionary spirit  and  missionary  offerings.  Another  feature  in 
the  parish  life,  was  his  deep  interest  in  the  colored  people  of 
Charlestown.    With  the  assistance  of  some  of  his  people  he 


596  The  Episcopal  Church 

organized  a  colored  Sunday-school,  which  was  held  every 
(Sunday  morning  in  the  gallery  of  the  church.  This  was  the 
germ  of  the  colored  work  which  has  since  been  developed. 

Having  laid  such  a  spiritual  foundation  under  the  leader- 
ship of  those  who  had  gone  before,  it  is  not  surprising  to  find 
the  parish  willing  and  ready  to  launch  out  into  wider  work 
under  the  leadership  of  the  two  energetic  and  enthusiastic 
men  who  followed.  In  1883  the  Rev.  Dallas  Tucker  was  called 
to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  Dr.  Meade's  removal  to  Phila- 
delphia. During  the  rectorship  of  Mr.  Tucker,  the  steeple 
of  the  church,  as  it  now  is,  was  built,  and,  through  his  zeal 
and  efforts,  the  parish  now  enjoys  the  convenience  of  a  most 
substantial  and  well-equipped  parish-house.  It  was  also  dur- 
ing his  rectorate  that  St.  Philip's  Chapel,  for  the  colored 
people,  was  built  and  served.  This  work  was  accomplished 
and  carried  on  by  the  help  of  Zion  Church,  and  generous  out- 
side friends  of  Mr.  Tucker.  Before  this  the  colored  school, 
organized  by  Dr.  Meade,  had  been  reorganized  and  conducted 
in  a  town  hall  by  Mr.  Bushrod  Washington,  a  most  earnest 
Christian  worker,  who  still  is  superintendent  of  St.  Philip's 
Sunday-School.  It  was  during  Mr.  Tucker's  rectorship  that 
some  young  men,  among  whom  were  Mr.  Claiborne  Green 
and  Dr.  William  Neill,  began  a  Sunday-school  in  a  school- 
house  on  the  Blue  Ridge  Mountain.  This  was  in  1886.  "  They 
requested  Dr.  Fontaine  Lippitt  to  act  as  their  superinten- 
dent, and  secured  several  teachers,  among  whom  were  Miss 
Mary  Lippitt,  Miss  Flora  Green,  Mr.  Fontaine  Lippitt  and 
Mrs.  Louise  Lippitt.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Lippitt  continued  in  this 
work  until,  two  years  ago,  ill  health  compelled  them  to  re- 
sign. In  the  meantime,  Mr.  Tucker  was  asked  to  go  over  and 
hold  services,  which  he  most  gladly  did.  Through  the  untir- 
ing efforts  of  Rector,  superintendent  and  teachers,  money 
was  raised  and  a  pretty  little  chapel,  seating  one  hundred 
and  fifty,  was  built  in  1889.  Shortly  after  this,  through  the 
efforts  of  Mr.  Tucker  and  Mrs.  Lippitt,  a  very  nice  organ  was 
placed  in  the  chapel.    It  was  during  Mr.  Tucker's  stay,  also, 


in  West  Virginia.  597 

that  Harewood  Mission  was  begun.  A  Sunday-school  was  or- 
ganized on  the  first  Sunday  in  March,  188;},  by  Thomas  Staub, 
a  zealous  Methodist,  and  Miss  Irene  Green  Aldridge.  They 
were,  in  a  few  Sundays,  joined  by  Miss  Christine  Washington, 
Miss  Estelle  Aldridge  and  Mr.  Samuel  Walter  Washington, 
and  still  later  by  Mrs.  James  Lawrence  Hooff.  This  Sunday- 
school  was  and  is  held  in  the  public  school  building  near  the 
historic  old  home  of  the  Washington  families,  Harewood. 
Mr.  Staub  was  superintendent  until  his  removal  to  Mary- 
land. He  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Walter  Washington,  and  Mr. 
Washington  by  Mr.  Oscar  Ramsey.  The  school,  for  ten  years, 
was  run  as  a  union  school;  but  in  1893  Mr.  Frank  Beckwith 
was  elected  superintendent,  and  changed  it  into  a  Church 
Sunday-school.  Mr.  Beckwith  was  a  most  faithful  and  never- 
tiring  worker  in  this  school  until,  in  April  of  1900,  he  was 
persuaded  to  give  himself  to  the  work  at  St.  Andrew's,  on 
the  mountain,  where  it  was  felt  he  was  more  needed.  Mrs. 
Frank  Beckwith,  for  several  years,  has  been  the  most  faithful 
and  efficient  organist  and  teacher  at  the  school.  Since  Mr. 
Beckwith's  departure,  Mr.  Joseph  Trapnell  has  been  serving 
as  superintendent.  From  the  beginning  of  the  work  services 
have  been  held  there  by  the  Rectors  of  Zion  Church.  In  1893 
Mr.  Tucker  resigned  as  Rector  of  St.  Andrew's  parish,  and 
was  succeeded  in  the  same  year  by  the  Rev.  William  Loyall 
Gravatt.  Mr.  Gravatt  took  up  and  most  successfully  carried 
forward  the  activities  of  the  parish  as  he  found  them.  With 
the  assistance  of  Rev.  W.  P.  Chrisman,  and  afterwards  with 
that  of  the  Rev.  C.  E.  Shaw,  Mr.  Gravatt  not  only  ministered 
to  his  own  congregation,  St.  Andrew's,  St.  Philip's.  Hare- 
wood, but,  also,  Harper's  Ferry,  where  he  finally  succeeded 
in  placing  Mr*.  Shaw  as  resident  minister  and  made  Harper's 
Ferry  an  independent  work.  Another  obstacle  confronted 
the  new  Rector.  When  Mr.  Tucker  left,  the  generous  sup- 
port  given  to  St.  Philip's  by  his  friends  at  a  distance  was 
withdrawn.  By  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Gravatt  and  Mr.  Chrisman, 
the  needed  amount  was  raised  to  carrv  on  the  work,  and  a 


598  The  Episcopal  Church 

colored  minister  was  called  to  take  charge.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Deaver,  the  present  minister  in  charge  of  St.  Philip's,  has, 
during  the  past  two  years,  with  assistance  from  Zion  Church 
and  the  Diocese,  kept  up  the  Industrial  School,  connected 
with  the  chapel,  paid  off  the  debt  in  the  chapel  and  had  it 
consecrated.  The  church  has  been  beautified  and  made  more 
comfortable  by  having  a  recess  chancel,  a  memorial  window 
and  a  furnace  put  in.  The  memorial  window  was  put  in  the 
memory  of  Mrs.  William  P.  Craighill,  who  was  so  intimately 
connected  with  the  colored  work.  In  1875  Mrs.  Craighill  or- 
ganized a  sewing  school  for  colored  girls.  This  successful 
work  was  continued  on  independent  lines  until  the  chapel 
was  built.  She  then  combined  with  the  chapel  work,  and  up 
to  her  death  gave  not  only  most  liberally  of  her  money,  but  of 
her  personal  interest  and  effort.  During  the  latter  part  of 
Mr.  Gravatt's  rectorship,  Zion  Church  was  renovated,  being 
greatly  improved  and  beautified  by  having  the  side  galleries 
removed,  the  walls  painted  and  frescoed.  After  serving  the 
parish  for  six  years,  Mr.  Gravatt  was  elected  Bishop  Coad- 
jutor of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia.  He  was  succeeded  by 
the  Rev.  Robt.  S.  Coupland,  who  took  charge  of  the  church 
February  1st  1900,  and  who  the  is  present  Rector.  In  1888 
the  Church  in  Charlestown  and  indeed  in  the  whole  Diocese, 
met  with  a  great  loss  in  the  death  of  Mr.  N.  S.  White.  A 
tablet  has  been  placed  on  the  walls  of  Zion  church,  Charles- 
town,  On  it  is  inscribed — "In  the  peace  of  God,  Nathan  S. 
White,  sometime  vestryman  and  warden  of  this  church  and 
superintendent  of  the  Sunday  school;  born  November  6th, 
1817,  died  November  4th,  1888,  and  Fredericka  White,  his 
beloved  wife;  born  April  14th,  1816,  died  April  9th,  1891. 
Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  house;  they  will  be  always 
praising  thee." 

Extract  from  the  History  of  the  Valley,  by  Norris. 

Old  St.  George's  Chapel, — One  of  the  most  singular  as  well 
as  unfortunate  results  of  the  proneness  of  humanity  to  for- 


in  West  Virginia.  599 

getfulness  is  evidenced  in  tlie  fact  that  all  knowledge  of  the 
date  of  the  building  of  the  sometime  splendid  Chapel  of 
St.  George,  has  entirely  escaped  the  memory  of  the  oldest 
resident  of,  even,  the  vicinity  of  the  picturesque  ruin  that 
lies  in  such  close  proximity  to  Charlestown.  Even  Bishop 
Meade,  who  wrote  extensively  in  regard  to  the  early  churches 
of  the  denomination  that  he  so  much  honored,  knew  nothiDg 
of  the  origin  of  this  grand  old  landmark  of  colonial  days. 
He  merely  says,  in  his  elaborate  sketches  of  the  "  Old 
Churches  and  Old  Families  of  Virginia,"  that  it  was  an  old 
ruin  when  he  was  a  boy,  and  places  the  date  of  its  erection 
some  time  between  1760  and  1770.  There  are  actually  no 
records,  in  the  United  States  at  least,  in  regard  to  the  origin 
of  this  old  church,  for  had  there  been,  Bishop  Meade  would 
have  had  access  to  them.  It  is  inexplicable,  for  the  devout 
and  talented  bishop  has  full  and  satisfactory  accounts  of 
many  other  churches  that  antedate  St.  George's  by  at  least 
one  hundred  years.  Just  why  the  date  of  building  is  set  down 
as  1760-70  does  not  appear,  but  probably  arises  from  the  fact, 
that  Norborne  Parish  was  created  between  the  dates  named, 
but  it  does  not  follow,  that  the  chapel  was  built  synchronol- 
ogically  with  the  creation  of  the  parish.  Now,  the  new  parish, 
cut  from  the  northern  third  of  Frederick  Parish,  which  ex- 
tended from  the  upper  or  southern  line  of  what  is  now  Shen- 
andoah county  to  the  Potomac,  and  from  the  Blue  Ridge 
Mountains  to  the  Alleghanies,  was  named  in  honor  of  Nor- 
borne Berkeley,  Baron  de  Botetourt,  who  was  governor  of 
the  colony  of  Virginia  between  the  dates  named  above,  1760- 
'70.  But  the  building  may  have  been  erected  before  1760,  and 
to  bear  out  that  idea  there  seems  to  be  evidence  in  Hening's 
Statutes  at  Large,  where  a  church  is  referred  to  in  an  old 
statute,  wherein  mention  is  made  of  one  of  the  chapels  being 
more  costly  than  any  of  the  others.  This  mention  occurs 
about  the  time  that  the  church  officials  were  displaced  and 
a  new  set  appointed,  in  consequence  of  the  misappropriation 
of  the  funds  raised  for  Church  purposes.    A  portion  of  those 


GOO  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

charges  may  have  had  reference  to  the  extravagance  in- 
dulged in  by  the  dispensers  of  the  people's  money.  But  it  is 
altogether  probable  that  private  contributions  materially  as- 
sisted in  the  erection  of  the  splendid  colonial  chapel.  There 
was  considerable  stir  in  church-building  about  1752,  and  a 
little  later,  when  Lord  Fairfax  gave  a  number  of  sites  for 
churches  in  various  sections,  and  St.  George's  may  have  been 
commenced  at  as  early  a  date  as  that  given.  Near  where  it 
was  located  there  were  many  wealthy  Church  of  England 
people,  who  would  have  taken  pride  in  outdoing  all  their 
neighbors  in  the  size  and  magnificence  of  their  chapel.  At 
any  rate,  the  present  ruin  was  once  grand  for  its  time.  The 
walls  were  twenty-two  inches  in  thickness,  and  constructed 
of  stone  quarried  in  the  vicinity.  The  rest  of  the  material 
is  believed  to  have  been  brought  from  England,  as  there  were 
no  manufactories  of  the  articles,  used  therein,  in  the  colony 
at  that  time.  The  roof  was  covered  with  sheet-lead.  The 
window  and  door  frames  were  of  cedar  wood;  the  floor  was 
laid  in  tiling;  the  high-backed  pews  were  of  oak,  and  the  pul- 
pit of  the  same  wood,  elaborately  carved  and  projecting  from 
the  wall  considerably.  The  finishing  and  furnishing  was  rich, 
tasteful  and  harmonious.  There  were  numerous  graves  mark- 
ed by  tombstones  fifty  years  ago,  but  time,  and  the  ruthless 
hand  of  man,  have  left  not  a  trace  of  the  latter,  and  scarcely 
any  indications  of  the  former.  The  ruin  stands  just  as  it  did 
thirty  or  fifty  years  ago,  with  barely  any  diminution  in  size. 
It  is  ivy-hung  now,  as  it  was  then.  In  summer  it  is  an  inter- 
esting and  beautiful  sight  to  behold  the  vines  clinging  and 
swinging  in  the  soft  breezes  to  the  gray  old  walls  that  have 
stood  there  for  125  years.  Through  that  once  ornamented 
doorway.  Washington  and  many  other  illustrious  men  of  his 
time,  often  entered  to  take  part  in  the  ministrations  led  by 
Rev.  Alexander  Balmaine  and  Rev.  Charles  Mynn  Thruston, 
the  patriotic  parson-soldiers  of  the  Revolution.  The  venera- 
ble pile  is  situated  in  an  uncultivated  field  on  the  lands  of 
Colonel  II.  B.  Davenport,  about  one  mile  from  Charlestown, 


REV.    ROBERT    S.    COUPLAND. 


ZION   CHURCH,    CHAKLES   TOWN. 


■  if 

RECTORY,    CHAKLES    TOWN. 


ZION  CHURCH— INTERIOR. 


en  West  Virginia.  601 

and  the  straggling  grove  of  trees,  surrounding  it,  seem  en- 
deavoring to  shelter  their  ancient  friend  from  the  rude  winds, 
some  of  them,  indeed,  with  their  now  leafless  arms. 

Memoranda  as  to  Old  St.  George's. — A  thorough  search  from 
books,  documents  and  persons  has  been  made  for  all  availa- 
ble information  likely  to  throw  light  on  the  question  of  the 
date  of  the  erection  of  old  St.  George's  Church,  now  in  ruins 
(before  1836),  near  Charlestown.  Some  say  this  church  was 
originally  known  as  Trinity  Church,  Norborne  Parish.  The 
result  is  embodied  in  the  following  condensed  statement: 

A  descendant  of  Mr.  Baker,  who  donated  the  ground  on 
which  the  church  was  built,  and  was  buried  there,  says  that 
this  ancestor,  his  grandfather,  told  him  the  church  was  built 
in  the  reign  of  George  II. ,  which  extended  from  1727  to  1760. 

Hon.  Alexander  Boteler,  of  Shepherdstown,  wrote  that, 
•this  ancient  church  is  said  to  have  been  built  in  the  reign  of 
George  II."  It  is  said  that  George  Washington  attended  this 
church,  when  a  young  surveyor,  and  it  is  also  spoken  of  in 
John  Esten  Cooke's  "Survey  of  Eagle's  Nest,"  as  the  ruins 
where  Stonewall  Jackson  went  to  pray. 

As  it  was  built  by  people  who  were  members  of  the  Church 
of  England,  it  seemed  a  proper  line  of  inquiry  to  ascertain 
when  there  were  present  within  a  reasonable  distance  of  the 
locality  a  sufficient  number  of  such  people  to  justify  the  erec- 
tion of  such  a  building. 

There  were  settlers  on  the  Opequon  as  early  as  1729,  but 
they  were  probably  Quakers;  as  early  as  1732  a  number  of 
families,  some  of  whom  were  surely  Episcopalians,  were  set- 
tled from  the  Opequon  up  the  Valley  as  far  as  Cedar  Creek, 
beyond  Winchester.  In  1734  there  was  a  settlement  of  Mor- 
gans and  others  in  the  Valley  near  the  site  of  the  town  of 
Shepherdstown.  The  indications  are  that  these  were  also 
Episcopalians. 

While  there  were  a  few  houses  in  1738,  on  the  present  site 
of  Winchester,  its  formal  establishment  as  a  town  began  in 
1752.    It  is  known  that  at  least  one  of  the  men,  Robert  Ruth- 


t>02  The  Episcopal  Church 

erford,  who  lived  in  Winchester  in  1738,  was  an  Episcopalian. 
George  Washington  mentions  Winchester  in  1753  as  a  place 
of  "considerable  importance."  His  first  appearance  in  this 
Valley  as  a  surveyor  was  about  1748,  when  he  was  quite  a 
youth.  The  Act  of  the  Colonial  Assembly  of  1738  speaks  of 
"the  great  numbers  of  people  that  have  settled  themselves 
of  late  upon  the  rivers  Shernando  (Shenandoah),  Cohurgoru- 
ton  (Potomac),  and  Opequon  and  the  branches  thereof." 
There  were  also  settlers  on  Bullskin  and  at  Leetown. 

The  indications  are,  therefore,  that  as  early  as  1740,  there 
were  people  enough  to  lead  one  to  expect  to  hear  of  the  erec- 
tion of  churches.  Accordingly,  Norris,  in  his  history  of  the 
Valley,  says  that  in  1740  Morgan  Morgan,  aided  by  John 
Briscoe  and  Mr.  Hite,  erected  the  first  church  in  this  Valley. 

Hawks,  in  his  history  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
quoted  by  Howe  in  his  history  of  Virginia,  says  the  first  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia  was  built  in  1740.  and 
is  supposed  to  be  what  is  called  the  "Mill  Creek  Church."  One 
of  the  oldest  men  in  the  vicinity  of  Charlestown,  whose  ances- 
tors have  lived  hereabouts  since  1734,  says  the  site  of  the  Mill 
Creek  Church  is  Bunker  Hill,  about  ten  miles  from  the  ruins 
of  St.  George's  Church.  Norris,  in  his  history,  says,  "the  first 
mention  of  any  religious  edifice"  in  Frederick  county,  in  the 
records  of  the  court,  is  dated  June,  1744,  and  refers  to  laying 
out  a  road  "from  the  Chapel  to  Jay's  Ferry."  Norris  says 
the  location  of  the  Chapel  may  have  been  the  old  Mill  Creek 
Episcopal  Church,  or  it  may  have  been  the  "Old  Norborne 
Church,"  in  ruins  near  Charlestown.  At  that  time  the  limits 
of  Frederick  county  included  the  present  counties  of  Jeffer- 
son and  Berkeley.  The  corner-stone  is  said  to  have  been 
fouud  by  Colonel  Davenport,  and  bears  date  of  1747. 

The  "Old  Chapel,"  near  Millwood,  was  not  built  until  1796. 
While  Charlestown  was  not  established  as  a  town  until  Octo- 
ber, 1786,  the  old  mill  was  there  before  1750,  and  probably  a 
small  settlement  near  it.  Norris,  from  his  investigations, 
concludes,  "it  is  more  than  probable  that  before  1770  there 


in  West  Virginia.  ti03 

was  a  considerable  village  on  the  present  site  of  Charles- 
town." 

An  important  historical  event  took  place  in  1755,  the  pas- 
sage through  this  section  of  the  country  of  a  portion  of  the 
troops  of  Braddock  on  their  way  to  Fort  Duquesne.  now 
Pittsburg.  Tradition,  in  more  than  one  line,  through  per- 
sons now  living  in  Jefferson,  says  this  old  church  was  then 
standing  and  in  regular  use. 

The  conclusions  reached  are  the  following:  There  are  rea- 
sonable grounds  for  belief  that  the  church  was  built  between 
the  years  1727  and  1760;  almost  certainly  it  was  not  built 
before  1740;  it  may  have  been  standing  in  1744;  it  was  almost 
certainly  standing  in  1755. 

The  first  Episcopal  Church  in  Charlestown  was  built  in 
1817.  Services  were  almost  certainly  continued  in  the  old 
church  until  1817.  It's  disuse  probably  began  about  that 
time.  It  was  known  that  by  1820  the  boys  of  the  neighbor- 
hood were  taking  lead  from  the  building  with  which  to  mould 
bullets.  There  are  pieces  of  the  old  roof  still  in  existence  in 
the  country.  If  a  corner-stone  was  placed  under  this  old 
church,  its  contents  would  tell  the  secret  of  the  date  we  have 
been  seeking  so  long. 

Tradition  says  the  chancel  furniture  was  removed  from  the 
old  church  to  the  new  one  in  Charlestown.  The  original  Com- 
munion Table  in  the  first  church  in  Charlestown  is  still  in 
existence,  in  excellent  condition.  It  has  been  presented  to 
Zion  Church  by  General  W.  P.  Craighill  and  deposited  for 
safe-keeping  in  the  vestry-room.  A  suitable  inscription  on 
a  brass  plate  tells  its  history. 

Zion  Episcopal  Church. — Norborne  Parish,  in  which  this 
church  was  originally  situated,  and  in  which  it  continued  to 
be,  for  about  fifteen  years,  even  after  the  separation  of  Jef- 
ferson from  Berkeley  county,  as  has  been  previously  stated, 
was  created  in  1769.  The  Episcopalians,  until  the  erection 
of  Zion  Church,  worshipped  at  the  old  chapel,  south  of 
Charlestown,  and  the  ministers  of  the  parish,  as  far  as  can 


604  The  Episcopal  Church 

be  ascertained,  were:     Revs.  Sturges,  Veasy,  Wilson,  Bar- 
nard, Page,  Heath,  Wilmer  and  John  Price.     These  covered 
the  time  from  1770  to  1813.     During  the  pastorate  of  Rev. 
Benjamin  Allen,  who  began  his  labors  in  1815,  the  parish  of 
St.  Andrew's  was  created,  and  about  the  same  time,  1817, 
the  first  Zion  Church  was  built.     Since  that  date  seven  dis- 
tinct parishes  have  emanated  from  the  same  source,  viz.: 
Charlestown,  Shepherdstown,  Harper's  Ferry,  Martinsburg, 
Bunker  Hill,  Smithfield  and  Hedgesville.  St.  Andrew's  Parish 
was  coterminous  with  the  limits  of  Jefferson  county,  and  was 
the  mother  of  four  of  the  above  distinct  parishes.     Rev.  Mr. 
Allen  exercised  his  ministry  at  twelve  points,  included  in  the 
seven  parishes  just  named,  and  for  nine  years,  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  Benjamin  Bosworth  Smith,  subsequently 
made  First  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Kentucky,  and  afterward 
the  venerable  Presiding  Bishop  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in 
this  country.     Rev.  Alexander  Jones  was.  next  Rector,  for 
twenty-three  years.     During  his  incumbency,     in  1838,  the 
parish  was  sub-divided  by  the  organization  of  an  independent 
congregation  at  Shepherdstown,  and  again  in  1849,  by  the 
separation  of  St.  John's  Church,  at  Harper's  Ferry.     In  his 
time,  also,  a  second  enlarged  church  was  built,  which  burned 
to  the  ground  a  few  months  after  its  completion.    The  con- 
gregation at  once  set  to  work  to  restore  it,  and  the  present 
still  further  enlarged  building  was  consecrated  in  1852,  under 
the  charge  of  Rev.  Dudley  A.  Tyng,  son  of  Rev.  Dr.  Stephen 
H.  Tyng,  of  New  York.    During  the  late  war  this  church  was 
sadly  disfigured  by  the  Federal  soldiery,  and,  in  1867,  when 
Rev.  Dr.  W.  H.  Meade,  a  grandson  of  Bishop  Meade,  took 
charge  of  it,  was  in  a  sad  condition.     Several  years  ago  the 
congregation  lost  its  rectory  by  fire,  and  the  new  Church  was 
injured  by  a  storm;  but,  notwithstanding  all  these  misfor- 
tunes, the  Church  is  stronger  than  ever  to-day.    They  have 
lately  erected  a  beautiful  chapel  on  the  main  street  of  Char- 
lestown, which  gives  evidence  of  the  prosperity  of  the  Church. 


in  West  Virginia.  605 

Rev.  Dallas  Tucker  is  the  present  pastor,  having  succeeded 
Mr.  Meade,  April  22,  1883. 

Trinity  Church,  Sheplierdstown. — (From  a  sketch  written  in 
1845  by  Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews.) — This  town  was  the  first  set- 
tied  in  this  Valley  north  of  Winchester,  having  been  laid  oft' 
by  Captain  Thomas  Shepherd,  and  established  by  law  in 
1702,  fourteen  years  before  the  Revolution.  The  Church  must 
be  of  still  more  recent  origin,  but  the  account  of  its  first 
establishment  cannot  be  ascertained.  The  first  efforts  in  its 
behalf  were  probably  made  by  the  proprietor  of  the  town, 
already  mentioned,  as  we  find  his  son,  the  late  Captain  Abra- 
ham Shepherd,  among  its  most  active  friends  and  liberal 
supporters.  The  first  lay  member  of  the  Church,  of  which 
we  have  any  account,  was  Colonel  Joseph  Van  Swearingen, 
who  deserves  to  be  remembered  with  gratitude,  for  his  lib- 
erality in  the  erection  of  the  first  church  edifice.  The  date 
of  the  erection  of  that  edifice  we  have  not  yet  been  able  to 
ascertain.  It  must  have  been  previous  to  the  year  1785,  as 
at  that  time  there  was  a  stone  church  upon  the  site  of  the 
present  building.  From  that  year  to  the  present  there  have 
been  twelve  ministers,  who  have  had  charge  of  the  parish,  or, 
rather,  of  the  Church,  which  is  in  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  which 
embraces  the  entire  county. 

Of  the  earlier  ministers  very  little  can  be  ascertained,  be- 
yond their  names,  no  record  having  been  preserved  of  their 
settlement  or  removal.  That  was  a  dark  period  in  the  his- 
tory of  this,  as  of  nearly  all  of  our  Churches  in  Virginia. 
Under  the  Colonial  Government,  the  Episcopal  Church  had 
been  established  by  law;  most  of  her  ministers  were  from 
England,  and,  during  the  Revolution,  generally  adhered  to 
the  interests  of  their  native  land.  The  result  was  that  many 
returned  to  England;  others  were  obliged  to  leave  their 
parishes,  and  popular  prejudice  fell  heavily  upon  the  Church 
at  whose  altars  they  had  ministered,  a  prejudice  not  unnatu- 
ral, being  directed  towards  an  institution  which  many  had 
unwillingly  sustained  under  the  English  law, — though  it  was 


ti06  The  Episcopal  Church 

but  reasonable  to  hope  that  the  claims  of  justice  would  have 
been  respected  with  regard  to  that  property,  of  which  she 
was  as  rightfully  possessed  as  any  man  of  his  private  estate ; 
at  least  in  consideration  of  the  distinguished  services  ren- 
dered by  the  sons  of  the  Church,  with  Washington  at  their 
head,  in  the  achievement  of  our  glorious  independence. 

The  first  minister  who  had  charge  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sturgis, 
who  was  the  incumbent  in  1785.    He  was  followed  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Stubbs,  in  the  next  year,  by  whom  a  gentleman  now  re- 
siding in  the  neighborhood  was  baptized.    Then  followed  a 
considerate  period,  during  which  it  is  supposed   that   the 
Church  had  no  services,  except  those  occasionally  rendered 
by  Morgan  Morgan,  the  celebrated  lay-reader,  or,  rather,  lay- 
preacher,  to  whom  the  Church  was  so  much  indebted    for 
many  years  in  this  and  the  adjoining  counties.     The  next 
clergyman  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Veazy.    Persons  baptized  by  him 
are  still  living  in  the  parish.    He  was  followed  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Wilson,  of  whom  we  know  as  little  as  of  his  predecessor. 
The  next  in  order  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Page,  about  the  year 
1795,  who  is  said  to  have  been  a  very  able  and  eloquent 
preacher.    The  Rev.  Mr.  Heath  had  charge  of  the  Church  in 
1800,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Price  in  1810;  but  it  is  supposed  to 
have  been  vacant  during  the  greater  part  of  the  time  from 
its  first  establishment  to  this  period.    This  brings  us  to  the 
year  1817,  when  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen  took  charge  of  the 
Church.    His  praise  is  still  in  all  the  Churches  in  this  and  the 
adjoining  counties.    His  memory  is  cherished  with  affection- 
ate interest  by  many,  who  delight  to  tell  of  the  great  revival 
which  took  place  under  his  ministry.     He  had  charge,  also,  of 
several  other  congregations,  and  sent  during  this  year  the 
first  report  ever  made  from  this  county  to  the  Diocesan  Con- 
vention.    He  reports  150  communicants  as  under  his  care, 
but  there  are  no  specifications  respecting  the  Church  in  Shep- 
herdstown.    The  church  edifice,  which  gave  place  to  the  pres- 
ent building,  was  erected  by  his  exertions.    After  a  ministry 
of  four  years  he  was  called  to  Philadelphia.    He  was  succeed- 


in  West  Virginia.  607 

ed,  in  1822,  by  the  Eight  Rev.  B.  B.  Smith,  afterwards  Bishop 
of  the  Diocese  of  Kentucky,  who  continued  about  a  year  and 
a  half.  In  1825,  the  Kev.  Alexander  Jones,  D.  D.,  took  charge 
of  the  Church,  and  continued  his  faithful  ministrations  for 
fifteen  years,  having  charge,  also,  of  the  Church  in  Charles- 
town,  where  he  resided.  He  reports  seventy-five  communi- 
cants in  the  two  Churches,  in  1825.  The  Kev.  J.  H.  Morrison 
was  called  to  the  Church  in  1840,  being  the  first  resident 
minister  which  the  Church  had  had  for  more  than  forty 
years.  He  continued  about  two  years.  In  the  year  1842,  the 
present  church  building  was  erected,  the  Church  being  yet 
without  a  minister.  In  the  autumn  of  that  year  the  present 
Rector,  Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  commenced  his  ministry.  There 
were  then  thirty-one  communicants  connected  with  the 
Church.    There  have  since  been  added  thirty-six.    (1845.) 

Reviewing  now  the  history  of  this  Church,  and  looking  at 
its  present  state,  we  have  but  a  melancholy  account  to  give 
of  the  labors  of  twelve  men,  extending  over  a  period  of  sixty 
years.  In  the  last  twenty-eight  years  the  Church  has  been 
vacant  but  three  years.  Where  are  we  to  look  for  an  ade- 
quate cause  of  the  unfruitfulness  of  this  half  a  century's 
labor?  We  are  not  prepared  to  say  that  any  one  of  the  labor- 
ers have  failed  in  their  duty.  Certainly,  from  1817  to  1842, 
all  the  ministers  are  known  by  living  witnesses  to  have  been 
faithful  men.  But  one  fact  appears  prominent  upon  the  face 
of  this  history,  which  of  itself  is  sufficient  to  account  for  the 
ill-success  of  this  ministry.  Until  Mr.  Morrison  took  charge 
of  the  congregation,  there  had  not  been  a  resident  minister 
for  more  than  fifty  years,  and  it  does  not  appear  that  there 
ever  had  been  one  at  all.  Up  to  this  time,  therefore,  from 
the  necessities  of  the  case,  there  had  been  an  almost  entire 
destitution  of  the  pastoral  care,  the  influence  of  which  is  as 
indispensable  to  the  prosperity  of  the  Church  as  the  public 
ministry.  Added  to  this,  up  to  the  time  the  present  Rector 
took  charge  of  the  Church,  there  had  never  been  public  wor- 
ship oftener  than  once  in  two  weeks.     Under  these  circum- 


608  The  Episcopal  Church 

stances,  success  was  scarcely  to  be  looked  for.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  the  brief  ministry  of  Mr.  Morrison,  the  sheep  were 
without  a  shepherd.  No  wonder  that  the  flock  did  neither 
thrive  nor  increase. 

But,  why  was  the  Church  without  a  resident  ministry? 
Plainly  for  no  other  reason  than  that  one  could  not  be  sup- 
ported. Those  who  ministered  here  were  mainly  dependent 
upon  some  other  place  for  their  support, — and  there  they 
had  their  residence.  The  connection  between  this  fact  and 
the  decline  of  the  Church  is  as  clear  as  that  between  any 
cause  and  its  natural  effect.  We  have  now  further  to  ask, 
why  has  not  a  minister  been  supported?  An  aged  member 
of  the  congregation  informs  us,  that  the  time  was,  when,  if  a 
wealthy  man  gave  ten  dollars  a  year  to  the  maintenance  of 
religion,  he  was  looked  upon  with  a  kind  of  admiration.  This 
was  probably  the  general  rule.  But  there  were  noble  excep- 
tions of  a  better  spirit;  and  far  be  it  from  us  to  censure  any 
who  have  gone  before  us.  The  true  interests  of  a  community, 
in  reference  to  religion,  were  then  comparatively  little  under- 
stood over  a  large  part  of  our  country,  and  we  may  hope,  that 
"The  times  of  this  ignorance  God  winked  at."  But  now,  sure- 
ly, "He  commandeth  all  men  everywhere  to  repent."  The 
"times"  in  this  respect  are  certainly  much  changed  already. 

We  are  now  brought  to  the  application — Present 
Facts.  Until  the  present  year,  this  Church,  with  the  par- 
tial aid  from  a  neighboring  parish,  has  not  sustained  itself. 
Whether  it  does  now  will  depend  upon  what  people  under- 
stand by  the  technical  term,  "a  support."  The  best  definition 
we  can  give  of  it,  as  applicable  to  country  parishes  in  Vir- 
ginia, is  the  expense  of  sustaining  a  family  estimated  at  the  aver- 
age of  those  composing  the  congregation  in  which  the  min- 
ister officiates.  The  present  resources  of  the  parish  do  not 
come  up  to  that  standard.  When  they  do  the  Church  may  be 
regarded  as  established  upon  a  firm  foundation,  with  the 
means  not  only  of  existence,  but  of  enlargement  within  itself. 


REV.    WILLIAM   HUDE   NEILSON,    D.    D. 


TRINITY   CHURCH,    SHEPHERDSTOWN. 


REV.    LANDON   R.    MASON. 


RECTORY,    SHEPHERDSTOWN. 


in  West  Virginia.  G09 

Could  a  parsonage  be  obtained,  this  most  desirable  object 
would  be  accomplished. 

Most  of  oui-  country  parishes  are  now  so  provided;  and 
it  is  found  not  only  a  source  of  permanent  income,  but  a 
means  of  assisting  such  parishes  in  obtaining  the  services  of 
such  ministers  as  the}"  may  desire,  and  of  preventing  those 
frequent  changes  by  which  many  of  our  churches  have  been 
much  injured. 

We  take  up  the  history  of  Trinity  Church  where  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Andrews  leaves  off,  first  stating  that  the  date  of  The 
erection  of  the  first  building  is  1769. 

In  November,  1842,  the  Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews  took  charge 
of  the  Church  and  ministered  to  the  congregation  thirty- 
three  years.  The  present  beautiful  stone  church,  with  the 
chapel  attached,  is  a  monument  to  his  zeal.  The  year  1855 
saw  the  walls  of  the  present  church  erected  and  the  roof  on. 
The  building  was  consecrated  by  Bishop  John  Johns  on  April 
5th,  1859.  The  Rector,  Rev.  C.  W.  Andrews,  D.  D.,  by  per- 
sonal appeals  outside  the  parish,  raised  the  sum  of  $1,000  in 
order  to  purchase  the  old  church  edifice  for  the  use  of  the 
colored  people.  This  sum,  together  with  about  $300  raised 
by  the  colored  people  themselves,  was  paid  to  the  vestry,  and 
the  Rector  "caused  said  church  to  be  made  over  for  the  use 
of  the  colored  people."  It  is  now  (August,  1900,)  occupied  by 
a  congregation  of  the  African  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
"This  Trinity  Church,  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  has  now  a  valua- 
ble rectory,  handsome  church  and  chapel  and  a  congregation 
with  sufficient  ability  to  support  the  Gospel  at  home  and  con- 
tribute  toward  its  extension  abroad."  The  Rev.  Dr.  Andrews 
died  in  May,  J  sin,  greatly  mourned  by  his  bereaved  flock,  by 
the  Church  in  Virginia,  and  by  Churchmen  throughout  the 
land.  The  Rev.  John  1\  Hubbard  became  Rector  in  October, 
1875.  He  says  that  "at  the  time  of  his  taking  charge,  there 
were  about  eighty  communicants.  He  finds  abundant  evi- 
dence of  the  blessing  of  God  on  the  labors  of  his  beloved 
friend  and  predecessor,  Dr.  Andrews."    The  Rev.  Mr.  Hub- 


G10  The  Episcopal  (Jhuuch 

bard  "was  an  earnest  evangelical  preacher,  a  faithful  spirit- 
ual guide  to  his  iiock,  and  a  most  tender,  loving,  sympathiz- 
ing friend  to  the  afflicted,  with  an  open  hand  to  the  destitute 
and  poor.  He  kept  the  Church  property  in  beautiful  order, 
was  generous  and  liberal  in  adorning  and  improving  it  in 
various  ways.-'  The  Rev.  Mr.  Hubbard  resigned  the  charge 
of  the  parish  in  December,  lS8<t),  and  was  succeeded,  May 
29th,  1881,  by  the  Rev.  Landon  R.  Mason.  "For  nine  years 
the  high  privilege  of  the  congregation  was  to  sit  under  his 
pure,  earnest  gospel  teachings.  The  interest  of  religion  grew 
and  prospered  during  his  faithful,  untiring  ministration. 
Many  were  brought  into  the  Church.''  During  Rev.  Mr.  Ma- 
son's rectorship  a  commodious  and  attractive  chapel,  with  a 
seating  capacity  for  152  persons,  was  erected  at  Duffields, 
five  miles  south  of  Shepherdstown,  in  which  services  were 
held  from  time  to  time.  This  edifice,  free  from  all  financial 
encumbrance,  was  placed  in  care  of  the  rector  and  vestry  of 
Trinity  Church,  and  during  the  incumbency  of  Mr.  Mason's 
successor  (who  continues  to  hold  regular  services  there),  was 
consecrated  to  the  worship  of  Almighty  God  under  the  name 
of  "The  Chapel  of  the  Good  Shepherd,"  by  the  Right  Rev.  G. 
W.  Peterkin,  D.  D.,  May  31st,  1802.  The  instrument  of  Dona- 
tion was  read  by  Mr.  John  O.  Aglionby,  one  of  the  trustees 
and  the  superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school.  The  Sentence 
of  Consecration  was  read  by  the  Rector,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Neil- 
son.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mason.  This 
Chapel  of  the  Good  Shepherd  is  one  of  the  fruits  of  Mr.  Ma- 
son's earnest  and  faithful  ministry,  and  the  people  were  de- 
lighted to  welcome  back  into  their  midst  one  who  had  labor- 
ed so  acceptably  among  them. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Mason  resigned  the  rectorship  of  Trinity 
Church  in  September,  1890,  and  was  succeeded  September 
20th,  1801,  by  the  Rev.  William  Hude  Neilson,  D.  D.,  of  the 
Diocese  of  New  Jersey.  During  the  long  interval,  of  one 
year,  the  services  were,  to  a  great  extent,  maintained  and 
the  spiritual  interests  of  the  people  cared  for  by  the  Junior 


in  West  Virginia.  till 

Warden,  the  late  beloved  and  lamented  Fdmund  Jennings 
Lee.  for  a  few  weeks  before  bis  death  in  -July,  189(5,  Senior 
Warden  ot  the  Parish. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Neilson  continues  in  charge  of  the  parish  at 
this  date,  August,  1900.  In  the  second  year  of  ins  rectorship 
the  church  was  improved  by  a  beautiful  chancel  window,  the 
work  of  K.  Geissler,  of  New  York,  and  the  gift  of  one  of  the 
vestrymen  and  his  wife,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  P.  \Y.  Muzzey,  in  mem- 
ory of  Mrs.  Muzzey's  sister.  Miss  Florence  Washington 
Schley.  The  number  of  communicants  is  now  171.  many  of 
whom  are  non-resident,  including  young  people  away  at 
school  or  in  business.  Others  spend  only  their  summers  in 
Shepherdstown,  having  winter  homes  elsewhere.  A  Sunday- 
school  for  colored  people  is  maintained  in  the  parish,  having 
been  started  by  the  late  D.  D.  Pendleton,  and  continued  after 
his  death  by  the  late  E.  I.  Lee. 

The  Church  in  Shepherdstown  has.  to  all  appearances, 
reached  the  limit  of  extension  and  cannot  hope  to  do  more 
than  hold  the  ground  until  improved  railroad  facilities  shall 
invite  immigration  and  promote  the  growth  of  the  town. 

The  following  persons  have  served  as  Wardens  and  Vestry- 
men of  the  parish  in  1855,  and  thereafter,  until  1878:  In  1855, 
L856,  L857  and  1859,  Wardens,  E.  J.  Lee,  Daniel  Border  and 
Charles  T.  Butler;  Vestrymen.  Isaac  Chapline.  Dr.  K.  P.  Ma- 
gruder.  J.  H.  McEndre,  John  M.  Jewett,  George  W.  Hall,  A. 
K.  Boteler,  Joseph  L.  Shenton,  Henry  Shepherd.  Dr.  Logie, 
R.  1).  Shepherd,  Jr.,  W.  A.  Morgan  and  I).  H.  Morgan.  Fdwin 
G.  Lee  served  during  180(1.  There  was  no  meeting  of  the 
vestry,  and.  presumably,  no  election,  from  April,  1801,  to 
June  5th.  1805,  the  period  of  the  Civil  War.  The  elected  ves- 
trymen on  June  5th.  1865,  were  E.  J.  Lee,  George  W.  Hall, 
Dr.  R.  r.  Magruder,  C.  T.  Butler,  Lorenzo  Etchison,  Martin 
Kill  in  yrc  and  William  A.  Morgan.  M.  P.  Andrews  and  J.  L. 
Darnell  were  elected  in  1800;  Thomas  Van  Swearingen  and 
B.  F.  Harrison,  in  1868;  E.  J.  Lee.  Jr.,  D.  S.  Orndorff  and  Dr. 
Alexander  Tinsley.  in  1872:  F.  W.  Muzzey  and  T.  W.  Latimer, 


612  The  Episcopal  Church 

in  1874 ;  D.  D.  Pendleton,  Lee  H.  Moler  and  Thomas  Wysong, 
in  1875;  John  O.  Aglionby,  John  Unseld,  A.  S.  Dandridge, 
Robert  E.  Craighill  and  J.  S.  Bragonier,  in  1880;  W.  M.  Le- 
men  and  Dr.  J.  Gregg  Gibson,  in  1881;  A.  H.  Myres,  in  1883; 
H.  W.  Potts,  in  1884;  J.  B.  Lucas,  in  1887;  Ed.  H.  Spohn,  in 
1894;  P.  P.  Marshall  and  C.  W.  Andrews,  in  1896. 

The  present  vestry  (August,  1900,)  consists  of  the  following 
persons:  Wardens,  A.  S.  Dandridge  and  Lee  H.  Moler;  Reg- 
istrar and  Treasurer,  J.  S.  Bragonier;  Vestrymen,  F.  W. 
Muzzey,  P.  P.  Marshall,  John  O.  Aglionby  and  H.  AY. 
Potts. 

St.  John's  Churcli,  Eippon. — The  Mission  at  Rippon  was 
started  by  Rev.  John  W.  Lea.  There  were  then  three  communi- 
cants, the  most  active  being  Elizabeth  B.  Osburn,  the  wife 
of  Dr.  A.  Osburn.  In  the  fall  of  1874,  Mr.  Lea  appointed  a 
Building  Committee,  with  Dr.  A.  Osburn  as  chairman.  They 
started  a  church  that  fall  and  the  next  year  found  the  house 
completed,  making  glad  the  hearts  of  the  faithful  few,  who 
had  spent  so  much  of  their  energy  to  make  the  building  pos- 
sible. 

The  following  clergymen  had  charge  of  the  Mission  in  suc- 
cession: Rev.  F.  A.  Meade,  Rev.  W.  W.  Walker,  Rev.  James 
Page,  Rev.  John  McGill.  Mr.  McGill  took  charge  of  the  work 
in  1887.  He  found  only  three  communicants,  who  would  not 
allow  themselves  to  be  discouraged,  and  when  their  church 
became  unsafe,  by  reason  of  cracking  walls,  they  took  to  the 
work  manfully,  under  his  direction;  tore  down  the  old  build- 
ing and  erected  the  present  structure,  a  neat  Gothic  building, 
seating  about  two  hundred.  This  work  was  completed  in 
the  fall  of  1890.  Mr.  McGill's  work  seemed  specially  blessed. 
There  was  an  increase  of  membership  during  his  charge,  the 
first  noticeable  stride  since  the  organization.  He  left  twenty- 
three  communicants. 

The  next  man  in  charge  was  the  Rev.  P.  D.  Thompson,  who 
was  followed  by  the  Rev.  Howard  G.  England.  Whilst  Mr. 
England    had    charge    of    the    Mission    a    bell  tower    and 


in  West  Virginia.  613 

choir-room  and  porch  were  built.  This  much  improved 
the  appearance  of  the  building  and  added  much  to  its  com- 
fort. 

The  Rev.  Robert  U.  Brooking  took  charge  June  1st,  1900. 
1  Hiring  the  fall  of  1900,  Dr.  Howard  Osburn  placed  a  fine  Mc- 
Shane  bell  in  the  tower,  to  the  memory  of  his  mother,  Eliza- 
beth  B.  Osburn,  who  died  in  1890.  Mrs.  Osburn  was  the  first 
communicant  in  the  community,  and  did  more  to  organize 
and  sustain  the  Mission  during  its  early  years  than  anyone 
else.  We  are  glad  to  have  this  sweet-toned  bell,  calling  us 
together,  and  reminding  us  of  the  saintly  one  gone  before. 

The  ministers  in  charge  have  all  been  canonically  residents 
of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia;  this  is  something  of  a  drawback 
to  the  work,  but  we  hope  that  in  the  near  future  St.  John's, 
Rippon,  will  own  a  rectory  and  can  be  joined  to  some  point 
in  the  Diocese.  This,  we  hope,  will  not  be  long  in  coming,  for 
St.  John's  Church  has  now  thirty  communicants. 

Christ  Church,  on  the  Mountain. — In  the  summer  of  1888  the 
Rev.  John  McGill  had  his  attention  called  to  the  needs  of  the 
people  on  the  mountain  near  the  Wickliffe  rectory.  So  he 
secured  the  help  of  Mr.  W.  D.  Smith,  now  the  Rector  of  St. 
George's  Church,  Fredericksburg,  Virginia,  who  was  then 
thinking  of  the  ministry,  and  Mr.  Robert  R.  Smith,  both  very 
earnest  lay-workers,  and,  going  near  the  site  of  a  saw  mill, 
they  secured  a  quantity  of  slabs  which  they  made  into  seats 
and  a  platform,  under  the  shade  of  the  trees.  There  they  held 
Sunday-school  and  services,  which  became  so  popular  that, 
before  the  summer  was  ended,  their  school  numbered  more 
than  a  hundred,  and  often  several  hundred  would  be  at  the 
service.  These  people  were,  for  the  most  part,  Methodists  of 
the  most  emotional  type,  and  the  enthusiasm  would  often 
reach  a  high  pitch.  The  next  year  (1889),  Mr.  McGill  decided 
i"  have  a  <  hapel  built.  So  Mrs.  Boyd,  the  mother  of  the  ac- 
tive, Vincent  Boyd,  gave  the  land,  and  Mr.  William  1).  Smith, 
Si-.,  of  Smithfield,  Wickliffe  Parish,  Virginia,  gave  the  lum- 
ber; .Mr.  John  Sheeter  gave  the  sawing,  and  .Mr.  Vincent  Boyd 


614  The  Episcopal  Chubch 

and  son  assisted  in  the  carpenter  work.  The  two  lay- workers 
from  Wiekliffe,  the  Messrs.  Smith,  did  the  painting,  and  so  the 
chapel  was  built  at  a  very  small  cost,  in  money,  about  three' 
hundred  dollars.  This  money  was  raised  largely  by  the  efforts 
of  Mr.  McGill,  from  various  sources,  a  considerable  amount 
coming  from  Wiekliffe  Parish,  Virginia. 

There  never  was  a  great  influx  of  communicants,  the  num- 
ber not  exceeding  twelve.  The  Rector  in  charge  of  Wiek- 
liffe Parish  has  always  had  this  work  under  his  care.  The 
Rev.  P.  D.  Thompson  and  wife  did  a  most  noble  work,  espec- 
ially Mrs.  Thompson  in  her  mothers'  meetings.  The  work 
has  lagged  since  Mr.  Thompson  and  wife  gave  it  up,  so  when 
the  present  minister  took  charge,  he  found  only  six  mem- 
bers, and  no  Sunday-school.  This  work  can  only  be  pushed 
during  the  summer  and  fall,  as  the  people  will  not  come  out 
in  cold  and  wet  weather.  Many  of  the  people  who  attended 
the  services,  have  moved  away,  and  now  the  average  congre- 
gation does  not  exceed  forty,  and  we  feel  that  little  good  can 
be  accomplished  by  one  service  a  month.  So  we  pray  that 
the  time  will  soon  come  when  a  man  can  be  placed  among 
these  people,  so  that  he  will  be  able  to  touch  their  every-day 
lives.  Then,  and,  from  our  earthly  point  of  view,  not  till  then, 
can  we  expect  much  good  to  be  seen,  as  a  result  of  the  work. 

*S'f.  John's  Church,  Harper's  Ferry. — The  town  of  Harper's 
Ferry,  so  beautiful  that  Thomas  Jefferson  said  that  a  view 
from  its  heights  was  worth  a  trip  across  the  Atlantic  to  see, 
is  situated  upon  an  elevation  between  the  waters  of  the  Po- 
tomac and  Shenandoah  Rivers,  at  their  junction.  Its  com- 
mercial importance  is  centered  in  the  large  government  arm- 
ory and  arsenal  which,  for  a  number  of  years,  were  located 
here;  its  historical  interest  in  being  the  scene  of  the  John 
Brown  raid,  with  its  exciting  and  tragic  events,  and  in  being 
a  strategic  point  and  hotly  contested  battle  ground  during 
the  Civil  War. 

The  Church  began  with  an  organization  of  five  communi- 
cants.    The  Rev.  Dr.   Andrews,   Rector   at   Shepherdstown, 


in  West  Virginia.  615 

held  service  twice  a  month — first  in  the  old  Temperance  Hall 
and  later  in  the  armory  pay-office.  The  Church,  under  the 
name  of  St.  John's,  was  admitted  into  union  with  the  Dio- 
cese in  1850.  The  work  prospered  so  greatly  that,  in  L853, 
i  wenty-six  persons  were  confirmed  at  one  time  by  Bishop 
.Meade.  The  old  church,  looking  down  upon  the  Mowing 
waters,  suggestive  of  immortality,  like  Zion  of  old,  "beautiful 
for  situation,  was  begun  in  1851.  The  walls  being  condemned, 
were  torn  down,  but  the  people  had  a  mind  to  work."  and  so 
indefatigable  were  their  labors  that  the  church  was  rebuilt 
and  furnished,  in  1852.  It  was  consecrated  in  1853.  Rev. 
I  >r.  Andrews  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Horace  Striugfellow, 
who  served  the  Church  about  one  year,  after  which  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Wilcoxon  took  charge.  The  Rev.  Charles  Ambler,  Rector 
of  Zion  Church,  Charlestown,  preached  in  St.  John's,  from 
time  to  time,  and  also  the  Rev.  Richard  Davis,  Rector  of  Trin- 
ity, Martinsburg.  During  the  war,  which  followed,  the  church 
building  was  so  badly  wrecked  that  only  the  walls  and  roof 
remained.  The  organization,  itself,  was  so  scattered  and  dis- 
banded that,  for  a  considerable  period,  no  regular  services 
were  maintained.  To  that  honored  veteran,  the  Rev.  William 
T.  Leavell,  belongs  the  credit  of  gathering  the  fragments  of 
this  scattered  congregation,  and  of  again  organizing  the 
work.  He  also  secured  from  the  government  the  lot  on  which 
the  rectory,  built  in  1899,  now  stands.  The  Church  was  after- 
wards served  by  the  Rev.  Landon  R.  Mason,  of  Shepherds- 
town,  and  the  Rev.  William  II.  Meade.  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  Dallas 
Tucker  and  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Gravatt,  of  Charlestown.  While 
Mr.  Tucker  had  charge  of  the  work,  he  Avas  assisted  by  Mr. 
Jeff.  R,  Taylor,  then  a  lay-reader.  On  January  1st.  1889.  the 
Rev.  W.  B.  Everett,  M.  D..  began  to  minister  as  assistant  to 
the  Rev.  Landon  R,  Mason,  and,  upon  the  resignation  of  the 
latter,  continued  in  charge  until  .Inly  1st,  1895.  The  Church 
was  then  served  by  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Oravatt.  of  Charlestown, 
with  the  help  of  his  assistants,  the  Rev.  W.  P.  Chrisman  and 
the  Rev.  C.  E.  Shaw.    After  the  consecration  of  Mr.  Gravatt, 


616  The  Episcopal  Church 

as  Bishop  Coadjutor  of  the  Diocese,  the  work  was  left  in  the 
hands  of  the  Rev.  C.  E.  Shaw,  who  has  continued  in  charge 
to  this  writing. 

The  old  church  was  re-built  in  1882,  at  a  cost  of  $1,200,  but, 
after  a  few  years,  it  was  made  to  appear  that  this  building- 
was  uncomfortable,  and  inaccessible.  Many  of  its  communi- 
cants, also,  removed  to  other  parts  of  the  town;  consequent- 
ly, the  Church  did  uot  prosper  here.  With  the  approval  of 
the  Bishop,  it  was  decided  to  abandon  the  site  and  find  a 
more  suitable  location.  A  desirable  lot.  on  the  principal 
street,  in  the  western  part  of  the  town,  and  in  close  prox- 
imity to  Bolivar,  was  secured,  aud  a  beautiful,  modern 
church  erected,  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,000.  The  old  church 
was  sold  May,  1895,  and  the  corner-stone  of  the  new  St. 
John's  Church  was  laid  in  November  of  the  same  year.  On 
June  1st,  1896,  the  new  church  was  first  occupied,  and  was 
furnished  with  beautiful  oak  pews,  in  the  spring  of  1899. 
The  consecration  of  St.  John's  Church  was  on  March  19th, 
1899.  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese.  The  consecration  sermon 
was  preached  by  the  Rev.  George  A.  Gibbons,  of  Romney. 

Though  having  undergone  financial  hardships,  this  heroic 
people  at  once  projected  a  rectory,  which  was  completed  in 
November,  1899.  This  enterprise  was  entirely  a  matter  of 
faith,  and  has  resulted  in  earnest  and  zealous  labors  to  cancel 
the  debt.  They  hope  soon  to  have  an  unencumbered  home  for 
the  ministers  who  shall  serve  them.  The  present  member- 
ship of  this  Church  is  composed  largely  of  women,  whose 
zeal,  capability  and  fidelity  can  never  receive  excessive  praise, 
and  the  Church,  which,  by  their  self-denying  labors,  they 
have  built  up,  is  destined  to  become  a  beacon  light  to  guide 
many  into  the  Wa}',  the  Truth  and  the  Life. 

Xilsoii  Parish  —  Grace,  Middleway;  St.  Bartholomew's,  Lee 
town,  and  tfolji  Spirit,  Summit  Point. — These  churches  were 
connected  with  Christ  Church,  Norbourne  Parish,  Berkeley, 
under  one  vestry  until  the  separation  of  West  Virginia  into 

a   Diocese. 


REV.    ANDREW    J.    WILLIS. 


GRACE,    MIDDLEWAY, 


REV.  JAMES  H.  W.  BLAKE. 


RECTORY,  MIDDLEWAY. 


in  West  Virginia.  017 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Council,  December  5th,  1877,  when 
the  new  Diocese  was  organized,  consent  was  given  to  the  or- 
ganization of  these  two  churches,  under  the  names  of  Grace 
and  St.  Bartholomew's  Churches,  St.  Andrew's  Parish.  De- 
cember 24th  a  meeting  was  held  in  the  Rectory  at  Sinithfield, 
and  a  vestry  was  elected.  The  Rev.  James  Grainmer,  who 
had  been  in  charge  of  these  churches  since  October  15,  1869, 
remained  in  charge  until  he  resigned,  November  4,  1878,  to 
go  to  Ashland,  Virginia.  The  Rev.  James  H.  W.  Blake,  Deacon, 
succeeded  him,  remaining  from  1879  until  1881.  The  Rev. 
John  S.  Gibson  was  then  called  from  Bellaire,  Ohio.  He  en- 
tered  upon  his  duties  March  1,  1882.  September  24,  1885, 
Bishop  Peterkin  consecrated  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Summit  Point.  On  the  petition  of  these  churches,  the  Council 
held  at  Huntington,  June,  1888,  set  apart  the  Churches  of 
Grace.  St.  Bartholomew's  and  the  Holy  Spirit  from  St.  An- 
drew's Parish  and  formed  them  into  a  separate  parish  called 
Nelson  Parish,  which  was  to  embrace  all  that  part  of  Jefferson 
county,  known  as  Middleway  Magisterial  District  and  Kable- 
town  District  west  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley  Railroad.  The 
Rector  of  Nelson  Parish,  November  1,  1888,  resigned  the 
charge  of  Christ  Church,  Bunker  Hill,  the  growth  of  Nelson 
Parish  having  made  such  division  necessary.  During  Mr.  Gib- 
son's residence,  the  rectory  was  greatly  improved  by  the  addi- 
tion of  two  large  rooms  and  a  porch.  The  lot  was  also  very 
much  enlarged. 

September  30,  1890,  the  Rev.  John  S.  Gibson  resigned  the 
charge  of  the  parish,  and  the  Rev.  A.  J.  Willis  accepted  a 
call  to  it,  entering  upon  his  duties  November  1,  1890. 

Vestrymen  who  have  served  Norbourne  and  Nelson  Parishes. 
Christ  Chu/rch,  Mill  Creek.-  Morgan  Morgan,  William  Mor- 
gan, Warden;  Levi  Henshaw,  James  Ijams,  Charles  Stuck- 
ey,  George  Lemmon,  William  Worth,  Richard  Seaman,  Thos. 
I  .  Bryarly,  Samuel  L.  Bryarly,  John  Swimley.  Other  Vestry- 
men— Tames  Logie,  M.  P.  Nelson,  Elijah  M.  Bosley,  William 
J.  Macoughtry,  John  James  Grantham,  George  W.  Nelson. 


618  The  Episcopal  Church 

Richard  H.  Bryarly,  A.  M.  Evans,  William  Swimley,  Stephen 
Dandridge,  Isaac  Strider,  Robert  Helm,  Dr.  Thomas  Turner, 
Kobert  Pendleton,  Henry  D.  Johnson,  Thomas  M.  Macough- 
try,  B.  K.  Robinson,  Meredith  Helm,  S.  F.  White,  J.  K.  Cun- 
ningham, W\  H.  Gilbert,  Dr.  Charles  Stephen,  J.  G.  Wyatt, 
P.  S.  Hinton,  Dr.  Border,  I.  Arnon  Shirley,  W.  C.  Frazier,  G. 
C.  Whiting,  N.  H.  Willis,  Dr.  Thompson,  C.  E.  Jones,  Dr.  Lu- 
cas, R.  O.  Allen  and  William  Bates. 

The  construction  of  the  Church  of  the  "Holy  Spirit"  was 
begun  in  the  year  1883,  and  consecrated  in  1886.  It's  concep- 
tion was  the  result  of  a  hint,  from  Bishop  Peterkin;  and  the 
work  was  initiated  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  P.  Willson,  and  so 
earnest  and  untiring  was  Mrs.  Willson  in  her  desire  for  its 
early  completion,  that  we  shall  always  look  upon  this  church 
as  a  monument  to  her  labor  of  love,  (for  truly  such  it  was.) 
Through  her  personal  endeavor  she  secured  fully  one-third 
of  the  actual  money-cost  of  the  structure,  whilst  Mr.  Willson 
donated  the  grounds. 

This  church  is  of  modern  architecture,  built  of  native  lime- 
stone rock,  covered  with  slate,  and  the  windows  of  cathedral 
glass,  with  pews  and  furniture  of  modern  make.  It  is  situ- 
ated on  high  grounds,  upon  a  lot  of  three  acres  of  ground, 
within  the  center  of  the  village  of  Summit  Point.  Its  early 
consecration,  six  months  after  the  completion  of  the  build- 
ing, was  the  result  of  a  combined  effort  of  a  few  most  earnest 
workers. 

Middleway,  Jefferson  County,  W.  Va.,  August,  1001. 
Dear  Bishop: — At  the  request  of  Mr.  Willis,  I  send  you  the 
following  contribution  to  your  sketch  of  the  churches  in  Nel- 
son Parish,  Jefferson  county: 

T  came  to  the  county,  October  15,  1800,  in  response  to  a 
call  of  the  vestry,  to  take  pastoral  charge  of  the  three 
churches,  Grace,  Smithfield,  and  St.  Bartholomew,  Leetown, 
in  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  county,  and  Christ  Church, 
Bunker  Hill,  in  Norborne  Parish,  Berkeley  county,  all  com- 
bined at  that  time  under  one  vestrv. 


in  West  Virginia.  619 

Christ  Church,  Bunker  Hill,  which,  during  the  war,  had 
been  dismantled  and  used,  now  as  barracks,  now  as  fort,  by 
the  troops  of  the  Northern  Army,  had  but  recently  been 
sufficiently  repaired  to  be  habitable.  This  church  presented 
the  anomally  of  a  canonically  independent  church,  having  in 
connection  with  it  and  possessing  co-ordinate  powers  with 
it,  two  other  churches  without  any  canonical  independence, 
and  in  a  different  parish  and  county.  When  the  new  diocese 
of  West  Virginia  was  formed,  its  first  Council,  which  met  in 
Charleston,  December  5,  1877,  corrected  this  anomaly  by  au- 
thorizing the  separation  of  the  two  churches  in  Jefferson 
county  into  an  independent  organization,  under  one  vestry, 
leaving  the  church  in  Berkeley  county  to  its  original  inde- 
pendence. Of  the  history  of  the  churches  in  Norborne  Paris]]. 
however,  you  have  no  doubt  other  sources  of  information. 

The  Church  of  St.  Bartholomew,  in  Leetown,  was  built 
about  1S45,  by  Kev.  Lewis  P.  Batch,  D.  D.,  on  a  lot  of  ground 
given  by  himself,  next  to  his  ancestral  home,  with  money 
contributed  for  the  purpose  by  members  of  St.  Bartholo- 
mew's Church,  New  York  city,  of  which  he  was  at  that  time 
the  Kector.  Now,  in  1809,  the  time  of  my  coming  to  this 
•  ounty,  the  antipathies  created  by  the  Confederate  war  were 
still  fresh  and  flaming;  and,  as  the  Balch  family  had  been  on 
the  opposite  side  from  their  neighbors,  the  sort  of  sover- 
eignty they  exercised  over  the  Church,  by  claiming  the  right 
to  keep  the  keys  and  the  Communion  Set.  so  identified  the 
church  with  them  in  the  conception  of  their  neighbors,  that 
very  many  people  would  not  attend  the  services.  But,  upon 
my  statement  of  the  case  to  the  Rev.  Lewis  P.  Balch.  upon 
one  occasion  of  a  visit  to  his  old  home,  and  representing  the 
hindrance  it  was  to  my  work,  he  very  kindly  surrendered  the 
keys  and  the  silver  to  the  parish  authorities:  and  as  feeling 
on  the  subject  subsided  the  attendance  at  church  after  a 
while  left  nothing  to  be  desired. 

Of  the  Church  of  The  Holy  Spirit  at  Summit  Point  it  is 
worthy  of  interest  to  make  1liis  statement.     The  movement 


<520  The  Episcopal  Church 

to  establish  a  church  at  that  point  began  the  first  year  of  my 
ministry  in  the  county  in  the  desire  of  some  members  of  Grace 
Church,  Berryville,  who  lived  close  to  the  depot,  to  have  a 
church  more  conveniently  near  to  them  than  their  parish 
Church.  The  leader  in  this  movement  was  Mr.  Henry  John- 
son, the  agent  and  owner  of  the  depot,  and  the  adjoining 
residence;  to  his  zeal  and  influence  is  due  the  first  awaken- 
ing to  the  need  and  importance  of  a  church  at  that  point. 
Or.  the  invitation  of  himself  and  some  others  residing  in  the 
neighborhood,  and  by  the  recommendation  of  the  Valley 
Convocation,  and  with  the  consent  of  nrsr  vestry,  I  made  an 
arrangement  to  preach  for  them  once  a  month  in  a  school 
house  near  by.  That  appointment  I  kept  for  twelve  months 
only.  I  was  officiating  in  a  brother  minister's  parish,  and 
weakening  his  church,  with  no  other  consent  from  him  than 
silence  gives;  and  I  grew  so  uncomfortable  in  it  that  I  gave 
it  up.  J  suppose  eight  or  ten  years  elapsed  before  the  moAe- 
ment  thus  begun  was  renewed,  of  which  the  Church  of  The 
Holy  Spirit  is  the  ripened  result. 

Grace  Church,  Smithfield.  (Middleway,  as  it  is  now  known) 
was  built  in  1S51  under  the  ministry  of  Eev.  Charles  M.  Cal- 
laway. Previously  the  Kev.  Alexander  Jones,  of  Charles 
Town,  had  been  preaching  in  Smithfield  for  the  few  families 
of  Episcopalians  living  there.  He  preached  in  the  old  Meth- 
odist church,  built  in  1836,  which  was  kindly  loaned  for 
this  purpose. 

The  present  church  was  built  on  a  lot  given  by  Dr.  Samuel 
Seollay.  The  first  resident  rector  was  Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway, 
who  ministered  also  to  the  church  at  Bunker  Hill.  Succeed- 
ing him  was  Eev.  Julius  E.  Grammer;  and  after  him  Rev. 
William  McGuire.  Then  after  the  war  the  Rev.  Theodore 
M.  Carson,  ministered  to  the  three  churches.  During  the 
period  of  his  candidacy  for  orders  in  the  Episcopal  Church, 
he  having  been  a  Methodist  minister.  I  followed  him  in  1869 
with  a  ministry  of  nine  years. 

No  sketch  of  Grace  Church,  Middle  way,  is  complete  with- 


ix  West  Virginia.  021 

out  some  special  mention  of  Dr.  Mann  Page  Nelson,  who  pie- 
sided  at  its  birth,  and  was  a  nursing  father  to  it  for  sixty- 
six  years.  He,  with  other  members  of  his  family,  who  fol- 
lowed him  from  Hanover  county,  and  established  families  of 
their  own,  constituted  the  germ  of  the  church  in  this  place, 
and  were  the  salt  that  preserved  and  savored  it. 

1  insert  here  the  obituary  that  was  put  on  record  in  the 
Vestry  book  to  his  memory: 

"Whereas,  it  has  pleased  Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly 
Father,  to  take  from  us  Dr.  Mann  Page  Nelson,  the  Vestry  of 
Nelson  Parish  desire  to  give  expression  to  their  feelings  in 
relation  to  the  decease  of  their  late  venerable  and  beloved 
brother. 

Coming  into  this  community  from  Hanover  county,  Vir- 
ginia, in  1822,  he  continued  a  resident  of  the  village  of  Smith- 
field  for  sixty-six  years,  departing  in  the  true  faith  at  the 
age  of  88  years  in  the  early  morning  of  May  27th,  1888. 

He  was  the  grandson  of  General  Nelson,  of  Revolutionary 
fame,  and  came  of  a  pious  ancestry  who  for  generations  have 
been  loyal  Churchmen,  and  illustrated  in  his'  life  of  faith  and 
piety,  the  godliness  in  which  he  was  reared.  He  chose  med- 
icine as  his  profession,  and  graduating  at  the  age  of  22  years 
from  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, having  first  been  a  student  in  William  and  Mary  Col- 
lege, in  Virginia,  settled  in  Jefferson  county.  Virginia,  now 
West  Virginia,  in  which  and  the  adjacent  counties  of  Berke- 
ley Frederick  and  Clark,  he  continuously  practiced  for  sixty 
odd  years,  until  the  growing  infirmities  of  age  caused  him  to 
retire.  In  all  this  time  he  was  the  pattern  of  an  active,  sym- 
pathetic, devoted,  Christian  physician,  and  became  endeared 
to  his  large  patronage.  He  was  thrice  married  and  had  a 
large  family  of  children,  all  of  whom  however  preceded  him 
to  Paradise. 

To  him,  humanly  speaking,  the  church  in  Smithfield  owes 
its  origin,  and  in  his  honor  the  whole  parish  is  named.  He 
was  a  devoted  son  of  the  church,  and  supported  it  earnestly 


(322  The  Episcopal  Church 

and  liberally,  and  departing,  left  a  devise  of  seven  acres  of 
land  to  perpetuate  his  support  of  the  services. 

Resolved,  That  we  bow  in  submission  to  the  will  of  our 
God,  and  thank  Him  for  the  good  example  of  his  servant. 

That  we  shall  miss  his  lively  interest  and  faithfulness,  his 
ever  ready  sympathy  and  help,  and  cherish  his  memory  as 
that  of  an  humble,  believing  fellow  servant  with  us  of  the 
Lord  Christ. 

John  S.  Gibson, 
D.  W.  Border, 
J.  J.  Grantham. 

.  Committee. 

Dr.  Nelson  was  a  man  of  influence  in  his  county,  chiefly 
on  account  of  his  pure  i^nd  honorable  character.  Under  bet- 
ter auspices  the  church  in  Smithfield  con  Id  hardly  have  been 
begun  and  sustained  during  the  trials  and  poverty  of  its  early 
career.  ►Such  was  their  confidence  in  the  man,  that  his  neigh- 
bors would  have  followed  him  in  any  movement  almost  of 
which  he  was  the  leader.  He  Avas  a  fair  type  of  the  old  fash- 
ioned Virginia  gentleman,  a  man  of  stately  and  imposing 
presence,  of  genial  spirit  and  affable  manners,  easily  ap- 
proachable, trusted,  honored,  and  beloved  by  all  who  knew 
him.  One  habit  of  his,  and  would  it  w7ere  more  universal 
among  physicians,  will  serve  to  illustrate  the  sincerity  and 
devotedness  of  his  piety.  He  was  always  in  his  place  at 
church.  Though  he  had  a  very  extended  and  laborious  prac- 
tice.  It  must  be  a  pressing  case  of  illness  that  would  draw 
him  from  church  on  Sunday.  Often  I  have  seen  him  called 
out  of  church  during  divine  service.  But  always,  except  in 
very  urgent  cases,  he  would  return  to  his  seat  and  remain 
through  the  services.  For  sixty-six  years  he  was  a  tower  of 
strength  to  his  church  and  to  the  cause  of  religion,  a  prom- 
inent figure,  even  when  not  a  leader  in  every  good  cause. 
Respectfully, 

James  Grammer. 


ix  West  Virginia.  623 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Records  continued.      Kanawha  County.     Churches  in  Charleston, 

St.  Albans,  &c. 


Kanawha. 

Kanawha  was  formed  in  1788  from  Greenbrier  and  Mont- 
gomery, and  named  from  its  principal  river.  Square  miles, 
980.  Population— 1870,  22,349;  1880,  32,466;  1890,  42,665; 
1900,  54,696. 

History  of  the  Church  in  Kanawha. — The  article  from  Bishop 
Meade's  book  brought  the  history  down  to  1855.  There  was 
little  progress  towards  building  up  the  Church  in  the  Kana- 
wha Valley  or  in  this  part  of  the  Diocese  until  after  the  close 
of  the  war,  in  April,  1865;  and  during  that  eventful  period  of 
four  years,  with  the  exception  of  Wheeling  and  Parkersburg, 
there  was  not  a  resident  minister  of  our  Church,  in  the  whole 
of  the  territory  west  of  the  Alleghenies.  The  Rectors  of  St. 
Matthew's  and  St.  John's,  Wheeling,  resigned  their  respec- 
tive charges  and  were  refugees  from  their  homes  at  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war,  in  1861.  These  pulpits  were  sup- 
plied at  once.  At  the  beginning  of  hostilities,  there  was  no 
minister  at  Charleston,  Rev.  T.  L.  Smith  had  resigned  Decem- 
ber,  I860,  but  was  missionary-at-large,  for  the  Kanawha 
Valley  and  the  county  of  Jackson,  but  he  took  refuge  in  Vir- 
ginia. At  the  close  of  the  war.  Bishop  Johns  prevailed  upon 
the  late  Rev.  W.  F.  M.  Jacobs  to  visit  Charleston  to  revive 
and  reorganize  the  Churches  in  Kanawha.  This  faithful,  en- 
ergetic minister  found  St.  John's  Church  in  a  dilapidated 
condition,  scarcely  fll  for  use;  but,  by  some  little  repair  to 
recover  it  from  the  effects  of  a  disastrous  flood,  in  1861,  and 


1)24  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

its  use  by  the  Federal  army  as  a  store  house  for  commissary 
supplies  during  the  last  year  of  the  war,  it  was  rendered 
suitable  for  service.  In  June,  1$65,  a  majority  of  the  old 
vestry  was  convened,  and  Mr.  Jacobs  called  to  the  rectorship 
of  the  parish.  He  revived  and  reorganized  the  Sunday- 
school,  appointed  a  superintendent  and  held  regular  services. 
The  old  church  needing  repairs,  he  undertook  to  raise  the 
means  to  enlarge  the  building  by  adding  a  recess  chancel, 
and  for  this  purpose  visited  New  York  and  other  Eastern 
cities,  where,  from  liberal  Churchmen,  he  obtained  money 
enough  to  make  the  additions  and  re-seat  the  church  with 
new  pews. 

This  indefatigable  and  earnest  minister  conceived  the  idea 
of  establishing  a  Church-school  in  Charleston,  and  had  prom- 
ises of  aid  in  the  North.  The  vestry  passed  a  resolution  au- 
thorizing him  to  carry  out  his  plan  and  designs.  At  this 
time,  too,  the  the  subject  of  a  division  of  the  Diocese  of  Vir- 
ginia was  being  agitated,  and  Mr.  Jacobs  took  an  active  part 
in  the  measure.  He  continued  to  labor  for  the  welfare  of 
the  Church,  until  he  was  stricken  down  with  disease.  March 
1866,  from  which  he  never  recovered,  and  in  April,  1S67, 
died.  Had  the  life  of  this  zealous  man  been  spared  and  his 
health  restored,  the  churches  in  Kanawha  would  have  been 
placed  upon  a  firm  basis,  and,  ere  this,  would  have  been  a 
power  in  the  land.  His  death  put  an  end  to  the  enterprise 
of  establishing  a  school  upon  an  extensive  scale,  such  as  he 
contemplated;  but  one  was  started,  to  a  limited  extent,  by 
the  vestry  of  St.  John's,  a  charter  obtained,  and,  for  awhile, 
continued  under  the  supervision  of  the  successive  charges 
as  Sector  of  Revs.  Messrs.  Nock  and  Callaway,  but,  for  want 
of  sufficient  patronage,  had  to  give  way,  and  the  enterprise 
abandoned.  There  was  an  energy,  an  apparent  charm  and 
fascination  about  Mr.  Jacobs,  however,  that  gave  encourage- 
ment to  anything  he  undertook;  and,  had  he  lived,  there 
can  be  no  doubt  of  his  success  in  this  important  adjunct  to 
the  prosperity  of  the  Church;  and  yet  its  failure  can  in  no 


ST.    JOHN  S,   CHARLESTON. 


REV.  ROBERT  DOUGLAS  ROLLER,  D.  D. 


ST.  JOHN'S,  CHARLESTON. 


in  West  Virginia.  025 

wise  be  attributed  to  a  want  of  interest  01*  zeal,  or  capability 
lor  management  on  the  part  of  the  two  successors  of  Mr. 
Jacobs,  for  both  were  fully  alive  to  the  importance  of  the 
school,  and  did  all  in  their  power  to  sustain  it. 

The  Church  once  had  an  organization  at  Maiden,  six  miles 
above  Charleston,  as  related  by  Bishop  Meade.  A  church 
was  built,  and  was  known  as  St.  Luke's,  but  in  the  same 
parish  with  that  at  Charleston  and  St.  Mark's  at  Coals- 
mouth,  now  St.  Albans.  St.  Luke's  was  built  under  the  super- 
vision and  auspices  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Craik.  Its  organization 
continued  during  the  rectorship  of  Rev.  T.  L.  Smith,  of  St.. 
John's,  who  gave  that  congregation  frequent  services,  some- 
times administering  the  Holy  Communion;  but  during  his 
lime  the  building,  which  had  been  very  insecurely  built,  be- 
came a  wreck  and  had  to  be  torn  down.  The  war  coming  on, 
the  re-building  was  abandoned.  Many  families  moved  to 
( 'harleston,  and  all  efforts  to  rebuild  at  Maiden  failed.  1  Mir- 
ing the  ministry  of  Rev.  Messrs.  Nock  and  Callaway,  at 
St.  John's,  services  were  occasionally  held  at  Maiden,  but 
we  had  to  depend  upon  the  courtesy  of  the  Methodists  and 
Presbyterians  for  the  use  of  their  churches,  and,  finally,  ser- 
vices wore  discontinued  altogether. 

At  St.  Mark's  (Coalsmouth)  our  Church  was  nunc  fortu- 
nate, and,  though  the  little  church  had  become  greatly  im- 
paired and  damaged  by  its  use  as  a  military  stable,  yet  the 
few  faithful  members  who  remained  after  the  war  kepi  up 
the  organization,  with  Mr.  Nock  as  Rector,  for  a  considera- 
ble period,  and  repaired  the  church  and  rectory.  They  now 
have  a  resident  minister,  who  makes  that  his  home  and  per- 
forms missionary  labor  along  the  railroad. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Jacobs  used  to  say  that  the  Kanawha  Valley 
was  the  paradise  of  Western  Virginia,  and  its  elements  of 
wealth  would  some  day  make  it  the  most  populous  part.  and. 
with  the  building  of  the  railroads,  added  to  its  natural  ad- 
vantages, his  prophecy  seems  about  to  be  fulfilled.     *     *     * 

There  are  portions  of  this  territory  lying  between  the  head 


620  The  Episcopal  Church 

waters  of  the  Little  Kanawha,  North  and  North  East,  and  the 
Greenbrier  and  Gauley,  East  and  South  East,  and  the  Ohio 
River;  and,  on  the  South  Side  of  the  Great  Kanawha,  from 
the  line  between  the  two  Virginias,  on  the  North  and  South 
East,  and  the  Kentucky  line,  which  our  Church  in  due 
time  must  more  carefully  look  after.  They  are  coun- 
ties in  this  vast  territory,  where  a  minister  of  our 
Church  was,  up  to  a  few  years  ago,  never  seen,  and 
where  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  was  practically  un- 
known, and  the  Bible  itself  too  often  a  sealed  book,  to 
thousands.  There  is  great  need  for  missionary  work  in  every 
county  of  these  sections;  doubtless,  in  many  of  these,  mem- 
bers of  our  Church  may  be  found,  and  had  we  the  men  and 
the  means,  a  number  could  be  formed  for  successful  labor 
among  a  people  greatly  destitute  of  a  means  of  grace.  We 
find  record  of  the  fact  that,  at  about  the  close  of  Mr.  Nock's 
ministry  at  Coalsmouth,  lie  started  a  Mission  among  the 
miners  on  Coal  River,  in  Boone  county,  south  of  the  Kana- 
wha, and  a  similar  Mission  on  Mud  River,  in  Cabell  county, 
giving  to  each  an  occasional  service,  as  well  as  visiting  at 
stated  intervals  Barboursville,  the  county-seat  of  Cabell, 
where  we  have  a  few  members.  After  Mr.  Nock  left,  nothing- 
was  done  until  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Lea,  in  his  missionary  labors 
along  the  railroad,  revived  the  interest  in  the  Church  at  Mil- 
ton. Here  he  presented  a  class  of  nine  to  Bishop  Peterkin 
for  confirmation  in  1880.  In  a  few  years,  however,  removals 
occasioned  the  abandonment  of  our  Mission  at  Milton,  and  it 
has  been  a  long  time  since  we  have  had  services  there. 

Major  B.  S.  Thompson's  Reminiscences. 

My  Dear  Bishop — In  response  to  your  request  to  give  my 
recollections  of  the  early  history  of  the  Church  in  this  part 
of  West  Virginia,  I  will  state  that  Mr.  Morris  Hudson  and 
his  family,  who  came  to  the  Kanawha  Valley  from  Pennsyl- 
vania in  1808  or  '10,  and  settled  on  the  Kanawha  River,  two 
miles  above  the  mouth  of  Coal  River,  were  the  first  Episco- 


in  West  Vikgima.  627 

Italians  in  the  Valley.  In  LS23  or  '24,  he  built,  at  his  own 
cost,  a  small  church  on  a  beautiful  hill,  just  back  of  his  resi- 
dence. Although  it  was  built  as  an  Episcopal  Church,  it  had 
no  Rector,  so  the  old  gentleman  invited  all  denominations  to 
occupy  the  pulpit,  until  it  was  occupied  by  a  minister  of  his 
own  Church. 

In  1S10,  my  father,  Philip  Rootes  Thompson,  moved  from 
Culpepper  county  and  settled  at  the  mouth  of  Coal  River; 
soon  after,  his  son-in-law,  Thornton  Fry,  with  his  family, 
came,  and  then  his  widowed  daughter,  Mis.  Eleanor  B.  Thor- 
ton,  both  settling  near  my  father.  These  families  were  the 
nucleus  from  which  the  Church  in  all  this  region  was  formed. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Page  was  the  first  Episcopal  minister  to 
occupy  the  little  brick  church  on  the  hill.  It  was  the  first 
time  I  had  ever  heard  the  service  read  by  a  minister,  but  it 
was  not  new  to  me,  for  I  had  often  heard  my  father  and 
brothers  read  it  on  Sunday  at  home.  Mr.  Page  was,  I  think, 
sent  out  as  a  missionary  to  visit  the  benighted  people  of  this 
wild  western  region.  Mr.  Page  preached  at  Charleston, 
Coalsmouth  and  Point  Pleasant  for  a  year  or  so,  and  then  re- 
turned to  Eastern  Virginia.  We  were  without  a  minister  for 
a  long  time  after  Mr.  Page  left.  One  of  my  brothers,  Francis, 
was  appointed  lay-reader,  and  the  regular  service  was  held 
in  the  Church  on  the  hill  until  the  Rev.  Frederick  Goodwin 
came  among  us,  preaching  at  Charleston  and  Coalsmouth, 
with  occasional  services  at  Point  Pleasant.  He  was  succeed- 
ed by  Mr.  John  Martin,  who  remained  for  one  or  two  years, 
preaching  alternate  Sundays  at  Charleston  and  Coalsmouth. 
When  he  left  us,  we  were  again  for  a  long  time  without  the 
services  of  a  minister,  but  the  congregation  assembled  each 
Sunday,  and  the  Service  and  a  sermon  were  read  by  the  lay- 
reader,  and  this  continued  until  Mr.  Craik,  a  lawyer  of  Char- 
leston, who  had  been  studying  for  the  ministry,  was  ordained. 
II«'  then  took  charge  of  the  Church  at  Charleston  and  Coals- 
mouth, and  labored  with  zeal,  energy  and  good  judgment, 
and  the  Churches  prospered  under  his  ministry. 


b28  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

The  Rev.  F.  M.  Whittle,  now  Bishop  of  Virginia,  succeeded 
Mr.  Craik,  at  Charleston,  and  Rev.  R.  T.  Brown  became  the 
Rector  of  the  Church  at  Coalsmouth,  the  Churches  becoming 
strong  enough  for  each  to  support  its  own  Rector. 

About  1844  or  '45,  a  village  having  grown  up  about  Coals- 
mouth,  the  congregation  determined  to  build  a  new  church 
in  the  village,  upon  a  ten-acre  lot,  given  to  the  Church  by  my 
father,  P.  R.  Thompson,  upon  which  was  a  two-story,  com- 
fortable building  for  a  rectory,  and  a  good  site  for  a  church, 
and  this  was  done.  The  church  is  now  used  by  that  congre- 
gation. The  rectory  was  burned  during  the  war,  but  a  new 
and  more  modern  and  comfortable  one  has  replaced  it.  The 
church  was  used  as  a  stable,  by  a  company  of  Federal  Cav- 
alry, and  about  ruined,  but,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  it  has 
been  repaired  and  rededicated  to  the  service  of  the  Master. 

The  first  vestry  was  P.  R.  Thompson,  Davis  Hudson,  Jessie 
Hudson  and  others,  whose  names  cannot  be  recalled.  In  other 
years  the  following  acted  as  vestrymen :  A.  A.  Thonton,  John 
Lewis,  Benjamin  S.  Thompson,  P.  R.  Thompson,  Jr.,  John  P. 
Turner,  George  W.  Thornton,  Alexander  Bradford,  Dr.  John 
Thompson,  Francis  Thompson,  Robert  Simms,  George  Rog- 
ers. After  Mr.  Page  left,  for  some  years,  the  congregation 
was  without  a  minister,  and  the  Methodists  and  Presbyter- 
ians came  in  and  gathered  up  the  sheaves  bound  by  him,  as 
many  that  he  had  baptized  connected  themselves  with  these 
Churches.  The  Rev.  F.  D.  Goodwin  succeeded  Mr.  Page,  com- 
ing in  1830  or  '31,  and  staying  about  two  years.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Martin  succeeded  him  and  remained  in  the  county  about 
five  years,  giving  place  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Craik,  who  preached 
occasionally  for  several  years.  Old  Mr.  West  had  charge  of 
the  parish  part  of  a  year  during  Mr.  Craik's  ministry  in 
Charleston.  Mr.  Craik  continued  to  preach  at  Coalsmouth 
until  the  spring  of  1845,  when  the  Rev.  F.  B.  Nash  was  called 
to  this  parish.  He  labored  zealously  for  several  years,  and 
during  his  ministry  St.  Mark's  Church  was  built  on  a  part 
of  the  lot  given  by  Mr.  Thompson  for  a  church  and  parsonage. 


in  West  Virginia.  621) 

The  parsonage  was  built  for  Mr.  Martin,  but  was  never  occu- 
pied by  a  minister  until  Mr.  Nash  came.  St.  Mark's  Church 
was  built  in  1846,  and  shortly  afterwards  St.  John's,  in  the 
Valley.  The  congregation  in  Teay's  Valley  wTas  first  gath- 
ered by  Mr.  Craik,  and  an  old  still-house  converted  into  a 
place  of  worship. 

The  church  in  Charleston  was  the  second  church  in  the 
Kanawha  Valley,  and  my  recollection  is,  that  it  was  about 
the  year  1828  or  '29,  that  the  first  move  was  made  towards 
the  building  of  a  church  at  this  place.  My  mother,  Mrs.  Philip 
Kootes  Thompson,  was  on  a  visit  to  my  sister,  Mrs.  J.  P.  Tur- 
ner, then  a  resident  of  Charleston,  when  talking  with  the 
ladies  of  the  Church,  she  proposed  that  they  should  have  a 
fair  on  some  court  day  to  raise  money  to  aid  in  the  building 
of  a  church  in  the  town,  promising  that  the  ladies  of  the 
Church  at  Coalsmouth  would  join  them  heartily  in  the  effort. 
The  ladies  of  Charleston  entered  with  spirit  in  carrying  the 
scheme  into  effect,  and  the  ladies  of  Coalsmouth  nobly  re- 
deemed the  promise  made  by  my  mother.  The  day  for  the 
long-talked-of  fair  came,  and  the  four-horse  wagon,  with  old 
Uncle  Robinson,  the  driver,  was  at  the  gate  ready  to  take 
the  good  things  prepared  by  the  ladies  of  the  neighborhood. 
The  differences  in  faith  were  all  forgotten,  and  each  vied 
with  the  other  in  supplying  the  good  things  to  tempt  the  pal- 
ate, and  the  beautiful  and  useful  things  to  force  the  pocket- 
book.  Nothing  would  do  but  my  younger  brother  Willie  and 
I  should  go  in  the  wagon  to  Charleston,  and  a  gay  ride  we 
had.  I  was  but  a  boy  then,  but  that  ride  and  that  fair  will 
never  be  effaced  from  my  memory.  1  thought  nothing  had 
ever  been  planned  and  executed  that  was  equal  to  it. 

The  room  was  beautifully  decorated  with  evergreens  and 
flowers,  and  there  was  a  grand  display  of  embroidery,  paint- 
ings, and  all  sorts  of  useful  articles,  and  then  the  dinner 
table  was  beautiful;  nothing  like  it  had  ever  been  seen  in  the 
town  before,  and  it  was  ioaded  with  everything  that  the  art 
of  the  cook  could  conjure.    The  result  was  $300  or  $400.  This 


630  The  Episcopal  Church 

was  the  first  start  towards  the  building  of  St.  John's  Church 
in  Charleston. 

It  was  not  so  much  the  success  of  the  fair  financially  as 
tnat  it  called  the  attention  of  the  people  to  the  Church,  for 
from  that  time  there  was  no  difficulty  in  raising  the  money 
for  the  building.  And  this  was  how  St.  John's  Church  was 
started.  There  were  but  three  or  four  members  of  the  Church 
at  this  time  in  Charleston,  but  quite  a  number  who  were 
very  favorably  disposed  towards  it,  and  these  became  inter- 
ested in  the  building  of  the  church  and  aided  very  materially 
in  the  work.  Afterwards  some  of  them  became  its  staunch- 
est  friends  and  supporters.  The  Quarrier  family  were  always 
firm  and  reliable  friends;  so  was  Mrs.  Lovell  and  Dr.  Chil- 
ton's family. 

I  send  you  a  paper  which  will  show  you  just  when  the  first 
step  was  taken  towards  the  building  of  a  church  at  Hinton. 
At  that  time,  there  were  but  thirteen  communicants  in  the 
town,  and  we  had  but  $500  subscribed.  We  bought  the  lot 
and  bound  ourselves  to  put  a  church  building  upon  it  within 
twelve  months  from  date  of  the  deed,  to  cost  $1,200.  We 
went  to  work  and  made  a  contract  for  a  building  to  cost 
$1,400,  and  to  be  finished  within  the  specified  time;  and  it 
was  completed  and  paid  for,  except  the  painting,  which  was 
not  included  in  the  contract  for  building. 

Very  sincerely,  your  friend, 

B.  S.. Thompson. 
Huntington,  W.  Ya.,  May  12,  1900. 

Kanawha  Parish. — Kanawha  county  was  formed  from  parts 
of  Greenbrier  and  Montgomery,  in  the  year  17^8,  and,  inas- 
much as  it  was  usual  to  make  parish  and  county  boundaries 
coterminous,  until  January  24,  1799,  when  the  Church  was 
disestablished,  it  is  fair  to  presume  that  Kanawha  Parish 
has  existed  since  178S.  There  is  no  evidence  to  the  contrary. 
Its  extent  was  immense,  beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Great 
Sandy,  in  the  county  of  Montgomery;  thence  up  said  river 
with    the   line    of   said   county      To    Cumberland    Mountains; 


in  West  Virginia.  G31 

thence  northeasterly  along  said  mountains  to  the  Great  Ka- 
nawha, crossing  the  same  at  the  end  of  Gauley  Mountain; 
thence  along  said  mountain  to  the  line  of  Harrison  count}7; 
thence  with  that  line  to  the  Ohio  River,  and  with  it  to  the 
beginning. 

In  the  early  settlement  of  the  county,  and  of  the  town  at 
the  mouth  of  Elk,  there  were  no  churches,  no  ministers,  few 
parishioners,  and  little  or  no  use  for  a  parish.  It  has  been 
said  that  the  first  sermon  preached  in  Kanawha  was  in  1804, 
by  the  Rev.  William  Steele,  a  Methodist  minister,  and  the 
first  minister  located  in  Kanawha  was  the  Rev.  Asa  Shinn 
in  1804.  The  Rev.  Henry  Bascom  preached  here  in  1813  and 
the  Rev.  Henry  Ruffner,  a  Presbyterian  minister,  came  and 
preached  in  1816.  The  first  Episcopal  clergyman  who  came 
to  Kanawha  was  the  Rev.  Joseph  ^YUJ^^nl,  about  1814.  His 
home  was  in  Marietta,  Ohio,  and  his  visits  were  of  the  mis- 
sionary order.  He  found  few  communicants,  but  many  per- 
sons who  were  attached  to  the  old  Church  and  were  willing 
to  contribute  to  its  support.  His  visits  were  to  the  people 
in  the  entire  Valley,  and  he  found  Church  people  at  Coals- 
month  and  also  at  Point  Pleasant. 

Of  the  families  in  the  Valley  at  this  time,  there  were  the 
Hudsons  and  Thompsons  at  Coalsmouth.  and  the  Slaughters, 
Quarriers,  Summers,  Rogers,  McFarlands,  Patricks,  Drydens, 
Lovells,  Welchs,  Reynolds,  Lewis  and  others  at  the  Salines 
and  Charleston.  There  is  probably  no  doubt  that  Mrs.  Alex- 
ander Quarrier  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Lovell  were  the  most  active 
communicants,  and  did  more  to  organize  and  sustain  the 
Church  than  any  others  at  Charleston. 

The  Rev.  Charles  H.  Page  was  the  first  regularly  appointed 
clergyman  to  look  after  this  work.  He  was  sent  here  by  the 
Bishop  in  1822.  and  found  about  twelve  communicants  at 
Ihe  Salines  and  Charleston,  and  about  as  many  more  at  Coals- 
mouth.  Coalsmouth  at  that  date  took  the  precedence  in  ac- 
tivity and  energy,  as  shown  by  the  fact  that  three  years 
later  the  first  church  was  huilt  there  and  known  as  "Bangor 


032  The  Episcopal,  (Jhukch 

Church."  This  beginning  enlarged  into  Bangor  Parish,  which 
includes  quite  a  section  of  Kanawha  county.  Bangor  was 
the  name  of  the  Parish  from  which  the  Hudsons  came. 

In  1823  Mr.  Page  reported  that  he  expected  churches  to  be 
built  in  Charleston  and  in  Mason  county,  and  that  there  was 
one  now  being  built  at  the  mouth  of  Coal.  In  1824  he  report- 
ed baptism  thirty-five,  twelve  colored  children,  sixty 
deaths  and  twelve  marriages.  In  1825  he  reports  that  "the 
morals  of  the  people  were  improved."  In  182G  he  reports  that 
lie  has  been  regularly  preaching  at  Charleston  and  Coals- 
mouth  and  at  Barboursville  and  Guyandotte,  and  the  con- 
gregations varied  from  one  hundred  to  one  hundred  and  fifty, 
baptisms  twenty-four,  deaths  thirteen  and  marriages  two. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Page  left  in  the  year  1826,  and  the  parish 
seems  to  have  been  without  a  clergyman  for  several  years. 

In  1831  Bishop  Meade  says  he  went  from  Staunton  to 
Charleston  in  six  days,  and  while  there  he  confirmed  sixteen, 
although  there  had  been  no  minister  at  this  point  for  five 
years.  In  the  same  year  the  Rev.  Frederick  I).  Goodwin  was 
sent  to  Kanawha  Parish,  and  from  his  dairy  we  learn  that 
there  was  no  place  of  worship  at  Charleston.  In  the  country, 
about  two  miles  east  of  the  present  town  of  St.  Albans,  there 
was  a  small  brick  church  known  as  "Bangor  Church."  The 
parish  then  had  thirty  communicants.  Mr.  Goodwin  was 
admitted  to  Deacon's  Orders  in  July,  1831,  came  at  once  to 
this  parish  and  remained  until  October,  1832,  when,  on  ac- 
count of  ill-health,  he  had  to  leave.  His  labors  were  abun- 
dant. Alternate  Sunday  mornings  were  given  to  Charleston 
and  Coalsmouth,  twelve  miles  apart;  in  the  afternoons  he 
conducted  services  at  Mrs.  Fay's  and  Mrs.  Boen's,  up  Elk. 
In  May,  1832,  he  went  on  horse-back  about  four  hundred 
miles  to  Alexandria  to  the  Council,  where  he  was  advanced 
to  Priest's  Orders.  He  made  a  trip  of  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty  miles  to  Lewisburg,  Greenbrier  Parish,  where  he 
says  he  found  one  communicant,  and  admitted  three  others, 
which  act  he  trusts  was  acceptable  to  God,  although  aware 


MAJOR   ALEX.    T.    LAIDLEY. 


ST.   JOHN'S   RECTORY,    CHARLESTON. 


SHELTERING   ARMS    HOSPITAL. 


in  West  Virginia.  600 

that  it  was  not  lo  souie  of  the  Presbyterians.  He  pays  a 
tribute  to  the  saintly  McElhenny,  a  Presbyterian  divine.  He 
made  another  trip  on  horseback  of  over  three  hundred  miles, 
through  the  country  up  the  Ohio  River  to  Wheeling,  stop- 
ping at  each  village  until  he  had  "preached  thro'  his  saddle- 
bags,"  as  he  expressed  it.  He  modestly  suggests,  that,  owing 
to  the  cholera  excitement,  the  people  hocked  to  hear  him 
wherever  he  went.  In  December,  1831,  he  married  James  Y. 
Quarrier  and  Letitia  Chilton. 

The  Rev.  John  B.  Martin  was  graduated  from  the  Virginia 
Seminary  in  1834,  and  immediately  came  to  this  parish  and 
remained  until  1839.  Bishop  Meade,  in  1834,  said  that  he 
was  in  Charleston  and  Coalsmouth,  and  that  there  would 
soon  be  a  church  in  Charleston  and  a  larger  one  at  Coals- 
mouth,  and  he  hoped  they  would  soon  have  the  services  of 
two  ministers,  which  were  then  required.  Mr.  Martin  re- 
ports for  Charleston  thirty-one  communicants,  and  fifteen 
hundred  dollars  subscribed  for  a  new  church.  It  was  during 
the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Martin  that  the  old  St.  John's 
Church,  of  Charleston,  was  built.  The  following  facts  in  re- 
gard to  it  have  been  gathered. 

The  trustees  of  the  church  were  Henry  Rogers,  Joel 
Shrewsbury,  Alexander  W.  Quarrier  and  James  Craik.  On 
May  10th,  1837,  the  said  trustees  executed  a  number  of  deeds 
by  which  they  conveyed,  for  sums  varying  from  fifty  to  one 
hundred  dollars,  some  of  the  pews  of  the  church,  which  were 
designated  by  the  number  thereof  on  the  door  of  the  pew, 
to  the  grantee,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  subject  to  the 
uses  and  under  the  control  and  government  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia. 

The  numbers  of  the  pews  and  the  grantees'  names  are  as 
follows:  No.  2,  Archibald  A.  Quarrier  and  James  M.  Laidley; 
No.  3,  James  C.  McFarland:  No.  5,  Samuel  Hanna;  No.  7. 
John  P.  Turner;  No.  9.  O.  E.  Doddridge;  No.  11,  Alexander 
W.  Quarrier;  No.  13.  Hudson  Estill  and  Allen  Sebrill;  No. 
20.  Joel  Shrewsbury,  Sr.:  No.  27,  Dr.  Spicer  Patrick:  No.  28, 


<534  The  Episcopal  Church 

Henry  C.  Anderson;  No.  29,  Thomas  S.  Garnett;  No.  30,  Joel 
Shrewsbury,  Jr.;  No.  31,  James  Y.  Quarrier;  No.  32,  Charles 
Whittaker;  No.  33,  James  Craik;  No.  34,  William  T.  Whit- 
taker;  No.  36,  Solomon  K.  Grant;  No.  37,  William  Gillison, 
and  No.  38,  Henry  Fitzhugh. 

In  1840,  Solomon  K.  Grant,  having  removed  to  Kentucky, 
conveyed  his  pew  to  George  W.  Summers.  The  nineteen  pews 
sold  brought  over  fifteen  hundred  dollars,  and  the  other 
pews,  it  is  supposed,  were  left  free  to  all  who  came;  or,  if 
sold,  the  deeds  were  not  recorded. 

The  lot  on  which  this  church  was  erected  was  conveyed  by 
deed  dated  16th  February,  1835,  made  by  Thomas  C.  Thomas 
and  Malinda,  his  wife,  parties  of  the  first  part,  to  A.  W.  Quar- 
rier, Joel  Shrewsbury,  Jr.,  Henry  Rogers,  James  Craik,  par- 
ties of  the  second  part,  and  William  Meade,  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese  of  Virginia,  and  John  B.  Martin,  minister  of  the  Pro- 
testant Episcopal  Church  of  the  Parish  of  Kanawha,  parties 
of  the  third  part,  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  two  hundred 
and  seventy-five  dollars,  conveys  to  the  parties  of  the  second 
part,  in  trust  for  the  benefit  of  W.  K.  Meade,  Bishop  of,  etc., 
and  John  B.  Martin,  and  of  the  vestry  and  congregation  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Charleston  forever,  the 
lot  of  land  on  Main,  at  upper  end  of  the  Silas  Cobb  lot;  68 
feet  4  inches  on  Main  street,  and  running  back  toward  the 
hill,  with  a  cross  street  extending  from  river,  between  John 
Hall  and  James  C.  McFarland  lots,  165  feet.  The  deed  was 
acknowledged  before  John  P.  Turner  and  William  Gillison, 
trustees,  and  recorded  in  Book  H,  577,  on  the  day  of  its  date. 

Either  history  or  tradition  has  said  that  the  church  was 
finished  in  1834,  but  it  will  be  noted  that  the  deed  to  the  lot 
was  not  made  until  1835.  There  may  have  been  a  contract 
or  title  bond  which  gave  them  control,  and  the  deed  made 
when  the  purchase  money  was  paid.  The  church  was  conse- 
crated NoA-ember  10th,  1837,  by  Bishop  Meade. 

Rev.  James  Craik,  D.  D.,  LL  D. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Craik  was  a  descendant  of  Dr.  James  Craik, 


in  West  Virginia.  635 

of  Alexandria,  Ya.,  the  associate  and  physician  of  George 
Washington,  who  attended  the  General  in  many  of  his  most 
dangerous  experiences. 

Born  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  August  31,  1806,  licensed  in  the 
law  November  26,  1828,  practiced  in  Charleston  until  1839; 
made  Deacon  at  Charlottesville,  Va.,  1839,  ordered  Priest  at 
Alexandria,  Va.,  1841,  Rector  at  St.  John's  Church,  Charles- 
ton, Va.,  (now  West  Virginia),  1839  to  1844.  Preached  fare- 
well sermon  at  St.  John's  in  the  Valley  and  Charleston,  last 
Sunday  in  July,  1844,  from  Acts  XX.,  21.  Rector  of  Christ's 
Church,  Louisville.  1844-1882;  member  of  Standing  Commit- 
tee, 1845-1882;  Deputy  to  General  Convention,  1846-1S82; 
President  of  the  House  of  Deputies,  1862-1874.  Organized 
the  first  Sisterhood  west  of  the  Alleghanies,  and  founded  the 
Orphanage  of  The  Good  Shepherd  for  boys,  1867-1870.  Before 
his  life's  close  the  corner-stone  of  the  Church  Home,  and  In- 
firmary, was  laid,  and  he  saw  that  structure  grow  into  fair 
proportions,  which  will  ever  stand  for  the  "Greater  Glory  of 
God,"  and  be  to  the  coming  generation  his  memorial.  In  all 
things  he  was  a  man;  brave  and  fearless  for  the  truth;  be- 
loved by  his  flock;  honored  by  the  Church;  respected  of  all 
men. 

He  was  a  Churchman,  zealous  for  the  faith,  careful  for  its 
order.  Alive  to  the  dangers  by  which  it  was  assailed,  he  en- 
tered the  lists  of  controversies  and  manfully  battled  for  its 
defense.  He  was  the  author  of  many  treatises  and  works, 
seine  of  which  attained  national  or  foreign  reputation.  He 
entered  into  eternal  life  June  9th,  A.  D.,  1882,  leaving  behind 
him  the  fragrance  of  a  life  well  spent,  the  sense  of  a  work 
well  done,  and  held  in  loving  remembrance  by  the  great  city 
where  for  so  many  years  he  ministered. 

"For  he  was  a  good  man.  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of 
faith,  and  much  people  was  added  unto  the  Lord." 

While  in  Charleston,  in  addition  to  his  regular  appoint- 
ments, he  gave  himself  to  missionary  work,  preaching  in  the 


03(>  The  Episcopal,  Church 

afternoons  at  the  Valines,  now  Maiden,  and  often  going  to 
Teay's  Valley. 

Still  Mission  Bouse. — At  Staten's  Run,  on  the  Kanawha 
River,  below  Coalsmouth,  and  above  "Walnut  Grove,"  the 
residence  of  Judge  Louis  Summers,  was  an  old  still-house, 
which  had  been  repaired  and  fixed  up,  to  which  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Craik  would  frequently  go.  The  ladies  kept  up  the  Sunday- 
school  and  the  neighborhood  attended  when  there  were  ser- 
vices. Bishop  Johns  visited  this  Mission,  in  1843,  and  held 
services  and  Confirmation  there,  and  it  is  related  by  several 
persons  then  present  that,  among  those  confirmed,  was  John 
Laidley,  of  Cabell  county.  The  Bishop  reports  the  occasion 
as  very  interesting. 

*S7.  Luke's,  Maiden. — Under  Mr.  Craik's  ministry  St.  Luke's 
Church,  Maiden,  was  erected.  The  Church  assumed  impor- 
tance there,  as  the  population  was  greater  than  at  the  court- 
house, the  salt  industry  being  very  vigorous.  At  Maiden 
John  I).  Lewis,  a  descendant  of  Charles  Lewis,  who  was  killed 
at  Point  Pleasant,  contributed  of  his  wealth,  influence  and 
integrity  to  the  support  of  the  Church.  He  frequently  at- 
tended St.  John's,  in  Charleston,  on  Communion  Sundays. 
Mr.  H.  Clay  Dickinson  was  another  earnest  supported  of  the 
Church  at  Maiden.  For  years  he  was  treasurer,  and  all  his 
children  were  baptized  in  the  Church.  James  Norton  and  A. 
Spencer  Nye  were  also  elected  vestrymen  of  St.  Luke's. 
With  the  decay  of  the  salt  interest,  Maiden  lost  much  of  its 
population,  and  St.  Luke's,  becoming  defective,  was  condemn- 
ed and  abandoned.  The  membership  nearly  all  moved  to 
Charleston. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Dana  Ward  became  Rector  in  1845,  and 
remained  only  a  short  while.  He  is  the  author  of  several 
works,  one  a  contribution  towards  Christian  Unity. 

The  Rev.  Francis  M.  Whittle,  present  Bishop  of  Virginia, 
whose  history  is  so  well  known,  came  to  the  parish  from  the 
Seminary  in  1847,  and  remained  nearly  two  years. 

The  Rev.  Richard  Templeton  Brown  became  the  Rector  in 


in  West  Virginia.  H37 

1850,  and  seems  to  have  been  the  first  that  was  not  sent  as 
soon  as  he  was  graduated  from  the  Virginia  Seminary.  He 
had  graduated  in  1838,  and  was  an  eloquent  preacher  and  a 
poet  of  no  mean  order. 

The  Eev.  Thompson  L.  Smith  was  called  to  the  parish  from 
Savannah,  Oa.,  in  August,  1S54,  and  remained  until  Decem- 
ber, 1860. 

Parishoners. 

From  1846  to  1860  the  parish  lists  were  preserved,  and 
among  them  we  find  Joseph  Friend,  Henry  G.  Tucker,  Mary 
E.  Tucker,  Julia  Tucker,  William  Gillison,  Dr.  Spicer  Pat- 
rick, Virginia  Harvey  Patrick,  Ellen  Patrick,  Sallie  Patrick, 
Alfred  S.  Patrick,  Joseph  Bibby  and  family,  Mrs.  Forqueran, 
Alexander  W.  Quarrier,  James  Y.  Quarrier  and  family,  Mrs. 
Sallie  Chilton,  Miss  Fannie  Chilton,  Miss  Gillison,  George 
W.  Summers  and  family,  Miss  Anne  I.  Summers,  Dr.  John  T. 
Cotton  and  Mrs.  Sarah  Cotton,  Aaron  Whittaker  and  family, 
John  Welch,  Miss  Julia  Welch,  Henry  W.  Goodwin,  Mrs. 
Eliza  Goodwin,  James  M.  Laidley,  Mrs.  A.  M.  Laidley,  Davis 
H.  Estill,  Mrs.  Estill,  N.  Fitzhugh,  Mrs.  Martha  Fitzhugh,  Mrs. 
Hickok,  David  J.  W.  Clarkson,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Clarkson  and 
family,  Mrs.  Lenona  C.  Rogers,  Dr.  J.  H.  Rogers,  T.  B.  Swann, 
John  S.  Swann,  Mrs.  Eliza  Swann,  David  McOomas,  W.  A. 
Quarrier,  Win.  Hedrick,  Mrs.  William  Hedrick,  James  Hed- 
rick,  John  S.  Moseley,  Mrs.  Moseley,  Miss  Fannie  Friend, 
Josephine  Friend,  Ebenezer  Baines,  Dr.  Thomas  Watkins, 
Thomas  L.  Broun,  Alexander  T.  Laidley,  Mrs.  D.  R.  Laidley, 
Samuel  A.  Miller,  Mrs.  H.  Q.  Miller,  S.  C.  Farley,  Elisha  W. 
McComas,  Mrs.  McComas,  J.  M.  Williams,  Mrs.  E.  W.  New- 
ton, Dr.  John  H.  Hunter,  A.  Spencer  Nye,  Mrs.  Nye,  George 
S.  Patton.  Mrs.  Patton,  Joseph  Simpson,  Mrs.  Simpson,  Miss 
Margaret  Clarkson,  W.  A.  Jackson,  Mrs-  Jackson,  Emma 
Jackson,  Annie  Jackson,  Lucy  Jackson,  Joseph  M.  Broun,  H. 
D.  Ruffner,  Mrs.  Merriam,  W.  G.  Norvell,  Mrs.  Norvell,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Charles  Whittaker  and  family,  Thomas  Whittaker, 
Sarah  Trudgian  and  family.  Dr.  William  Cushman.  Miss  Nora 


638  The  Episcopal  Church 

Cushman,  Miss  Annie  Cushman,  George  Jeffries,  Mrs.  Jef- 
fries and  family,  John  Bonliain,  Miss  Cornie  Shrewsbury, 
Fayette  A.  Lovell,  William  Fox  and  family,  Mrs.  Polly  Trud- 
gian,  Mrs.  Mary  Winkler  and  family. 

The  War  Times. 

The  congregation  had  no  Rector  during  the  war  and  the 
church  was  closed.  Many  of  the  congregation  had  gone  from 
home  "in  defense  of  their  rights."  The  Federal  Army  occu- 
pied the  town,  and  the  building  was  occupied  by  the  Quarter- 
Master  to  store  his  supplies,  etc.  Application  was  made  to 
the  United  States  for  compensation  for  the  damage  done  the 
church,  but  the  Government  did  not  recognize  the  validity  of 
the  claim.  When  the  cruel  war  was  over,  in  May,  1865,  Rev. 
W.  F.  M.  Jacobs  came  to  Charleston  to  gather  together  the 
scattered  flock,  and  to  take  charge  of  the  parish.  He  went  to 
work  to  repair  the  waste,  restored  the  building,  enlarged  the 
same,  made  it  habitable  aud  held  the  Church  services  as  of 
old.  He  also  started  a  parish  school,  and  gave  his  best 
efforts  in  re-establishing  the  parish,  and  doing  what  he  could 
for  the  parishoners.  He  was  not  a  robust  man,  and  his  health 
failing  he  was  unable  to  preach  after  March  22,  1866,  and  re- 
signed his  charge  November,  1S66,  dying  soon  after. 

Otho  K.  Pate  was  a  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  and  served 
the  parish  as  lay-reader  from  October,  1866,  to  September 
15th,  1867.  He  died  soon  after  his  ordination.  Rev.  Joseph 
A.  Nock  became  the  next  Rector,  in  November,  1867,  and  re- 
mained until  November,  1869.  The  Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway  as- 
sumed charge  June  8th,  1870,  and  remained  until  March  31, 
1879,  when  he  resigned.  Rev.  Robert  Addison  Cobbs  was 
called  to  this  parish  October,  1875,  from  Alabama.  A  good 
and  noble  man  of  sound  judgment,  of  faith,  and  full  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  He  was  a  Prayer  Book  Churchman,  and  con- 
ducted the  services  as  prescribed  by  the  Ritual,  avoiding 
novelties  that  distract  the  peace  of  the  Church.  He  was  a 
most  excellent  preacher,  though  his  delivery  was  not  very 


ix  West  Virginia.  (539 

attractive, — a  deficiency  of  which  he  was  well  aware,  al- 
though his  congregation  soon  became  accustomed  to  it  and 
did  not  notice  it.  He  became  deeply  interested  in  the  forma- 
tion of  the  new  Diocese,  and  there  were  many  who  desired  to 
see  him  its  Bishop,  but  he  would  not  allow  his  name  to  be 
used.  He  was,  after  the  formation  of  the  Diocese,  made  its 
Secretary. 

The  Primary  Convention  of  the  Diocese  met  in  this  parish 
I  >ecember  5th,  1877,  and  was  presided  over  by  the  Right  Rev. 
P.  M.  Whittle,  D.  D.  LI..  D.,  Bishop  of  Virginia.  Bishop 
Whittle  began  his  ministry  in  this  parish.  The  people  of  the 
parish  are  very  grateful  for  the  tender  words  he  spoke,  when 
announcing  his  decision  to  elect  the  Diocese  of  Virginia  as 
his  Bishopric. 

The  next  move  of  interest  was  the  erection  of  a  new  church 
building.  Early  in  1880,  the  Rector  announced  that  he  had 
received  from  the  Bishop  the  sum  of  $25  to  aid  in  the  build- 
ing of  a  new  church;  but,  it  being  difficult  to  persuade  the 
congregation  of  the  necessity  for  this,  nothing  was  done  until 
1882,  when  a  Building  Committee  was  appointed.  Nothing- 
having  been  accomplished  by  this  committee,  in  April,  1883, 
the  vestry  appointed  another,  composed  of  Mrs.  A.  I.  Ryon, 
Mis.  C.  S.  Morgan,  W.  H.  Hogeman  and  W.  S.  Laidley.  Mrs. 
Ryon  resigned,  and  the  Rector,  the  Rev.  R.  A.  Cobbs,  was 
placed  in  her  stead.  Mrs.  Morgan  removed  from  the  city, 
and  Mrs.  H.  D.  Ruffner  was  substituted  in  her  place.  Colonel 
Hogeman,  the  Ladies'  Guild,  the  St.  Agnes  Guild  and  others 
of  the  congregation  contributed  to  the  purchase  of  lots  5  and 
0  of  the  Fitzhugh  property,  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Broad 
and  Quarrier  streets.  They  gave  $2,500.25,  and  took  the  deed 
from  J.  G.  W.  Tompkins,  and  presented  the  same  to  the  con- 
gregation. Afterwards  it  was  found  necessary  to  purchase 
lot  4.  at  a  cost  of  $1,100.50.  The  Rector  was  pleased  with  a 
plan  he  had  secured  in  Philadelphia,  and  it  was  adopted.  Sub- 
scriptions amounting  to  $8,000  were  secured,  and  the  foun- 
dation contract  let  for  the  sum  of  $3,277.50.    On  the  26th  of 


04:0  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

April,  1884,  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  the  liev.  Mr.  Cobbs, 
and  the  liev.  Mr.  Cracraft,  of  Ohio,  assisting,  laid  the  corner- 
stone of  the  new  church,  but  Mr.  Cobbs  did  not  live  to  see 
its  completion.  He  died  June  28th,  1887,  and  the  funeral  of 
this  good  man  was  the  largest  ever  witnessed  in  Charleston. 
It  was  attended  by  all  classes,  sorts  and  conditions  of  men, 
and  the  sorrow  expiessed  was  genuine.  Mr.  Cobbs  was  deep- 
ly interested  in  the  Sheltering  Arms  Hospital,  and  was  a 
most  faithful  and  efficient  counselor. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Douglas  Roller  came  to  the  parish  in 
April,  1888.  He  was  immediately  placed  at  the  head  of  the 
Building  Committee,  composed  of  Messrs.  Frank  Woodman, 
D.  C.  Gallaher,  W.  A.  Quarrier  and  W.  S.  fraidley.  A  ready 
response  was  given  to  his  efforts.  The  people  had  a  mind  to 
work,  money  was  secured,  the  walls  were  finished,  and  the 
chapel  partially  prepared  for  service  within  a  year.  In  March, 
1890,  the  first  service  was  held  in  the  new  church,  and  in  the 
summer  of  that  year  the  Diocesan  Council  met  in  the  church. 

When  Mr.  Roller  took  charge  of  the  parish,  the  Ladies' 
Guild  of  St.  John's  appointed  a  committee,  consisting 
of  the  Rector  and  Mr.  S.  S.  Green,  to  whom  they  turned  over 
the  old  rectory,  which  they  had  provided  for  the  parish.  This 
building  and  lot  were  sold  for  |4,200,  and  a  lot  next  to  the 
church  was  purchased  for  $3,100,  upon  which  a  new  rectory 
was  erected.  In  the  midst  of  this  activity,  the  financial  de- 
pression came  upon  the  country  and  town,  but  the  ladies  of 
the  parish  kept  down  all  accruing  interest  until  Easter.  1901, 
when  the  congregation,  by  an  offering,  wiped  out  all  indebt- 
edness. The  noble  struggle  ended  in  the  joyous  act  of  conse- 
cration of  the  Church,  which  took  place  at  the  annual  meeting 
of  the  Council,  June  9,  1901.  There  wais  present  in  the  Chan- 
cel that  day  the  Bishop,  Bishop-Coadjutor  and  twenty  clergy- 
men in  robes,  besides  others  in  the  large  congregation,  which 
testified  to  the  joy  of  the  occasion. 

The  total  value  of  this  property  to-day,  free  from  incum- 
brance, is  as  follows:    Church,  lots,  furniture,  &c,  $41,485.12; 


HKV.    GKKALI)    CARD. 


XT 


N 


-~"        —   ■       "      ■*»' 


"l  I    I     I 


i-T 


"  *? 


I     I 


HT.    MATTHEW  8,   CHARLESTON. 


ST.    LUKE'S,   CHARLESTON. 


CHRIST    CHURCH,    BOONE    CO. 


in  West  Virginia.  041 

Rectory  and  lot,  $8,000;  Parish  house  lot,  $2,000.  Total,  $51,- 
585.12. 

Missions  in  the  Parish. — In  1874,  during  the  ministry  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Callaway,  a  committee  of  the  vestry,  consisting  of 
E.  L.  Bill,  Louis  Summers  and  W.  S.  Laidley,  was  authorized 
to  secure  ground  and  erect  a  chapel  to  be  known  as  the 
"House  of  Prayer."  The  corner-stone  was  laid  October  5th, 
L874,  and  the  building  completed  at  once.  Mr.  E.  L.  Bill  con- 
ducted the  Sunday-school  and  services  while  a  resident  of 
Charleston.  Mr.  J.  D.  Lucadoe  earnestly  took  up  his  work, 
and  continued  it  when  Mr.  Bill  moved  away. 

In  1892,  when  the  work  of  building  the  new  St.  John's  was 
well  in  hand,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Roller  turned  the  attention  of  the 
congregation  to  active  mission  work.  In  that  year  a  mission 
Sunday-school  was  started  at  Kanawha  City,  and  continued 
for  some  years.  This  enterprise  was  known  as  St.  Mark's, 
but  the  city  did  not  grow. 

St.  Matthew's,  on  the  South  Side,  was  started  by  the  Rec- 
tor and  Mr.  A.  W.  Quarrier,  in  April,  1892,  with  thirteen 
scholars.  Mr.  Quarrier,  a  sterling  Christian,  in  attainments 
and  character,  was  about  to  enter  the  ministry,  but  was 
drowned  in  Kauawha  River.  Mr.  W.  W.  Adams,  of  the 
Charleston  bar,  took  up  this  work,  but  death  overtook  him, 
also.  Although  dead,  his  lovely  character  still  speaks  wher- 
ever he  was  known.  Another  earnest  layman,  Mr.  John  Howe 
Peyton  gave  time,  labor  and  money  to  this  work.  The  result, 
up  to  the  time  this  work  closes  as  parish  history,  February, 
1897,  was  sixty-six  baptisms,  twenty-three  confirmations  and 
a  beautiful  stone  church,  with  a  fine  lot,  altogether  worth 
about  $0,000. 

The  "House  of  Prayer''  was  not  centrally  located,  and  the 
Rector  secured  the  money  in  1893,  and  bought  two  lots,  a 
third  having  been  donated,  and  moved  the  chapel  to  a  new 
location.  The  interior  was  ceiled  with  Georgia  pine.  This 
property  is  now  known  as  St.  Luke's,  and  has  a  small  rectory 
hard  by.    The  total  value  is  about  $3,000. 


642  The  Episcopal  Church 

In  1894,  St.  Andrew's,  a  snug  little  rustic  church  in  the 
shape  of  a  Maltese  Cross,  was  built,  chiefly  through  the  ef- 
forts of  Mr.  Peyton  and  Mr.  William  Means.  St.  Stephen's 
Mission,  Len's  Creek,  was  started  in  1895,  with  an  interesting 
Sunday-school. 

In  1896,  St.  James'  Colored  Mission  was  started  in  the  city 
of  Charleston.  A  room  was  fitted  up  and  an  assistant  se- 
cured for  the  work.  Services  were  maintained  for  over  a 
year,  and  then  suspended  for  lack  of  help.  The  Mission  has 
half  a  dozen  communicants  and  twice  that  number  of  bap- 
tized persons.  Dr.  Roller  hopes  to  press  this  work  as  the 
opportunity  offers. 

In  the  spring  of  1897,  all  of  the  above  Missions,  except  the 
Colored  Mission  of  St.  James',  together  with  seventy-two 
communicants,  were  set  off  from  Kanawha  Parish  as  mis- 
sionary territory,  and  formally  organized  into  the  Missions 
of  St.  Matthew's  and  St.  Luke's,  and  the  Bishop  assigned  the 
Rev.  Gerald  Card  to  this  work.  The  people  comprising  these 
Missions  are  poor  and  must  receive  help  from  the  Church  for 
some  time  to  come. 

After  setting  off  these  independent  Missions,  Dr.  Roller 
turned  his  attention  toward  the  extension  of  the  missionary 
work  of  the  parish  in  other  directions.  In  1897,  The  Good 
Shepherd  Mission  was  organized  at  Dego.  The  fourteen  com- 
municants there  have  dwindled  to  five  or  six  by  removals, 
but  important  new  coal  works  make  this  a  promising  point 
again.  Services  have  also  been  held  as  opportunity  offers  at 
East  Bank,  Mammoth  Mines,  on  Kelly's  Creek,  and  summer 
Sunday-schools  are  maintained  with  more  or  less  regularity 
at  Martin's  and  Oak  Grove  school-houses,  country  communi- 
ties several  miles  from  town,  in  the  hills. 

The  present  vestry  of  Kanawha  Parish,  in  1901,  is  as  fol- 
lows: James  F.  Lewis,  Warden;  J.  Lynn  Richardson,  War- 
den; Thomas  L.  Broun,  William  S.  Laidley,  S.  S.  Green,  Reg- 
istrar; J.  T.  Waters,  D.  C.  Gallaher,  W.  G.  Hubbard  and 
Charles  E.  Ward. 


in  West  Virginia  043 

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  following  gentlemen  have 
served  as  vestrymen  of  this  parish  since  1854:  Thomas  L. 
Broun,  Joseph  Bibby,  E.  L.  Bill,  Abram  Burlew,  Noah  Cush- 
man,  Dr.  John  T.  Cotton,  John  Cotton.  J.  W.  Chambers,  John 
Dryden,  Davis  H.  Estill,  Joseph  Friend,  Henry  Fitzhugh, 
Nicholas  Fitzhugh,  H.  W.  Goodwin,  1).  C.  Gallaher,  S.  S. 
Green,  Charles  M.  Gallaher,  Charles  Hedrick,  William  H. 
Hogeman,  William  G.  Hubbard,  William  A.  Jackson,  George 
Jeffries,  Malcolm  Jackson,  Joseph  Lovell,  Alexander  T.  Laid- 
ley,  James  M.  Laidley,  John  D.  Lewis,  W.  S.  Laidley,  J.  D. 
Lucadoe,  James  F.  Lewis,  George  S.  Laidley,  J.  J.  Lovell,  O. 
S.  Long,  Samuel  A.  Miller,  F.  H.  Markell,  John  H.  Oley,  Dr. 
Spicer  Patrick,  George  S.  Patton,  A.  A.  Preston,  J.  H.  Pey- 
ton, Alexander  W.  Quarrier,  William  A.  Quarrier,  Henry 
Rogers,  James  H.  Rogers,  H.  D.  Ruffner,  Joseph  Ruffner,  Neil 
Robinson,  J.  Lynn  Richardson,  Joel  Shrewsbury,  Sr.,  Judge 
Lewis  Summers,  Joel  Shrewsbury,  Jr.,  George  W.  Summers, 
Thomas  B.  Swann,  Lewis  Summers,  J.  P.  Turner,  H.  G.  Tuck- 
er, B.  B.  Taylor,  C.  F.  L.  Vultee,  W.  S.  Wheatley  and  J.  Tal- 
man  Waters. 

Memorials  and  (Jifts. — The  money  for  the  organ,  was  raised 
through  the  efforts  of  Mrs.  Burlingham. 

The  Baptismal  Font  was  given  by  Mrs,  Ryon. 

A  Stained  Glass  Window  (to  the  memory  of  Rev.  R.  A. 
Cobbs,  in  the  Chancel),  by  the  ''Gleaners,"  a  society  working 
under  Mrs.  T.  L.  Broun.  One  by  the  family  of  Dr.  John  Cot- 
ton, to  the  memory  of  Mrs.  Cotton.  Another  10  the  Quarrier 
family.  Another  to  Colonel  W.  H.  Hogeman.  Another  to  D. 
il.  Estill,  the  father  of  the  Rev.  R.  Estill,  D.  D. 

A  rich  Altar  Cloth,  by  Mrs.  Dr.  Oberly,  of  Elizabeth,  New 
Jersey,  in  memory  of  her  father^  Colonel  T.  T.  S.  Laidley, 
I  .  S.  A. 

The  Pulpit,  by  Mrs.  Pidgie  Shrewsbury. 

The  Lectern,  by  the  young  men  of  the  parish,  in  memory 
of  Mr.  Alexander  Wr.  Quarrier. 


044  The  Episcopal  Chukuh 

The  Communion  Table,  in  memory  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Olark- 
son,  by  her  family. 

The  Brass  Altar  Cross,  Brass  Vases  and  Receiving  Basin, 
by  Mrs.  A.  A.  Quarrier,  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  Mrs.  Broken- 
borough  and  Henry  Fitzhugh,  in  memory  of  their  parents, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry  Fitzhugh. 

A  Brass  Book  Rest  for  Altar,  by  Dr.  Spicer  Patrick's  fam- 
ily, in  memory  of  him. 

The  handsome  Stone  Tower  was  completed  by  the  gift  of 
Mrs.  Henrietta  F.  Barre. 

The  Stone  Steps,  Curbing  and  Walks  were  placed  by  Mrs. 
J.  T.  Waters,  Sr.,  also  the  handsome  tiling  in  the  Chancel. 

St.  Matthew's  and  St.  Luke's  Missions. — The  history  of  St. 
Matthew's  and  St.  Luke's  Missions  is  largely  a  result  of  the 
self-sacrificing  exertions   of  a   number   of   devoted    laymen. 
Among  others  might  be  mentioned,  Mr.  Alexander  Quarrier, 
Mr.  William  Adams,  Mr.  John  Howe  Peyton,  Mr.  J.  D.  Luca- 
doe  and  Professor  Laidley.    The  zeal  and  energy  of  these  lay- 
men, directed  by  the  Rev.  R.  D.  Roller,  founded,  and,  for  a 
number  of  years,  carried  on  an  efficient  missionary  work  in 
and  around  Charleston.    The  method  followed  by  these  gen- 
tleman was  first  to  begin  a  Sunday-school,  and,  through  it,  to 
instruct  the  people.    And,  then,  wherever  it  was  possible,  to 
have  lay  services,  conducted  generally  by  members  of  the 
Brotherhood  of  St.  Andrew.    In  this  way  the  work  went  on 
for  several  years.    But  it  gradually  became  evident  that  the 
work  was  too  large  to  be  carried  on  in  connection  with  the 
Parish  church.    The  city  of  Charleston,  comprising  a  popula- 
tion of  about  15,000,  was  more  than  one  priest  could  manage, 
without  having  the  supervision  of  a  large  country  district. 
The  largeness  of  the  field  and  the  pressing  need  for  a  priest 
to  give  his  sole  time  to  missionary  work,  led  to  the  formation 
of  St.  Matthew's  and  St.  Luke's  Missions,  in  the  parish.    This 
took  place  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1897.     In  February 
of  1897,  the  Rev.  Gerald  Card,  B.  A.,  of  Grace  Church    To- 


in  West  Virginia.  645 

ronto,  Canada,  was  given  temporary  license  by  the  Bishop  to 
work  in  these  Missions. 

At  the  time  of  their  separation  from  St.  John's,  Charles- 
ton, St.  Matthew's  and  St.  Luke's  Missions  were  constituted 
two  organized  Missions,  St.  Matthew's  then  stretching  from 
the  boundaries  of  St.  Alban's  Parish  to  the  village  of  Coal- 
burgh,  and  St.  Luke's  embracing  West  Charleston  and  all 
Clay  county.  St.  Matthew's  Mission,  in  February,  1897,  con- 
sisted of  about  eighty  baptized  persons  and  thirty-one  com- 
municants. The  greater  number  of  these  lived  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  St.  Matthew's  Church;  a  few  lived  at  Kanawha 
City,  a  few  at  Hernshaw  and  a  few  others  at  St.  Andrews, 
Davis  Creek,  preaching  points  in  St.  Matthew's  Mission. 

With  reference  to  church  buildings,  there  was,  at  this 
time,  one  church  and  one  chapel.,  viz.:  St.  Matthew's  Church 
and  St.  Andrew's  Chapel;  both  built  largely  by  the  energy 
and  at  the  expense  of  Mr.  John  Howe  Peyton,  Civil  Engineer. 

At  the  time  of  the  division  of  the  parish,  St.  Luke's  Mis- 
sion numbered  thirteen  communicants  and  about  twenty  bap- 
tized persons.  The  property  of  the  Mission  consisted  of  four 
lots, — three  where  the  church  now  stands,  and  the  fourth, 
the  old  church  site.  The  church  is  a  frame  building,  capable 
of  seating  about  80  people,  and  on  the  lot  next  to  the  church 
is  a  small  frame  house,  in  a  good  state  of  repair.  This  build- 
ing has  since  been  enlarged  and  a  story  added,  and  is  now 
used  as  a  rectory. 

Since  the  separation  of  the  Mission  from  St.  John's,  in 
February  of  1897,  there  has  been  a  rapid  increase,  both  in  the 
number  of  baptized  persons,  as  well  as  in  the  number  of  com- 
municants. Thus  showing  that  the  Church  can  reach  the 
hitherto  neglected  mountain  population  of  this  State  New 
Sunday-schools  and  preaching  points  have  been  organized 
at  Dry  Branch,  Black  Band,  Short  Creek  and  Racine.  .St. 
Matthew's  Mission;  and  at  Magazine  Hollow,  St.  Luke's  Mis- 
sion. 
To  the  above  the  following  independent  narrative  is  added: 


640  The  Episcopal  Church 

St.  Luke's,  Elk. — April  18, 1873,  Mr.  James  D.  Lucadoe,  with 
the  help  of  another  layman  and  some  'adies,  began  a  Sunday- 
school,  with  eighteen  children,  in  an  unfinished  building,  with 
only  a  board  nailed  up  to  keep  the  cows  out.  By  the  Christ- 
mas following,  they  had  the  present  chapel  (since  removed 
to  another  lot),  built  and  paid  for,  by  the  generous  contri- 
butions of  several  members  of  the  congregation, — Colonel  T. 
B.  Swan,  Messrs.  Laidley,  Hogeman,  Lewis  Summers,  Wil- 
liam Quarrier  and  many  others.  They  kept  up  the  Sunday- 
school,  and  when  Bishop  Whittle  came  they  had  seven  can- 
didates for  confirmation.  Mr.  Lucadoe,  with  untiring  zeal, 
and  with  more  or  less  help,  has  kept  this  Mission  alive  until 
it  was  turned  over  to  "an  independent  organization." 

This  chapel  was  built  by  authority  of  the  vestry,  and  first 
called  "The  House  of  Prayer,"  but  the  name  was  afterwards 
changed  to  St.  Luke's. 

Coal  Y alley  Mission. — The  Mission  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
at  Coal  Valley  was  begun  by  the  Rev.  John  W.  Lea,  mission- 
ary of  the  "Kanawha  Valley,"  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  in 
November,  1878,  giving  one  Sunday  service  per  month,  morn- 
ing or  night,  alternating,  with  the  Mission  at  the  "Old  Vir- 
ginia Collieries,"  two  miles  up  Morris  Creek.  This  station 
was  one  of  seven,  forming  the  Kanawha  Mission.  At  Coal- 
burgh  (where  the  missionary  lived),  services  were  held  morn- 
ing or  night  of  the  first  Sunday  in  the  month;  (2)  Paint  Creek, 
or  (3)  Clifton,  alternating  with  Coalburgh,  (4)  Coal  Valley, 
second  Sunday,  morning  or  night,  (5)  Morris  Creek,  second 
Sunday,  morning  or  night,  (6)  St.  Albans,  third  Sunday,  morn- 
ing or  night,  (7)  Huntington,  fourth  Sunday,  morning  or 
night,  (8)  Milton  was  given  a  few  services,  as  also  (9>  Quinni- 
mont  on  a  few  fifth  Sundays. 

In  two  years,  August  1876  to  August,  1880,  sixty-seven  were 
confirmed  in  the  Mission.  The  rectory  at  St.  Albans  was  en- 
larged and  improved,  at  an  expense  of  $1,310.85,  mostly  given 
by  Churchmen  outside  of  the  Mission,  in  the  North  and  else- 
where    During  the  second  year,  Calvary  Church,  Coal  Val- 


in  West  Virginia.  ti47 

ley,  was  built.  The  school-room  was  built  in  the  fall  of  1882. 
Miss  Kose  Pendleton,  daughter  of  Rev.  W.  N.  Pendleton,  D. 
D.,  began  teaching  the  Mission  School  about  November,  1882, 
as  teacher,  organist  and  helper  in  many  ways.  Her  work  was 
most  faithful  and  efficient.  Her  name  and  Mr.  Leavell's  are 
still  often  on  the  lips  of  the  people,  who  knew  and  honored 
and  loved  them  and  no  one  has  been  able  to  fill  the  places  of 
either  since  they  left. 

Mr.  Leavell  resigned  August,  1SS6,  to  go  to  Baltimore, 
where  he  died  in  1887. 

The  Rev.  J.  H.  Birckhead,  his  successor,  took  charge  Octo- 
ber 30,  1886.  He  held  services  also  at  Ooalburg,  Morris 
(-reek,  Powellton,  Kanawha,  Ansted.  He  was  succeeded  for 
a  short  time  by  Rev.  G.  P.  Sommerville.  There  are  records 
of  two  baptisms  in  1889,  three  in  1890,  by  visiting  clergymen 
and  one  in  1891,  by  Bishop  Peterkin. 

The  Rev.  Peter  Wager  took  charge  in  1891.  His  first 
record  is  that  of  a.  baptism,  February  28,  1892,  his  last,  that 
of  a  marriage,  June  14,  1893. 

The  Rev.  John  R.  Joyner  took  charge  February  1st,  18!>4, 
residing  at  St.  Albans  and  giving  two  Sundays  a  month  to 
each  place. 

In  the  spring  of  1900  the  mission  was  called  upou  to  en- 
dure a  great  affliction  in  the  death,  within  a  short  time,  of 
each  other,  of  Mr.  William  Leavell  and  his  sister,  Mrs.  Wm. 
R.  Johnson.  Both  were  most  active  in  the  work  of  the 
Church,  and  as  might  be  expected,  most  interested  in  car- 
rying on  the  work  of  their  Brother,  Rev.  Francis  K.  Lea- 
vell. In  the  summer  of  1900  Rev.  Mr.  Joyner  resigned  the 
charge  of  Montgomery,  and  it  was  put  in  combination  with 
St.  David's  mission,  Powellton,  under  Rev.  Luther  W.  Dog- 
gett,  a  more  natural  combination.  Mr.  Doggett  was  suc- 
ceeded in  tli"  fall  of  L900,  by  Rev.  Arthur  Price,  and  upon 
his  resignation  early  in  L901,  the  place  was  supplied  by  the 
Bishop  sending   Rev.   Arthur   M.  Lewis,    wlm   was   ordained 


S48  The  Episcopal  Church 

in  June.  1901,  though  the  work  was  carried  on  through  the 
summer  by  Mr.  Thos.  C.  Darst. 

History  of  Bangor  Church. 

The  early  history  of  Bangor  Parish  is  most  intimately  as- 
sociated with  two  families,  which  found  their  way  into  the 
Kanawha  valley  while  it  was  yet  but  a  wilderness.  To  one 
of  these  families  must  be  attributed  the  honor  of  inaugu- 
rating the  work  of  the  Episcopal  church  at  Coalsmouth, 
while  to  the  other  we  are  indebted  for  that  appellation 
which  the  parish  has  borne  for  half  a  century. 

Philip  R.  Thompson,  who,  with  great  propriety,  might  be 
termed  the  founder  of  the  Episcopal  Church  at  Coalsmouth, 
left  his  early  home  in  East  Virginia,  and,  with  bold  and  fear- 
less heart,  penetrated  the  wild  and  sparsely  settled  country 
lying  west  of  the  Alleghanies,  until  he  reached  the  blue 
waters  of  the  Kanawha.  There,  with  his  family  about  him, 
he  reared  his  future  home  and  established  the  family  home- 
stead, where  the  waters  of  the  Coal  mingle  with  the  clear 
and  sparkling  streams  of  the  "River  of  the  Woods."  This 
took  place  in  the  year  1816,  and  at  that  time  the  country  in 
which  he  settled  might  be  termed  a  wilderness.  The  prime- 
val forest  there  held  full  possession  of  hill  and  plain.  The 
march  of  improvement  had,  as  yet,  not  been  heard  along 
its  green  and  mossy  aisles.  Within  those  secluded  haunts 
naught  was  heard  save  the  chorus  ot  nature's  songsters,  the 
note  of  some  wild  animal,  or  the  murmuring  and  the  moan- 
ing of  the  forest  trees  as  the  brisk  breezes  of  spring-tide  or 
the  fierce  blasts  of  winter  alternately  swayed  or  lashed 
fiercely  their  swinging  boughs. 

Yet,  even  at  that  time,  the  country  had  not  remained  un- 
visited  by  The  pioneers  of  civilization.  Bold  and  hardy  men 
from  the  East  had  pushed  their  way  through  its  glades  and 
brakes  to  join  their  fortunes  with  the  adventurous  Boone, 
in  his  wild  and  dangerous  life  within  the  borders  of  Ken- 
tucky.    These  were  doubtless  succeeded  bv  those  who  found 


KICV.    JOHN'    WILLIS   LEA. 


RECTORY,    ST.    ALBANS. 


KEV.    J.    1?.    F1TZPATKICK. 


ST.    MARK'S,    ST.    ALBANS. 


in  West  Virginia.  649 

game  and  adventure  sufficient  along  the  valleys  of  the  New 
River  and  the  Kanawha,  the  Elk,  the  Coal  and  the  "Guyan." 
to  detain  them  in  those  localities,  and  forbid  the  seeking  fur- 
ther for  that  adventurous  life  they  desired  to  lead.  These 
were  the  early  settlers  of  West  Virginia.  Doubtless,  their 
camp-fires  often  illumined  the  darkness  of  the  night  in  those 
heretofore  unknown  solitudes,  trodden  only  by  the  mocca- 
sined  foot  of  the  red-man.  Many  a  conflict,  too,  no  doubt, 
there  was  to  which  the  hills  and  vales  could  bear  witness, 
between  these  same  red-men  and  the  white  invaders  of  their 
ancestral  homes,  ere  the  latter  could  in  safety  and  in  peace 
convert  the  rough  temple  of  the  forest  into  the  walls  and 
roof-trees  of  the  first  white  habitants  of  the  -'Mountain 
State." 

The  Thompson  family  migrated  to  West  Virginia,  after 
this  first  rough  phase  of  its  social  life  had  passed  away. 
Sparsely  settled,  indeed,  was  the  whole  country  at  that  time, 
yet  here  and  there,  scattered  through  the  valleys,  might  be 
found  the  log  cabin  of  the  early  settlers,  with  some  few 
faint  indications  of  civilization  about  it.  These  were,  mere- 
ly, however,  the  indications  of  that  social  and  material  pros- 
perity which,  in  after  days,  might  crown  the  hill-tops  of 
West  Virginia.  For,  at  the  confluence  of  the  Coal  and  the 
Kanawha,  the  first  house  was  reared  by  Philip*  R.  Thomp- 
son, and  to  him  must  be  ascribed  the  honor  of  "settling," 
in  its  truest  sense,  that  portion  of  the  State. 

There  was  another  family  at  that  early  day,  which  had 
penetrated  into  the  Kanawha  Valley,  from  a  different  local- 
ity. The  Hudson  family  had  come  from  Pennsylvania,  and. 
some  eight  years  before  the  Thompsons,  had  established  their 
home  on  the  Kanawha.  They  located,  however,  at  a  point 
above  the  Coal,  and  opposite  to  that  side  of  the  river  chosen 
by  the  Thompson  family  for  their  plantation.  A  few  years 
after  the  arrival  of  the  latter,  the  Hudsons  moved  within 
the  limits  of  Bangor  Parish,  gave  it  this  name.  and.  hand  in 


650  The  Episcopal  Church 

hand  with  the  Thompsons,  from  that  time  to  the  present, 
have  endeavored  to  support  and  forward  its  interests. 

The  little  church  known  as  Bangor  Church,  was  built  not 
a  long-  time  after  the  Thompsons  came  to  Kanawha  Valley. 
The  land  was  donated  by  Morris  Hudson,  and  the  church 
was  built  by  the  united  exertions  of  that  family  and  the 
Thompsons  and  some  few  people  who  had  followed  them 
from  Eastern  Virginia  into  the  Valley.  This  church  contin- 
ued to  be  the  place  of  worship  of  the  Episcopal  congregation 
at  "Coal"  until  1845,  when  it  was  destroyed  by  fire.  In  1847 
or  1848  a  new  church  building  was  erected  upon  land  given 
by  Philip  R.  and  Francis  Thompson.  This  land  amounted 
to  ten  acres,  and  on  it  was  built  a  pleasant  parsonage.  The 
new  church  was  called  St.  Mark's,  and  up  to  the  time  of  the 
war  was  a  country  church  of  very  considerable  beauty.  But, 
when  the  war  desolated  the  fields  of  Kanawha  Valley,  the 
church  escaped  not  the  general  destruction.  It  was  to  a 
great  extent  torn  down  and  used  during  the  war  as  a  stable. 

When  peace  revisited  our  land,  the  old  church  people 
again  reassumed  possession  of  their  place  of  worship.  Many 
repairs  were  made;  the  church  was  rendered  tenable,  al- 
though, through  the  impoverishment  of  the  parish,  none 
were  able  to  do  what  they  would.  At  present  the  church  is 
in  partial  repair, — more  repairs  are  sorely  needed  to  bring 
it  up  to  its  condition  of  pristine  beauty  in  the  days  before 
the  war.  That  the  former  condition  should  be  restored 
should  be  the  prayer  of  all  its  children. 

Rev.  John  W.  Lea  had  charge  of  St.  Mark's  Church,  St. 
Albans,  from  October,  1878,  to  May  15,  1884.  He  died  May 
15,  1884,  at  Shadwell,  Va.,  and  was  buried  in  Teay's  Ceme- 
tery, St.  Albans,  May  16,  1884.  He  left  this  statement  in  the 
parish  register:  "A  plain  parsonage  was  built  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Stewart's  exertions  soon  alter  the  war.  This  was  renewed 
and  enlarged  and  improved  into  the  present  comfortable  and 
roomy  rectory, — one  of  the  best  in  the  State, — in  1880,  by 
Rev.  John  W.  Lea.  at  an  expense  of  $1,354.85,  over  $1,000  of 


in  West  Virginia.  t).~>l 

which  was  raised  by  his  exertions  among  friends  of  his  work 
in  the  church  at  large." 

The  Rev.  F.  B.  Nash  was  in  charge  of  Bangor  Parish,  living 
at  Coalsmouth,  from  the  spring  of  1845  to  February,  1852, 
and  was  instrumental  in  building  St.  Mark's  Church.  Mr. 
Nash  was  a  man  of  irreproachable  character  and  much  be- 
loved by  his  people.  He  left  a  large  family,  who  greatly  re- 
vere his  memory,  and  two  of  his  sons  are  now  in  the  minis- 
try of  his  church. 

List  of  clergymen  officiating  in  St.  Mark's  Church,  Bangor 
Parish,  St.  Albans  (Coalsmouth),  Kanawha  county.  West 
Virginia,  1859-1901:  Rev.  A.  J.  M.  Hudson,  Rev.  William 
G.  Stewart,  Rev.  Joseph  A.  Nock,  Rev.  Horace  E.  Hayden, 
Rev.  Charles  B.  Mee,  Rev.  David  Barr,  Rev.  Pendleton 
Brooke,  Rev.  John  W.  Lea,  Rev.  J.  B.  Fitzpatrick,  Rev.  C.  M. 
Campbell,  Rev.  Peter  Wager,  Rev.  John  R.  Joyner. 

So  far  as  I  can  gather  from  the  records  of  baptisms,  mar- 
riages and  burials,  in  the  register,  there  seems  to  have  been 
no  regular  pastor  from  the  Rev.  Francis  B.  Nash,  184S,  to 
Rev.  W.  G.  Stewart,  1867.  Between  those  dates,  I  find  two 
baptisms,  1849,  one  by  Rev.  James  Craik  and  one  by  Bishop 
Meade;  one  baptism,  1858,  by  Rev.  Samuel  D.  Tompkins;  one 
baptism,  1859,  by  Rev.  Francis  B.  Nash;  one  baptism.  1860, 
by  Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith;  two  baptisms,  1865.  by  Rev.  W. 
F.  M.  Jacobs.  The  next  comes  Rev.  William  G.  Stewart, 
1867,  who  seems  to  have  remained  only  a  few  months. 

Rev.  A.  J.  M.  Hudson  took  charge  of  St.  Mark's 
Church,  in  May,  1859,  and  served  acceptably  till  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war,  when  he  removed,  with 
his  family,  to  Wisconsin.  From  that  time  till  Mr.  Stu- 
art's pastorate,  in  1867,  the  church  building  was  in  ruins 
and  the  flock  scattered.  Among  those  in  charge  during  the 
years  that  followed  its  partial  restoration,  were  a  number 
of  good  and  faithful  men. — men  full  of  devotion  to  their 
work,    who,   under     more   propitious    circumstances,   might 


652  The  Episcopal  Chubch 

have  proved  pillars  of  strength  to  the  Church.  But  the  bad 
condition  of  financial  affairs  and  the  strained  social  rela- 
tions at  that  time  existing,  offered  little  encouragement  to 
stay,  and  their  rectorships  were,  for  the  most  part,  of  short 
duration.  Ill  health,  caused  by  the  dampness  of  the  Valley 
climate,  was  a  frequent  cause  of  change. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Lea,  for  nearly  six  years  rector  of  St.  Mark's, 
deserves  more  than  a  passing  notice.  He  was  full  of  zeal  in 
the  Master's  work,  and  was  greatly  beloved,  not  only  among 
his  own  people,  but  by  all  who  came  in  contact  with  him. 
The  Church  prospered  and  grew  under  his  ministry,  but  a 
career  so  full  of  promise  was  cut  short  by  death.  He  sleeps 
in  Teay's  Hill  Cemetery,  near  St.  Albans,  of  which  he  once 
said,  "What  a  glorious  spot  to  rise  from!"  Rev.  Pendleton 
Brooke  has  also  gone  to  his  reward. 

During  the  period  before  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia 
was  formed,  Bishop  Meade  visited  at  intervals  Bangor  Par- 
ish, and  some  still  recall  his  venerable  figure  as  he  minister- 
ed at  the  altar  or  laid  his  hands  in  blessing  on  their  heads. 
Bishop  Johns  and  Bishop  Whittle  also  came,  at  intervals, 
making  long  stage  journeys  across  the  Alleghanies,  and  their 
majestic  forms  as  they  stood  in  the  high  pulpit  towering- 
above  the  people  make  memory  pictures  well  worth  the 
keeping.  On  such  occasions,  old  St.  Mark's  was  always  well 
filled  with  interested  hearers. 

Commodore  Whittle,  a  brother  of  the  Bishop,  was,  during 
the  ministry  of  his  son-in-law,  Rev.  David  Barr,  a  much- 
valued  member  of  the  congregation.  So  noble  was  his  ap- 
pearance that  he  might  well  have  stood  for  a  picture  of  "The 
grand  old  man,"  and  his  influence  was  ever  of  the  best.  He 
made  many  warm  friends,  who  mourned  when  they  learned 
of  his  death. 

When  St.  Mark's  was  without  a  pastor,  the  church  at 
Charleston  did  what  it  could  to  supply  the  needs  of  the  par- 
ish.   By  deaths  among  the  older  people  and  many  removals, 


in  West  Virginia.  653 

(meaning  the  complete  extinction  of  several  prominent 
Church  families,)  the  number  of  communicants  has  in  later 
years  been  very  much  reduced.  In  St.  Mark's  least  prosper- 
ous days,  the  Sunday-school,  that  "Cradle  of  the  Church," 
has  been  faithfully  kept  up,  and  we  can  only  pray  that  the 
seed  sown  by  many  devoted  servants  of  Christ  may  yet 
spring  up  and  bear  fruit. 


654  The  Episcopal  Chi;k<h 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Records  continued.  Lewis,  Lincoln,  Logan,  Marion,  Marshall, 
Mason,  McDowell,  Mercer  Counties.  Churches  in  Weston, 
Fairmont,  Mannington,  Moundsville,  Cresaps,  Pt.  Pleasant, 
Mercer's  Bottom,  Mason  City,  Eckman,  Welch,  Princeton, 
Bramweli,  Bluefield,  &c. 


Lewis  county  was  formed  from  Harrison  in  1816,  and  was 
named  for  Colonel  Charles  Lewis,  killed  at  the  Battle  of 
Point  Pleasant,  1774.  Square  miles,  400.  Population— 1870, 
10.175;  1880,  13,261);  1890,  14,800;  1900,  16,980. 

St.  PauVs  Church,  Weston. — St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston, 
was  formally  organized  under  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Sam- 
uel D.  Tompkins  (a  most  modest  and  faithful  man)  in  Octo- 
ber, 1848,  as  the  record  shows.  Major  Thomas  Bland  pre- 
sided over  that  meeting,  which  was  held  in  a  school-house, 
and  Mr.  E.  M.  Tunstill,  of  blessed  memory,  was  the  secretary. 

In  a  report  sent,  subsequently,  to  Council, — when  Mr. 
Tompkins  visited  the  parish,  under  the  prosperous  rector- 
ship of  the  Rev.  W.  H.  H.  Powers, — he  writes,  that  he  is  de- 
lighted to  find  things  in  such  vigorous  health  and  such  bright 
contrast  to  the  times  when  he  organized  the  Church,  with 
"two  members."'  Who  these  two  members  were  is  not  posi- 
tively known.  Despite  the  fewmess  of  the  members,  the 
Church  must  have  been  favorably  received  in  the  community, 
as  Mr.  Tompkins,  in  this  same  letter,  refers  to  the  fact  that 
within  two  years  a  church  was  built  and  consecrated,  by 
Bishop  Meade.  This  would  give  1850  as  the  date  of  the  first 
building,  which  has  since  been  replaced  by  a  new  and  beau- 
tiful structure. 


in  West  Virginia.  655 

Mrs.  Miiierva  Edmiston,  of  Weston,  still  remembers  how, 
at  different  times,  Mr.  Tompkins  would  be  on  the  street  at 
church  time,  verily  followed  by  his  littfe  flock  as  a  shepherd 
is  followed  by  his  sheep. 

Before  Mr.  Tompkins'  ministry  in  Weston,  the  Rev.  Ovid 
A.  Kinsolving,  then  of  Christ  Church,  Clarksburg,  used  to 
minister  there.  Mr.  Kinsolving  was  afterwards,  for  many 
years,  Rector  of  the  church  in  Halifax  Court-House,  and  was 
the  father  of  the  Bishop  of  Texas,  and  the  Bishop  in  Brazil 
and  the  Rev.  A.  B.  Kinsolving.  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

Bishop  Meade,  in  his  book,  referring  to  the  zeal  and  energy 
of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Smith,  founder  of  Trinity  Church,  Park- 
ersburg,  narrates  the  fact  that  he  rode  eighty-five  miles  on 
horse-back  to  minister  to  the  "Little  Flock," — as  it  then 
was, — in  Clarksburg,  organized  the  Church  and  had  a  vestry 
elected.  Bishop  Meade  then  goes  on  to  say:  "The  Rev.  Mr. 
Kinsolving  was  the  next  settled  minister.  He  officiated  regu- 
larly at  Clarksburg  and  Weston  and  occasionally  at  Mor- 
gantown.  He  remained  about  a  year,  and  was  not  only  ac- 
ceptable to  his  own  people,  but  popular  with  all  classes.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  succeeded  him  in  Weston  and  preached 
occasionally  in  Clarksburg,  perhaps  once  a  month,  as  well 
as  at  other  places." 

To  this  he  adds:  "In  the  year  1S52,  the  Rev.  Robert  A. 
Castleman  went  to  Clarksburg,  and  was  soon  after  joined  by 
the  Rev.  James  Page,  and,  between  them,  they  supplied 
Clarksburg,  Weston,  Fairmont,  Morgantown  and  Buckhan- 
non  for  one  year,  when  the  former  confined  his  services  to 
Clarksburg  and  Fairmont,  and  the  latter  to  Weston  and 
Buckhannon.  During  the  residence  of  Mr.  Tompkins  in  Wes- 
ton,  and,  chiefly  by  his  exertions,  an  Episcopal  Church  was 
built  there.  During  Mr.  Castleman's  ministry,  one  has  been 
built  in  Clarksburg,  and  one  purchased  and  repaired  at  Fair- 
mont.'" 

Mr.  Robert  J.  McCandlish,  a  devout  and  holy  layman,  who 


<55ti  The  Episcopal  Ohurch 

moved  to  Weston  from  Norfolk,  about  1852,  and  lived  there 
twenty  years,  did  much  for  Christ  and  the  Church. 

After  the  faithful  ministry  of  the  Key.  Mr.  Page,  the  par- 
ish was  served  for  a  time  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Curtis,  of  whose 
ministry  little  is  known.  Rev.  T.  H.  Smythe  ministered  in 
Weston  for  several  years  preceding  the  war,  and  it  was 
under  his  ministry  that  the  rectory  was  built,  and,  as  the 
record  shows,  many  were  added  to  the  Church. 

The  Rev.  Henry  T.  Sharp  came  in  1869,  and  remained  about 
one  year.  During  his  ministry,  the  spire  of  the  church  was 
built.  He  took  great  pains  to  put  the  records  of  the  Church 
in  proper  shape  and  ministered  faithfully  to  the  people. 
That  saintly,  holy  man,  the  Rev.  Andrew  Fisher,  succeeded 
him  and  remained  about  three  years,  closing  his  earthly  min- 
istry there,  and  entering  Paradise  from  St.  Paul's  rectory, 
February,  1874,  having  done  more  good  than  will  ever  be 
known  during  the  present  Dispensation. 

The  Rev.  A.  A.  McDonough  came  next,  and  remained  dur- 
ing several  years  of  faithful  ministry.  He  was  a  most  eru- 
dite and  scholarly  man,  and  faithful  minister  of  the  Gospel. 
He  married,  while  in  charge  of  the  Church,  Miss  Florence 
Brannon,  daughter  of  Judge  Brannon. 

The  Rev.  W.  H.  H.  Powers  came  next,  in  1880,  and  remain- 
ed about  three  years.  Under  his  ministry,  a  recess  Chancel 
was  added  to  the  Church,  extensive  repairs  and  improve- 
ments made  to  the  rectory,  and  a  large  number  added  to  the 
Church,  and  the  charitable  and  other  contributions  largely 
increased.  The  Rev.  J.  W.  Keeble  succeeded  Mr.  Powers,  in 
1883,  and  remained  a  little  over  three  years.  He  was  warmly 
beloved,  and  a  large  number  confessed  Christ  under  his  min- 
istry and  were  confirmed.  The  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy  succeeded 
him,  taking  charge  of  the  Church  May  22,  1886,  and  remain- 
ing more  than  seven  years,  a  longer  pastorate  than  any  of 
his  predecessors  so  far  as  the  records  show.  Under  his  min- 
istry it  was  decided  to  build  a  new  church.  This  was  first 
proposed  by  the  Hon.  W.  G.  Bennett,  now  the  distinguished 


REV.    ANDREW    GLASSELL    GRIN.VAN. 


ST.    PAUL'S,    WESTON. 


REV.  W.  H.  POWERS. 


RECTORY,  WESTON. 


i\  West  Virginia.  t>57 

Judge  ou  the  Bench  of  the  Circuit  Court,  who  has  ever  since 
been  a  generous  contributor  to  this  worthy  enterprise.  A 
fund  of  several  thousand  dollars  was  raised  lor  the  purpose 
of  building  a  new  St.  Paul's.  The  contributions  largely  in- 
creased and  rose  to  more  than  $2,000  per  annum,  and  when 
Dr.  Lacy  left,  in  ISOo,  about  $5,000  had  been  raised. 

During  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Powers,  Keeble  and 
Lacy  services  were  occasionally  held  in  Jacksonville  and 
liurnsville.  The  removal  of  the  few  members  we  had  at  these 
points,  and  their  incorporation  into  other  churches,  has  re- 
sulted in  the  discontinuance  of  the  services. 

One  hundred  persons  were  confirmed  during  Dr.  Lacy's 
pastorate  in  Weston  and  in  the  neighboring  counties  served 
by  him,  of  whom  seventy-five  were  confirmed  in  Weston.  He 
ministered  regularly  in  Buckhannon,  Upshur  county,  and  at 
Spruce  Run,  about  six  miles  from  Buckhannon,  and  occa- 
sionally in  Pocahontas,  Braxton  and  Randolph  counties. 

The  vestry  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston,  in  189o,  were  Mr. 
Er.  Ralston  and  Mr.  A.  A.  Warren,  Wardens,  and  .Messrs.  D. 
M.  Bailey,  W.  (1.  Harrison,  R.  H.  Harrison,  J.  W.  Williams, 
E.  M.  Vandervort,  Hon.  A.  A.  Lewis,  Hon.  W.  E.  Lively, 
Hon.  Louis  Bennett,  Prof.  J.  W.  Bonner  and  Dr.  J.  S.  Lewis. 

Dr.  Lacy  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  William  llullihen 
Burkhardt,  who  held  his  first  service  as  Rector  on  the  third 
Sunday  in  .January,  1894.  J I  was  during  his  ministry  that 
the  present  beautiful  church  was  begun  and  completed.  On 
his  arrival,  he  found  $4,500  in  bank  for  the  new  church.  The 
lot  was  gotten  by  exchanging  with  the  Baptist  congregation 
our  old  church  building  and  lot  for  their  lot.  The  vestry 
also  procured  the  ground  upon  which  the  old  rink  was 
located,  $1,050  being  paid  for  the  same.  The  corner-stone 
was  laid  July  25th,  1805,  the  Masonic  fraternity  assisting. 
The  Rev.  R.  R.  Swope,  D.  J).,  of  Wheeling,  making  an  ad- 
dress, and  the  Rector  giving  a  history  of  the  beginning  of 
the  Church  in  Weston.  The  building  of  the  church  was  a 
large  undertaking,  but.  by  the  loyal  support  of  St.   Paul's 


658  The  Episcopal  Church 

congregation  and  the  earnest  work  of  the  vestry,  it  was  ac- 
complished. It  was  built  of  hard  stone  (rough),  slate  roof, 
vaulted  and  finished  inside  in  oak.  It  is  built  in  the  shape 
of  a  cross.  In  the  left  transcept  is  a  beautiful  font ;  the  right 
transcept  is  separated  from  the  nave  by  a  rolling  partition, 
and  is  used  as  a  Sunday-school  and  lecture-room.  There  is 
also  a  rector's  study  and  a  robing-room,  on  either  side  of 
the  chancel.  It  is  lighted  by  eighty  incandescent  electric 
lights  and  heated  by  natural  gas  furnace.  It  seats  about 
400.  Before  the  walls  were  completed  the  contractor  failed 
and  the  congregation  had  to  carry  on  the  work  themselves. 
This  failure,  on  the  part  of  the  contractor,  was  a  severe  loss. 
The  money  for  the  building  of  the  church  came  almost  en- 
tirely from  Weston.  The  three  beautiful  chancel  windows 
are  memorials  to  two  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Louis  Bennett, 
placed  there  by  the  parents  and  relatives  of  said  children. 

The  font  (white  marble  and  an  exquisite  work  of  art)  is  a 
memorial  to  James  Maxwell  Bennett,  eldest  son  of  Louis 
and  Sallie  Maxwell  Bennett,  who  placed  it  there. 

The  large  window,  in  the  left  trancept,  is  a  memorial  to  R. 
J.  McCandlish  and  R.  P.  Camden.  It  was  placed  there  by 
the  Young  People's  Society  and  Mrs.  Flora  Camden. 

A  memorial  window  to  Thomas  Bland  and  Mary  Newton 
Bland  was  placed  b}r  relatives.  A  memorial  window  to  Fanny 
Harrison  was  placed  by  her  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  M.  W. 
Harrison.  A  memorial  window  to  Sarah  Bailey  and  also  one 
to  George  Bastable,  were  placed  by  their  respective  grand- 
children. A  memorial  window  to  Lucile  Bonner  was  placed 
by  her  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  W.  Bonner. 

The  large  memorial  window  in  the  lecture-room,  to  Rev. 
Andrew  Fisher,  was  originally  in  the  old  church,  placed 
there  by  the  congregation. 

The  Holy  Table  was  given  by  ihe  Young  People's  Society. 
The  chancel  rail,  by  Mrs.  J.  H.  Edwards'  Sunday-school  class. 
The  lecturn,  by  Mrs.  Henry  Brannon.  The  pulpit,  by  Mrs.  A. 
G.  Giffin.    The  rolling  partition,  by  the  Pastor's  Aid.     The 


in  West  Virginia.  659 

bell  is  a  memorial  to  John  Jennings  Gibson,  given  by  his 
parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  W.  Gibson.  The  belfry  was 
completed  by  Messrs.  E.  M.  Vandervort  and  E.  G.  Davisson. 

The  last  payment  on  the  church  was  made  July  30th.  1900. 
Cost,  116,215.46.  Two  thousand  dollars  had  been  borrowed 
from  the  Church  Building  Fund  Commission.  This  was  paid 
back,  with  full  interest.  Mr.  Burkhardt's  last  service  as 
Rector  was  July  29th,  1900.  The  church  was  consecrated 
September  13th,  1900,  by  Right  Rev.  W.  L.  Gravatt  —  Rev. 
T.  H.  Lacy,  D.  D.,  preaching  the  sermon. 

During  Mr.  Burkhardt's  ministry,  he  found  many  outlying 
points  to  be  supplied.  Therefore,  he  gave  but  three  Sundays 
to  Weston.  He  held  service  regularly  at  Buckhannon,  where 
there  was  a  church  building,  and  at  Sutton,  where  he  preach- 
ed in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South.  Also,  he  minis- 
tered regularly  to  a  congregation  at  Spruce  Run,  where  he 
found  an  uncompleted  church  building.  In  the  spring  of  1897, 
St.  John's  Chapel  was  completed  at  Sutton. 

In  1890  the  Chapel  at  Spruce  Run  was  completed, — the 
work  being  done  by  a  lay-reader  (now  Rev.  W.  L.  Davis),  with 
the  Rev.  A.  K.  Fenton  in  charge.  Rev.  T.  E.  Swan,  Deacon, 
was  pu1  in  charge  of  Buckhannon  and  Sutton  (1898.)  In  LS99, 
Mr.  Swan  moved  to  Wellsburg  and  R.  C.  Caswell  was  placed 
in  charge,  continuing  there  until  September,  1900.  Since  1897, 
the  Rector's  whole  time  was  given  to  St.  Paul's,  Weston. 

In  1898,  Mr.  Burkhardt  began  the  establishment  of  regular 
services  at  Middle  Run  School-house,  four  miles  to  the  south- 
west of  \Wston,  and  at  present  there  is  an  encouraging  out- 
look for  a  strong  mission  in  i  h<>  future. 

Sunday,  September  23d,  Rev.  Andrew  Glassell  Grinnan 
preached  his  first  sermon  as  Rector  of  the  parish.  At  that 
time  the  vestry  was  composed  of  D.  M.  Bailey,  Er.  Ralston, 
Wardens;  E.  G.  Davisson.  Louis  Bennett,  William  E.  Lively, 
E.  M.  Vandervort,  John  S.  Lewis,  Albert  A.  Lewis,  A.  H. 
Kunst.  R.  H.  Harrison.  John  S.  .Mitchell  and  James  Ralston. 


<>G(>  The  Episcopal  Church 

Resolutions  of  the  Vestry,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston,  W.  Va.,  on 
the  Occasion  of  the  Death  of  Mr.  R.  J.  McCandlish. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Vestry  of  Saint  Paul's  Church,  Wes- 
ton, Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  held  at  the  National  Ex- 
change Bank  of  Weston,  on  Thursday,  February  27,  1890,  the 
following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopt- 
ed: 

Whereas,  it  has  pleased  our  wise  and  merciful  Heavenly 
Father  to  call  to  his  reward  Robert  J.  McCandlish,  Esq., 
late  of  Parkersburg,  and  for  many  years  a  resident  of  this 
town  and  a  member  of  the  Vestry  of  this  Church;  therefore, 
be  it 

Kesolved,  I.,  That  we  have  learned  with  sincere  regret  of 
the  death  of  this  most  estimable  Christian  gentleman. 

Kesolved,  II.,  That  this  Vestry  and  this  Church,  this  con- 
gregation and  this  community,  have  reason  to  treasure  ten- 
derly the  memory  of  Mr.  McCandlish.  Coming  here,  from 
Norfolk,  Va.,  about  the  year  1851,  when  not  only  was  our 
Church  in  its  infancy,  having  only  been  organized  in  1848, 
and  the  church  building  erected  in  1850,  and  our  dock  then 
indeed  a  "Little  Flock;"  the  town  was  then  very  small  (the 
statistical  gazeteer  of  the  United  States,  for  the  year  1858, 
putting  the  population  at  250),  and  religious  service  of  any 
kind  were  not  near  so  frequent  or  regular  as  now,  and  this, 
our  good  brother,  as  the  friend  of  humanity  in  a  large  and 
exalted  sense,  performed  many  kindly  offices  most  generally 
performed  by  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and  as  that  word  min- 
ister means  servant,  he  was  in  the  best  sense,  as  the  great 
Apostle  would  say,  ''the  servant  of  all  men,"  and  we  do  not 
believe  a  man  more  generally  and  unanimously  beloved  ever 
lived  in  this  community, — noble,  pu re-hearted,  generous, 
humble  Christian. 

He  acted  here  for  a  long  time  as  vestryman,  lay-reader 
and  Sunday-school  superintendent,  and  was  in  many  ways, 
without  exaggeration,  so  far  as  man  could  do  so,  the  life  of 
the  Church.     He  represented  this  Church  in  the  Council  of 


ix  West  Virginia.  661 

the  Diocese  of  Virginia  as  far  hack  as  1853;  he  lived  here 
from  1831  to  July,  1872,  when  he  removed  to  Parkersburg, 
leaving  behind  the  record  of  a  faithful  life  well  spent,  the 
sweet  aroma  of  which  still  lingers  here,  and  having  planted 
many  good  seeds,  which  even  now  are  bearing  fruit,  to  the 
glory  and  praise  of  our  Merciful  Saviour  and  Heavenly  Fath- 
er; and,  though  moving  to  a  larger  and  busier  town  and  hav- 
ing many  pressing  duties  resting  on  him,  he  never  lost  his 
interest  in  this  Church  or  the  people  of  this  community. 

Resolved,  III.,  That  we  recognize  his  loss  as  one  which 
not  only  we  are  privileged  to  share  with  his  friends  in  Park- 
ersburg,  but  that  his  death  is  a  calamity  to  the  Church  in 
the  entire  Diocese  of  West  Virginia.  He  was  one  of  those, 
who  now  rapidly  are  passing  away,  who  wisely  promoted 
the  organization  of  a  new  Diocese  in  1877. 

The  worth  of  his  services  was  speedily  recognized,  and  he 
was  elected  treasurer  of  the  Diocese  at  the  primary  conven- 
tion, which  met  in  the  city  of  Charleston,  in  December.  1877, 
and  he  has  served  in  that  capacity  ever  since,  discharging 
faithfully  the  duties  of  that  onerous  office,  and  with  kind- 
ness to  all  concerned,  moreover  promoting  the  zeal  of  others 
by  his  own. 

lie  was  regularly  elected  to  each  succeeding  General  Con- 
vention from  the  organization  of  the  Diocese,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  first  one,  1880. 

Resolved,  IV.,  We  believe  our  loss  and  the  loss  of  the 
Diocese  is  his  blessed  and  eternal  gain, — snrely,  it'  ever  a 
Christian  found  rest  and  peace  in  death,  he  has  found  it.  We 
seem  almost  to  hear  the  words  of  his  dear  Lord,  and  ours, 
addressed  to  him  as  he  stood  robed  in  light  on  the  further 
shore  of  death's  dark  river,  "Well  done,  thou  good  and  faith- 
ful servant;  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 

Resolved,  V.,  That  to  his  bereaved  wife  and  children  we 
tender  our  sincerest  sympathy.  We  know  so  well  how  gen- 
tle  and  loving  was  his  hone'  life,  and  how  much  they  mourn 
i lie  hiss  of  this  devoted  husband  and  father. 


662  The  Episcopal  Church 

Resolved,  VI.,  That  a  copy  of  this  preamble,  and  these 
resolutions,  be  sent  to  Mrs.  McCandlish,  at  Parkersburg,  a 
copy  spread  on  our  record,  and  a  copy  be  sent  to  the  Church 
News. 

(Signed)  E.  M.  Vandervort,  Registrar. 

The  following  letter,  from  Bishop  Meade,  is  likely  to  be  of 
interest: 

Millwood,  Aug.  2d,  1852. 
To  the  Vestry  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  in  Weston: 

Gentlemen — I  have  set  apart,  from  the  young  men  recent- 
ly ordained,  the  most  promising  and  efficient  one  for  Western 
Virginia,  wishing  him  to  labor  for  that  part  of  it,  which  lies 
nearest  the  Allegheny  Mountains.  Clarksburg  and  Fairmont 
are  desirous  of  ministerial  services  and  would  gladly  have  a 
minister  entirely  to  themselves,  but  so  difficult  is  it  to  send 
suitable  ministers  in  sufficient  numbers  for  the  present  need, 
so  impossible  is  it  indeed,  that  the  Bishops,  in  disposing  of 
the  young  ministers,  are  obliged  to  make  one  answer  for 
many  places.  I  have,  therefore,  determined  to  offer  one  to 
Clarksburg,  Fairmont  and  Weston,  to  preach  every  third 
Sunday  at  each  place,  occasionally  visiting  other  places  dur- 
ing the  week.  There  are  a  number  of  destitute  congrega- 
tions in  Kanawha,  not  less  than  six,  who  will  gladly  receive 
him,  and  I  have  requested  him,  after  visiting  Fairmont, 
Clarksburg  and  Weston,  to  go  to  Kanawha  and  judge  for 
himself  as  to  the  path  of  duty.  But  I  hope  that  he  will  re- 
ceive such  encouragement  from  the  lirst-mentioned  places  as 
to  prefer  bestowing  his  labors  there.  Between  these  three 
places,  I  should  hope  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  raising 
for  Mr.  Castleman  the  sum  of  $500;  but,  if  there  should  be, 
I  will  endeavor  to  get  .$100  from  the  Missionary  Society  to 
make  it  up.  While  I  recommend  it  to  the  members  and 
friends  of  the  Church  to  avail  themselves  of  this  opportunity 
to  get  the  partial  services  of  Mr.  Castleman,  at  the  present 
time,  I  hope  it  will  not  be  long  before  another  minister  be 


in  West  Virginia.  663 

found  to  divide  the  duties  of  the  large  field  of  labor,  which 
your  region  of  country  opens  to  a  missionary. 

Mr.  Castlenian  is  recently  married  to  a  very  suitable  lady, 
and  will  leave  this  county,  which  is  his  native  place,  for 
West  Virginia,  in  two  weeks  from  this  time.  On  Sunday, 
the  22d,  he  expects  to  preach  at  Fairmont,  during  the  week 
at  Clarksburg,  and  on  Sunday,  the  29th,  at  Weston.  He  will 
then,  I  expect,  go  on  to  Parkersburg  and  down  the  river  to 
Point  Pleasant,  and  up  to  Kanawha. 

I  shall  be  pleased  to  hear  from  the  vestry,  or  any  member 
of  it,  on  this  subject. 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

W.  Meade. 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia. 

Lincoln. 

Lincoln  county  was  formed  out  of  parts  of  Cabell,  Putnam, 
Kanawha  and  Boone,  and  named  in  honor  of  President  Lin- 
coln. Square  miles,  460.  Population— 1870,  5,053;  1880, 
8,739;  1890,  11,170;  1900,  15,434. 

Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Lincoln  in  October,  1882,  and 
preached  in  the  court-house.  He  found  no  Church  people 
there,  and  has  not  been  able  since  to  repeat  the  visit. 

Logan. 

This  county  was  formed  from  parts  of  Giles,  Tazewell,  <  a- 
bell  and  Kanawha,  and  named  from  Logan,  the  famous 
.Mingo  chieftain.  Square  miles,  in  1890,  800;  1900,  443. 
Population— 1870,  5,124;  1880,  7,329;  1890,  11,095;  1900,  6,955. 

Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Logan  county,  in  October,  1882, 
and  preached  in  the  court-house.  He  was  accompanied  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Lacy.  Together  they  made  a  long  trip  on  horse- 
back, starting  from  Hinton,  and  holding  services  at  Prince- 
ton, McDowell  Court-House,  Wyoming  Court-House,  Logan 
Court-House,  Boone  Court-House  and  Raleigh.  Again,  in 
October,  L891,  Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Logan,  riding  over 
from   Charleston.     He   was   hospitably   entertained   by   Mr. 


(><>4  The  Kfiscopal.  Church 

Hatfield.  From  Logan  Court-House,  the  Bishop  continued 
his  ride  over  to  Dingess,  on  the  Norfolk  and  Western  Rail- 
road, where  he  also  held  services.  At  this  visit  to  Logan 
Oourt-House.  a  great  improvement  was  noted  in  the  village, 
but,  in  the  absence  of  any  constituency,  there  was  no  special 
encouragement  to  attempt  any  regular  services;  and,  indeed, 
it  would  have  been  beyond  our  power  to  do  so. 

Marion. 

Marion  was  formed  from  Monongalia  and  Harrison,  in 
1842,  and  named  for  General  Francis  Marion.  Square  miles, 
300.  Population— 1870,  12,107;  1880,  17,198;  1890,  20,501; 
1900,  32,430. 

Christ  Church,  Fairmont. — In  1848-'9,  Messrs.  Thos  Steele 
and  John  Kearsley  moved,  with  their  families,  to  this  town. 
They  were  Episcopalians,  but,  having  no  Church  of  their 
own,  the  services  were  first  held  in  John  Kearsley's  parlor, 
later  in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  In  the  autumn  of  1852, 
Right  Rev.  Y/illiam  Meade,  accompanied  by  Rev.  Messrs. 
Castleman  and  Tompkins,  held  services  in  the  Methodist 
Church.  About  this  time  the  Rev.  Mr.  Castleman  took 
charge,  and  he  has  been  known  as  the  founder  of  the  Church. 
As  the  congregation  increased,  it  was  decided  to  buy  the  old 
Methodist  Church,  which  was  done,  and,  after  needed  re- 
pairs had  been  made,  it  was  consecrated  by  Bishop  Meade, 
assisted  by  Rev.  Messrs.  Castleman,  Page  and  Perjrins,  in 
1854.  The  vestry  was  regularly  organized,  and  Thomas  G. 
JSteele  and  Colonel  Thomas  Hayinond  were  the  Wardens. 
The  other  members  of  the  vestry  were  Thomas  G.  Watson, 
Thomas  F.  Watson,  George  H.  Sprigg  and  Charles  H.  Mat- 
thews. The  Rev.  Mr.  Castleman  resided  at  Clarksburg,  and 
came  to  Fairmont  once  a  month.  Ue  remained  in  charge 
ur.til  1857;  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Mr.  Broadnax,  who 
served  a  little  less  than  a  year,  and  then  was  called  to  Illi- 
nois. In  1858,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jacobs,  from  Virginia,  took 
charge  of  this  parish  and  that  at:  Moundsville.     He  served 


CHRIST  CHURCH,    IAIKMONT. 


THOMAS  G.    STEELE 


RT.    REV.    C.    C.    PEN1CK,    D.    D. 


ix  West  Virginia.  665 

until  about  the  time  of  the  beginning  of  the  war.  The  Rev. 
J.  J.  Page,  formerly  from  Virginia,  then  came  from  Browns- 
ville and  took  charge  of  the  congregation  and  served  until 
some  time  in  1862.  The  vestry  was  changed  in  1861,  and  the 
following  were  elected:  Colonel  Thomas  Haymond,  Sr. 
Warden;  Charles  H.  Matthews,  Jr.  Warden;  Thomas  Steele, 
Treasurer;  Joseph  E.  Sands,  Registrar;  Alpheus  Haymond. 
\\  hen  Mr.  Page  resigned,  in  1862,  and  was  set  across  the 
lines  to  Virginia,  for  a  time,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Curtis,  who  was  in 
charge  of  the  parish  at  Clarksburg,  gave  monthly  services 
to  the  Church  at  Fairmont.  He  left,  in  1863,  and  the  Rev. 
John  F.  Woods  took  charge. 

October  21,  1875,  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Gibbons  took  charge  of 
the  parish,  and,  the  old  church  being  considered  unsafe,  ac- 
tion was  taken  towards  building  a  new  one  on  the  old  site. 
Until  the  new  building  was  completed,  services  w7ere  held  in 
store-rooms  and  churches  loaned  by  other  denominations. 
The  old  church  was  torn  down,  in  the  autumn  of  1879,  and 
the  first  service  was  held  in  the  new  on  August  2,  1880.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons  remained  until  1885,  and  was  succeeded 
by  the  Rev.  Howard  McQueary,  who  remained  about  two 
years,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Austin  Rodrick.  Mr. 
Rodrick  remained  about  one  year,  and,  after  he  left,  the  Rev. 
John  Ambler  gave  the  parish  occasional  services,  until  the 
Rev.  John  Foster  took  charge  in  1893.  Mr.  Foster  resigned 
in  1895,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Luther  W.  Doggett. 
During  this  administration,  services  were  held  in  a  school- 
house  at  Smithtown,  and  in  borrowed  churches  at  Monongah 
occasionally,  and  a  few  hundred  dollars  were  accumulated 
for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  church  building  at  the  latter 
place.  On  September  15th,  1899,  Rev.  Luther  W.  Doggett 
resigned,  and  Light  Rev.  Charles  Clifton  Penick,  D.  D.,  was 
called  and  came  and  took  charge  of  the  Church.  He  found 
about  one  hundred  names  on  the  list  of  communicants,  and 
an  aecnmnlated  indebtedness  on  running  expenses  of  about 


666  The  Episcopal  Church 

#1,000.  The  church  building  was  in  good  repair,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Doggett  having  accomplished  much  in  this  respect. 

The  town  of  Fairmont  has  grown  to  have  over  5.000  in- 
habitants, and  is  fast  becoming  a  great  center  of  coal  opera- 
tions in  the  State.  For  some  reason,  our  Church  in  Fair- 
mont has  not  kept  pace  with  the  other  branches  of  the 
Church, — whose  combined  membership  now  reaches  some- 
thing like  2,000  souls.  It  is  true  that  the  Episcopal  Church 
numbered,  amidst  its  small  constituency,  some  of  the  most 
prominent  and  influential  people  of  the  community;  but  it  is 
also  true,  that,  at  this  time,  there  appeared  to  be  a  great 
lack  of  spiritual  life  throughout  the  entire  community. 
Material  prosperity,  with  its  rapid  developments,  sweeps  and 
sways  the  hearts  and  minds  of  men,  while  the  enemy  works 
on  continually,  sowing  tares.  It  is  a  hard  struggle  to  over- 
come such  powerful  influence  for  corruption  and  destruction, 
and  to  turn  a  perilous  prosperity  into  the  service  of  God  and 
the  uplifting  of  the  people.  "Loyal  hearts  and  true"  are 
deep  in  the  struggle,  battling  with  hope  on  their  side,  know- 
ing God  is  with  them,  but  the  battle  is  very  hard  and  the 
victory  comes  slowiy.  Worldliness,  with  new-gotten  wealth, 
surges  like  a  rising  flood,  but,  where  "sin  abounds,  grace 
doth  much  more  abound,"  and  slowly  the  Church  of  God 
asserts  her  power  and  sends  out  her  life  of  hope. 

Mr.  Joseph  E.  Sands  took  charge  of  the  Sunday-school  of 
the  parish,  as  superintendent,  in  1859,  and  continued  at  its 
head  until  soon  after  Bishop  Penick  took  charge.  He  then 
turned  it  over  to  his  son,  Dr.  William  H.  Sands.  During  the 
years'  1895  and  1890.  while  Mr.  Sands  was  absent  from  home, 
his  son  Oliver  was  in  charge  as  assistant  superintendent. 

In  addition  to  the  members  of  the  vestry  already  mention- 
ed, the  following  have  served:  W.  .lames  Morrow,  Jr..  A.  B. 
Fleming,  J.  N.  Gould,  J.  C.  Smith  and  William  Nuzum. 

Smithtown,  or,  While  Day. — At  gmithtown  about  ten 
miles  north  of  Fairmont,  occasional  services  have  been  held 
by  the  Rectors   of  Christ   Church,   Fairmont.     In    company 


in  West  Virginia.  667 

with  them,  the  Bishop  has  visited  this  point,  and  held  ser- 
vices nine  times,  confirming  three  persons,  none  of  whom 
would  probably  have  been  reached  elsewhere.  Our  Church- 
people  in  this  neighborhood  are  attached  to  the  Church  in 
Fairmont,  and  generally  attend  there,  but,  at  places  like 
this,  were  it  possible  to  maintain  an  occasional  service,  we 
would  reach  a  large  number  of  persons,  who  must  otherwise 
remain  in  entire  ignorance  of  our  ways.  Even,  by  semi- 
occasional  services,  something  may  be  done  to  break  down 
prejudice  and  to  prepare  the  way  for  better  times. 

Monongah. — The  Rev.  Mr.  Rodrick,  in  charge  of  Fairmont, 
1800,  began  services  in  Monongah,  and,  although  there  were 
very  few  Church-people  in  the  settlement,  yet  considerable 
interest  was  shown.  A  lot  was  secured  and  $450  raised  to 
build  a  chapel.  At  this  time  of  writing,  July,  1001,  the  money 
is  in  the  hands  of  the  Bishop.  In  1800,  1801,  1804  and  1808, 
the  Bishop  visited  this  point,  with  Mr.  Roderick,  Mr.  Fos- 
ter, and  Mr.  Doggett.  It  has  not  seemed  possible,  however, 
to  keep  up  the  services,  and  we  are  now  awaiting  further 
developments. 

Mannington. — During  his  rectorship,  at  Fairmont,  which 
extended  up  to  1885,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons  held  occasional 
services  at  Mannington,  and  those  who  succeeded  him  fol- 
lowed his  example.  The  Bishops  have  made  perhaps 
twenty  visitations  to  this  point.  The  town  has  grown  in  size 
and  importance,  specially  owing  to  the  development  of  the 
oil  field,  of  which  it  was  the  center.  Services  were,  for  a 
long  time,  held  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  which  was  kind- 
ly put  at  our  disposal. 

In  his  report  to  the  Council  of  1801,  Mr.  Foster  says:  A 
beautiful  lot  has  been  purchased  at  Mannington,  at  a  cost  of 
$300,  and  it  is  proposed  to  build,  this  summer.  In  his  report 
to  the  Council  in  1804,  Mr.  Foster  says,  We  are  now  worship- 
ping in  our  new  church,  although  it  is  not  yet  finished. 

The  subsequent  history  of  this  mission  has  not  been  en- 
couraging.    The  church  building,  undertaken  with  great  zeal 


<j(>8  The  Episcopal  Church 

and  pushed  forward  with  self-denying  energy,  received  the 
Dame  of  St.  Andrew's,  and  the  mission  was  duly  organized. 
Mrs.  L.  G.  Robinson,  Mrs.  Burt,  Mrs.  Shuey  and  Mr.  Dieta 
wore  specially  active  in  the  work.  But  it  was  found  that 
such  mistakes  had  been  made  in  the  building,  especially  the 
foundation,  as  entailed  a  great  deal  more  expense  than  was 
contemplated,  and  other  complications  arising  as  to  the 
payment  of  a  considerable  debt  that  had  accumulated,  while 
the  church  was  far  from  finished,  it  is  at  this  time  of  writing 
(July,  1901)  seriously  contemplated  to  abandon  the  present 
building,  which  has  been  somewhat  wrecked  by  storms,  and 
to  make  an  entirely  new  start.  We  cannot  believe  that  the 
labor  spent  has  been  altogether  in  vain.  It  has  shown  and 
developed  interest,  and,  even  though  the  mission  has  not 
prospered  of  late  years,  yet  we  look  forward  to  the  time 
when  it  will  revive  and  flourish. 

For  a  short  time  after  Bishop  Penick  took  charge  of  Fair- 
mont, in  the  spring  of  1899,  an  effort  was  made  to  unite 
Manning-ton  with  Sutton  and  Buckhannon,  and  the  whole  put 
under  the  care  of  Rev.  Robert  C.  Caswall,  but  the  circuit 
proved  100  extensive,  and,  after  a  short  trial,  the  plan  was 
abandoned. 

Marshall. 

Marshall  county  was  formed  from  Ohio  county,  in  1835, 
and  named  for  Chief  Justice  Marshall.  Square  miles,  240. 
Population— 1870,  14,941;  1880,  18,840;  1890,  20,626;  1900, 
2(1,444. 

Trinity  Chunk,  Mowndsviile. —  The  first  Episcopal  services 
held  in  this  parish  were  conducted  by  the  Rev.  William  Arm- 
strong, of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling.  He  preached 
occasionally  in  the  court-house  during  the  years  from  1837- 
1847,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  for  the  first  time  in 
the  parish  in  1846.  During  his  visits  he  sometimes  adminis- 
tered the  sacrament  of  baptism.  Other  visiting  clergymen 
occasionally  held  services  in  the  court-house.     In  1845,  the 


i.\  West  Virginia.  669 

Rev.  William  Armstrong  urged  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  to 
send  a  Rector  to  the  parish,  as  the  number  of  families  at- 
tached to  the  Church  had  increased  and  the  field  was  prom- 
ising. Bishop  Meade  appointed  the  Rev.  William  L.  Hyland. 
who  took  charge,  in  1849,  of  Moundsville  and  Wellsburg,  re- 
maining eight  years.  During  this  time,  the  first  churHi 
building  was  erected,  at  a  cost  of  $1,700.  It  was  consecrated 
by  Bishop  Meade  in  1854,  the  corner-stone  having  been  laid 
in  1853,  Mr.  Armstrong  assisting. 

The  first  Episcopal  visitation  to  Moundsville  was  in  No- 
vember, 1850,  when  Bishop  Johns  confirmed  eight,  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  The  Rev.  William  F.  M.  Jacobs  suc- 
ceeded Mr.  Hyland,  in  Trinity  Parish,  having  also  under  his 
charge  Christ  Church,  Fairmont.  The  Rev.  David  J.  Lee  suc- 
ceeded Mr.  Jacobs,  preaching  for  the  first  time  in  the  parish 
July  15,  1860.  He  resigned,  in  April,  1861,  and  the  Rev.  John 
F.  Woods  took  charge  October  1,  1864.  Mr.  Woods  remained 
in  charge  until  I860,  when  he  removed  to  Fairmont.  After 
his  removal,  he  still  held  services  regularly  for  some  time, 
and  the  records  of  the  parish  show  that,  for  years  after- 
wards, he  was  frequently  called  upon  for  services  and  official 
acts.  During  his  pastorate,  a  Young  Ladies'  Seminary  was 
opened  and  made  a  successful  start. 

In  lbl>>,  from  spring  to  autumn,  the  Rev.  Thomas  <>. 
Tongue  was  in  charge.  December  1,  1876,  the  Rev.  J.  F. 
Woods  took  charge  a  second  time,  continuing  until  January, 
187!),  while  residing  in  Clarksburg.  During  1874,  '75  and  '77, 
the  Rev.  J.  Rambo,  of  Bellaire,  O.,  made  occasional  visits  and 
performed  a  number  of  official  acts.  May,  1879,  the  Rev.  A. 
Buchanan  took  charge  of  the  parish,  remaining  until  1884. 
August  10,  1884,  the  Rev.  R.  Grattan  Noland,  Deacon,  was, 
by  Bishop  Peterkin,  placed  in  charge  of  this  parish  and 
Christ  Church,  Wellsburg.  In  May,  1885,  he  resigned,  and 
the  Rev.  K.  J.  Hammond  was  called.  Mr.  Hammond  took 
•  barge,  July.  1885,  and  resigned  June.  1886.  About  this  time, 
for  various  reasons  affecting  the  welfare  of  the  congrega 


<)?(>  The  Episcopal  Church 

tion,  it  was  thought  advisable  to  build  a  new  church  and  a 
rectory  on  other  lots,  given  by  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods  and  Mrs. 
Ellen  Caldwell  and  her  children,  for  that  purpose.  These  lots 
had  been  set  apart,  in  1866,  but  formally  given  during  Mr. 
Buchanan's  rectorate.  The  plan  took  shape  gradually.  In 
March,  1SS7,  the  old  church  building  was  sold  to  a  business 
firm.  A  contract  was  signed,  October  17,  1887,  for  a  Gothic 
frame  building  (38x50  feet),  with  an  addition  on  the  side  for 
a  Sunday-school  room.  Ground  was  broken  at  once,  and  the 
corner-stone  was  laid  December  1,  1887,  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Swope,  of  Wheeling,  President  of  the  Convocation,  in  which 
this  parish  lies,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Woods,  Ham- 
mond and  Gantt.  The  building  was  consecrated  to  the  wor- 
ship of  Almighty  God,  June  8,  1891,  after  the  meeting  of  the 
Diocesan  Council,  which  had  been  held  in  it.  The  Bishop  of 
the  Diocese  officiated.  The  instrument  of  donation  was  read 
by  Mr.  James  B.  Alexander  and  the  sentence  of  consecration 
by  the  Rector,  the  Rev.  J.  R.  Taylor.  The  Rev.  Messrs. 
Woods,  Hammond  and  Swope  also  assisted.  The  sermon  was 
preached  by  Mr.  Hammond,  the  former  Rector,  under  whose 
ministry  the  new  church  was  built.  December  8,  1898,  the 
Rev.  B.  M.  Spurr  entered  upon  his  duties  as  Rector  of  the 
church,  having  been  called  from  North  Dakota.  As  the  re- 
sult of  his  efforts,  a  line  building,  known  as  Trinity  Parish 
Institute,  was  opened  to  the  public  January,  1896,  and  dedi- 
cated  March  31st,  by  Bishop  Peterkin.  This  building  is  situ- 
ated next  to  the  church,  and  contains  twenty-nine  rooms, 
consisting  of  six  hospital  rooms,  restaurant,  public  reading- 
rooms  and  library,  kitchen,  bath-rooms,  lavatories,  bowling 
alley,  schoolroom  for  a  kindergarten,  with  capacity  for  seat- 
ing an  audience  of  300,  and  ten  bed-rooms,  &c,  and  cost  $20,- 
000. 

Vestrymen  of  Trinity  Parish:  First  Vestry — Colonel  John 
Thompson,  Isaac  Hoge,  E.  H.  Caldwell,  Wiley  H.  Oldham, 
Dr.  <!.  W.  Bruce,  George  D.  Curtis,  Joseph  W.  Gallaher. 
Robert  I.  Curtis,  A.  J.  Martin,  Joseph  Burley,  J.  B.  Alex- 


in  West  Virginia.  HT1 

ander,  C.  K.  Oldham.  Present  Vestry — A'.  A.  Weaver,  B.  F. 
Hodgman,  Friend  Cox,  John  T.  Gallaher,  W.  S.  Brady.  J.  \Y. 
Martin  and  S.  W.  Mathews. 

There  is  located  at  Mounds  ville  the  State  Penitentiary, 
with  753  prisoners,  and  to  these  Archdeacon  Spurr  and  his 
wife  minister  constantly,  the  latter  having  entire  spiritual 
charge  of  the  women  therein  confined.  The  men  are  visited 
each  day  or  so  by  Mr.  Spurr  as  chaplain,  who  supplies  them 
each  week  with  from  500  to  000  magazines  and  papers.  Cell 
to  cell  visitations  is  a  great  help  to  these  men,  and  they  are 
thus  given  an  opportunity  to  tell  the  burden  of  their  sin  or 
the  worry  that  perplexes  and  annoys.  Every  first  Sunday  in 
the  month,  from  eighty  to  ninety-five  receive  the  sacrament, 
whilst  each  year  sees  from  seventy  to  one  hundred  baptized. 
If  the  Church  cannot  help  these  needy  ones,  the  outlook  for 
them  is  terrible,  indeed.  At  each  of  the  executions  which 
have  so  far  occurred  in  the  prison,  Archdeacon  Spurr  has 
had  charge  of  the  condemned  men  till  the  bolt  was  sprung. 
Convicts  leaving  the  prison,  and  desiring  employment,  have 
it  found  for  them,  and  are  sent  with  new  hope  to  begin  anew 
to  establish  citizenship.  Very  often,  when  men  come  to 
prison,  they  leave  a  wife  and  a  number  of  children  in  desti- 
tute condition,  and,  when  the  necessary  information  can  be 
obtained,  a  box  of  garments  and  shoes  are  sent  to  these  inno- 
cent sufferers. 

Very  often,  when  men  are  discharged  from  prison,  they 
are  physical  wrecks,  and  these  are  taken  to  The  Home,  in 
Clendale,  and  kept  until  they  are  either  strong  again  or  pass 
out  into  "The  Larger  Life." 

In  this  parish  there  is  considerable  attention  given  to 
Magdalene  Work;  among  these  poor  waifs  of  human  weak- 
ness, some  are  sent  here  from  Wheeling  and  Parkersburg. 

The  Reynold's  Memorial  Hospital — This  most  modern  and 
thoroughly  equipped  hospital  is  the  outcome  of  "The  God's 
Providence  Home,"  an  old  country  brick  mansion  and  six 
acres  and  a  half  of  land,  situated  two  miles  from  Mounds- 


672  The  Episcopal,  Church 

ville,  at  Glendale,  a  very  beautiful  suburb  of  that  city.  It 
is  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio  River,  and  within  a  short  dis- 
tance of  three  railways  and  an  electric  road.  The  first  build- 
ing was  purchased  and  equipped  at  the  expense  of  Arch- 
deacon Spurr  and  wife,  and  run  most  successfully  for  over 
one  year,  when  Mrs.  Emily  Van  Buren  Reynolds  and  her 
daughter,  Miss  Josephine,  gave  the  necessary  means  to  build 
the  new  hospital,  which,  with  the  building,  out-buildings,  fine 
conservatory  and  unexcelled  equipment,  is  valued  at  $65,000. 
This  institution  is  finished  in  quartered  oak,  tiled  operating 
and  bath-rooms,  furniture  all  aseptic,  as  far  as  possible,  the 
remaining  furniture  of  golden  oak.  Every  surgical  and  medi- 
cal device  useful  to  save  life,  has  been  procured,  and  its  ac- 
commodation for  seventy  patients,  is  absolutely  complete. 
The  poorest  may  come  here  without  money  and  without 
price,  whilst  the  regular  fees  of  from  f 8  to  $25  per  week  are 
charged,  according  to  choice  of  room  or  ward,  by  the  paying 
patient.  Any  person  sent,  with  or  without  pay,  by  a  clergy- 
man of  the  Church,  will  be  promptly  and  properly  taken 
care  of.  This  hospital  has  its  own  electric  light  plant  and 
water  works  from  Cool  Springs,  and  thorough  sewage  and 
ventilating  system.  During  the  first  year  of  its  existence,  it 
has  cared  for  85o  cases,  and  lost  but  nine  by  death.  It  is 
controlled  by  Archdeacon  Spurr,  and  has,  also,  in  connection 
with  the  hospital,  a  training-school  for  nurses,  which  was 
erected  last  year,  at  a  cost  of  $10,000.  Here  young  women 
are  given  a  proper  clinical  and  practical  knowledge  of  the 
duties  of  a  skilled  nurse. 

Cresap's  Yalley  Mission,  Grace  Church. — Occasional  services 
were  first  held  in  Calvary  Methodist  Church,  on  Fish  Creek, 
two  and  one-half  miles  distant  from  the  present  church 
building,  by  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods,  in  the  year  1867.  After 
an  intermission  of  these  services,  for  several  years,  they 
were  renewed,  in  1881,  by  the  same  Reverend  Brother,  in 
Cresap's  Valley,  in  a  log  Cabin,  belonging  to  Mr.  Quincy 
Oresap,  where  a  Sunday-school  was  established.     In  Decern- 


REV.    B.    M.    SPURR. 


REYNOLDS   MEMORIAL    HOSPITAL. 


CHURCH    AND    RECTORY,    MOUNDSVILLE. 


PARISH    HOUSE,    MOUNDSVILLE. 


in  West  Virginia.  673 

ber  of  this  year,  Bishop  G.  W.  Peterkin,  D.  D.,  made  his  first 
visit,  and  the  following  year,  on  application,  the  preaching- 
point  was  constituted  a  mission .  under  the  name  of  Cresap's 
Valley  Mission.  The  first  confirmation  held  was  by  Bishop 
Peterkin,  April  10th,  1882,  when  five  were  confirmed.  About 
this  time,  steps  were  taken  for  the  erection  of  a  church 
building,  which  was  completed  sufficiently  for  holding  ser- 
vices early  in  1884.  It  was  consecrated  by  Bishop  Peterkin, 
under  the  name  of  Grace  Church,  1887.  There  were  present 
on  this  occasion,  Right  Rev.  G.  W.  Peterkin,  D.  D.,  Revs.  R.  R. 
Swope,  D.  D.,  K.  J.  Hammond,  C.  M.  Campbell  and  J.  F. 
Woods,  minister  in  charge.  From  the  year  1895,  two  Sundays 
a  month  have  been  given  to  this  church,  which  is  the  first  of 
any  kind  ever  erected  in  Cresap's  Valley.  Removals  have 
greatly  cut  down  the  additions  to  this  mission. 

Franklin. — For  several  years,  I  have  been  having  an  occa- 
sional service  in  a  school-house  at  this  point,  where  we  have 
but  one  communicant,  but  good  congregations,  and  hearty 
responses,  in  the  services.  The  people,  especially  the  young, 
are  becoming  more  and  more  accustomed  to  the  Liturgy  and 
take  a  real  interest  therein. 

J.  F.  Woods. 

Mason. 

Mason  was  formed  from  Kanawha,  in  1804,  and  named  for 
George  Mason,  of  Virginia.  Square  miles,  360.  Population — 
1870,  15,978;  1880,  22,293;  1890,  22,849;  1900,  24,142. 

Point  Pleasant  Parish. — In  1856,  there  was  occasional  ser- 
vice by  Rev.  Thompson  L.  Smith,  Rector  of  the  Church  in 
Charleston.  1857 — Service  held  in  the  Methodist  Church 
(South),  by  Rev.  George  Sturgis,  who  divided  his  time  be- 
tween this  place  and  Gallipolis.  He  left  in  1862,  going  to 
Ohio.  1866 — During  the  winter,  Rev.  Thompson  L.  Maury 
took  charge,  dividing  his  time  with  Ravenswood.  At  the 
meeting  of  the  Council  in  May,  in  a  stirring  speech,  he 
strongly  advocated  a  division  between  the  Church,  North 
and  South.    For  this  reason,  and  for  the  feeling  it  created, 


674  The  Episcopal  Church 

he  never  returned  here.  While  here  he  held  services  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  18G6 — June  to  June,  1867,  occasional 
service  by  missionaries.  1867 — In  the  summer,  Rev.  H.  E. 
Hayden  took  charge  of  the  parish.  Services  were  held  in 
Beale  Hall,  corner  of  Main  and  Kanawha  streets.  Hereto- 
fore the  Episcopal  and  Southern  Methodists  had  a  union 
Sunday  school.  Mr.  Hayden  separated  his  flock  from  them 
and  had  a  very  flourishing  Sunday  school  in  Beale  Hall. 

According  to  the  action  of  the  vestry,  November,  1867, 
the  bounds  of  this  parish  were  recognized  as  that  of  Lewis 
District,   Mason   county,   West  Virginia. 

In  1869  he  began  the  erection  of  Christ  Church,  a  sub- 
stantial brick  building  which  in  the  end  cost  about  $6,000. 
Mr.  Hayden  also  held  services  at  Bruce  Chapel  (ten  miles 
below  Peint  Pleasant,  in  Mason  county),  Buffalo  and  Coals- 
mouth,  (now  St.  Albans). 

In  March,  1873,  he  left  for  Brownsville,  Pennsylvania. 

1873 — In  August  of  this  year,  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy  (then  Dea- 
con in  Dinwiddie  county,  Virginia),  took  charge,  and  it  was 
under  him  that  the  Church  building  was  completed.  He 
held  services  also  at  Bruce  Chapel,  Buffalo,  Hartford,  Mason 
and  West  Columbia. 

In  July,  1880,  he  left  for  Manchester,  Virginia. 

1881 — In  April,  1881,  Rev.  Joshua  Cowpland,  of  Concord, 
Delaware  county,  Pennsylvania,  became  Rector.  On  the  17th 
day  of  June,  1882,  at  the  opening  services  of  the  Council, 
Christ  Church  was  consecrated.  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy  preached 
the  sermon  and  commended  the  earnest  labors  of  the  Rec- 
tor who  preceded  him,  the  Rev.  H.  E.  Hayden,  under  whom 
the  church  building  was  commenced,  and  the  no  less  faithful 
services  of  the  present  Rector,  Rev.  Joshua  Cowpland,  under 
whom  all  debt  was  liquidated.  The  present  Rectory  was 
purchased  in  1883.  In  1884,  February,  the  town  was  visited 
by  the  highest  flood  ever  known.  The  water  was  about  two 
feet  in  the  rectory  and  church.  Mr.  Cowpland  continued 
the  services  at  Bruce  Chapel. 


in  West  Virginia.  675 

1885 — In  the  spring,  Eev.  C.  C.  Pearson  became  Rector, 
preaching  also  at  Bruce  Chapel  and  occasionally  at  Hart- 
ford.    He  remained  six  years. 

1892 — In  April,  Rev.  Robert  Upshur  Brooking  look  charge. 
During  his  stay  Bruce  Chapel  underwent  extensive  improve- 
ments. It  was  ceiled  inside  with  Georgia  pine  and  made 
one  of  the  prettiest  chapels  in  the  Diocese.  The  work  was 
done  mostly  by  Mr.  Wm.  L.  Davis.  Mr.  Brooking  preached 
also  at  Bruce  Chapel,  Spillman,  Buffalo,  and  Poca.  In  the 
spring  of  1895  he  accepted  a  call  to  New  Martinsville  and 
Sistersville,  West  Virginia. 

1895 — Rev.  Andrew  G.  Grinnan  became  Rector.  The  next 
spring  a  much  needed  addition  was  made  to  the  Rectory  at 
the  cost  of  $300  and  in  1898  an  iron  fence  was  put  in  front 
of  the  Church  property. 

In  1896,  for  the  first  time  in  its  history,  evening  services 
were  held  in  Bruce  Chapel.  From  April  to  December,  ser- 
vice is  held  there  on  Saturday  nights  preceding  Sunday  ap- 
pointments, and  the  attendance  is  very  good.  Sunday  morn- 
ing, October  15th,  1899,  twenty-six  children  were  baptized 
there,  our  beloved  Bishop  being  present. 

In  February,  1897,  a  Chapel  formerly  owned  by  the  Sev- 
enth Day  Adventists  was  purchased  in  Mason  City.  It  is 
a  neat  brick  building,  and  will  seat  125  people.  Besides  Pt. 
Pleasant,  the  Rector  holds  services  at  Bruce  Chapel,  Spill- 
man  and  Mason,  with  occasional  service  at  Poca,  Buffalo, 
Morgan's  School  House,  Hartford  and  West  Columbia.  Mr. 
Grinnan  having  removed  to  Weston,  the  Rev.  J.  Howard 
Gibbons  took  charge  of  the  Parish  in  April,  1901. 

Gifts  to  Christ'*  Church. 

1868 — A  handsome  Bible  was  presented  by  Mr.  Thomas  H. 
Powers,  of  Philadelphia.  A  beautiful  silver  communion  ser- 
vice was  presented  by  Mrs.  H.  B.  Stephens,  of  Baltimore. 
The  font  was  presented  by  Rev.  H.  E.  Hayden  and  Rev.  T. 
II.  Dacy,  as  a  memorial  to  Mr.  Hayden's  eldest  child. 


676  The  Episcopal  Church 

Vestrymen  who  have  served  the  Parish:  W.  W.  Mmturn, 
Wm.  French,  P.  C.  Eastham,  C.  P.  T.  Moore,  J.  P.  R.  B. 
Smith,  H.  E.  Howard,  Jas.  H.  Hooff,  Taliaferro  Stribling. 
J.  W.  English,  Dr.  C.  T.  B.  Moore,  F.  W.  Blade,  Dr.  Sam.  G. 
Shaw,  A.  Lewis  Sehon,  A.  C.  Waggener,  D.  W.  Polsley,  Ed- 
ward Sehon,  D.  H.  Willard,  W.  L.  Ruffner,  Dr.  W.  E.  Carr, 
M.  M.  Laidley,  J.  S.  Spencer,  G.  W.  Tippett  Rankin  Wiley, 
J.  W.  Heslop,  Lewis  Pomeroy,  Columbus  Sehon,  J.  A.  Arm- 
strong. 

McDowell. 

McDowell  county  was  formed  from  Tazewell  in  1858,  and 
named  for  Governor  James  McDowell,  of  Virginia,  (1841). 
Square  miles,  860.  Population,  1870,  1,952;  1880,  3,074:  1890, 
7,269;  1900,  18,747. 

Bishop  Peterkin  and  Rev.  Dr.  Lacy  visited  this  county  in 
October,  1882,  holding,  it  is  believed,  the  first  services  of 
the  Church  in  its  bounds.  They  spent  a  night  with  Mr. 
Moses  Cartwright  on  Tug  River,  and  held  service  in  the 
Court  House  at  Peeryville.  The  travel  was  mostly  by  bridle 
path. 

Our  work  in  this  county  is  mainly  in  its  many  mining 
towns. 

Eckman,  Grace  Church.  The  first  service  of  the  Church 
ever  held  here  was  on  May  9th,  1894,  and  was  held  by  Rev. 
John  S.  Lightbourne.  In  1895  Bishop  Peterkin  confirmed 
one  at  Eckman.  This  is  probably  the  first  confirmation  ever 
held  in  McDowell  county.  September  3rd,  1896,  he  confirm- 
ed two.  On  September  3rd,  1898,  Mr.  Marshall  baptized 
one;  and  on  the  4th,  one,  in  the  new  Grace  Church.  On  the 
7th  of  September,  the  Bishop  opened  the  church  and  con- 
firmed four.  The  Church  was  completed,  save  the  furniture 
which  was  added  in  1899.  Mr.  Samuel  Fisher  Morris  (a  grand- 
son of  the  financier  of  the  Revolution)  and  Mrs.  Mattie  Fitz- 
hugh  Morris  (his  wife),  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  D.  Ord,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Lee  Long,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.  H.  Killey  and  Mrs.  Ran- 
dall Hutchinson  were  chiefly  instrumental  in  erecting  this 


in  West  Virginia.  677 

house  of  prayer.  The  Killeys  are  from  Giles  county,  Vir- 
ginia. Dr.  Killey  came  to  America  from  England  inanv  years 
ago,  and  Grace  Church  is  the  first  Episcopal  Church  near 
which  he  has  ever  lived  in  this  country,  and  yet  the  whole 
family  has  grown  up  to  be  good  church  people.  Grace 
Church  was  built  during  Mr.  Marshall's  incumbency.  Bishop 
Gravatt  was  here  for  the  first  time  May  22nd,  1900,  and  Bish- 
op Peterkin  on  October  10th,  1900. 

ElkJiorii.  The  Rev.  W.  H.  Burkhardt  began  to  hold  month- 
ly services  here  in  May,  1893.  The  Bishop  visited  this  sta- 
tion for  the  first  time  on  Friday,  May  5th,  1893.  For  a  time 
there  were  strong  hopes  of  erecting  a  church  here,  but  ow- 
ing to  removals  and  local  circumstances  the  hope  was 
abandoned  in  the  years  1895  and  1896.  Owing  to  these  cir- 
cumstances and  also  to  the  fact  that  the  whole  field  was 
clearly  more  than  Mr.  Burkhardt  could  manage,  regular  ser- 
vices were  abandoned  in  the  spring  of  1899.  Two  persons 
from  here  were  confirmed  at  Bramwell  November  11th,  1894, 
and  the  first  confirmation  ever  held  here  was  on  September 
3rd,  1890,  when  two  persons  received  the  laying  on  of  Apos- 
tolic Hands. 

Welch.  This  is  the  county  seat  of  McDowell  county.  It 
Is  at  the  junction  of  the  Elkhorn  and  Tug  Rivers.  It  is  also 
a  lumber  center  and  will  receive  a  great  impetus  when  the 
Tug  River  mines  above  here  are  opened.  Mr.  Marshall  began 
holding  occasional  services  here  in  1891.  The  Bishop  speaks 
of  visiting  an  old  Mr.  Peter  Cartwright  on  Tug  River  years 
ago.  One  person  was  confirmed  here  in  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  September  7th,  1S98.  Regular  monthly 
services  were  begun  here  in  1899  and  kept  up  since  that 
time.  The  Coadjutor  Bishop,  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  Loyall  Gravatt, 
visited  this  point  May  1st,  1900.  Bishop  Peterkin  was  here 
again  October  8th,  1900.  A  lot  is  promised  here  and  plans 
may  be  undertaken  in  1901  to  try  to  erect  a  church.  Owing 
to  the  small  following  here,  only  four  communicants,  the 
effort  may  be  delayed  'till  the  debts  at  Bramwell  and  Eck- 


678  The  Episcopal  Church 

man  are  sufficiently  reduced  to  justify  some  strenuous  ef- 
forts from  those  places.  If  some  pious  person  would  send 
Mr.  Marshall  f  1,000.00,  a  nice  memorial  chapel  could  be  built, 
treasure  laid  up  in  Heaven,  and  the  chapel  would  be  well 
cared  for  by  the  people  at  Welch. 

Besides  the  places  named  above,  Bishop  Gravatt  visited 
Algoma,  and  preached  at  Maybeury  in  McDowell  county,  in 
1900,  Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Thacker,  Iaeger,  Algoma  and 
Maybeury  in  1900,  making  at  all  McDowell  points  close  per- 
sonal calls,  thus  greatly  fostering  Mr.  Marshall's  work  dur- 
ing his  convalescence  from  a  protracted  sickness.  The 
Home  Missionary  would  not  begrudge  the  thought  of  the 
Church  for  foreign  fields,  particularly  during  this  year  of 
heathen  persecution  in  China,  but  the  over-labored  Mission- 
ary in  the  Flat-Top  Coal  Field  knows  of  promising  fields 
here  that  ought  to  be  cared  for. 

N.  F.  Marshall. 

Mercer. 

Mercer  was  formed  from  parts  of  Giles  and  Tazewell  in 
1837  and  named  for  General  Hugh  Mercer,  who  fell  at  Prince- 
ton. Square  miles,  400.  Population— 1870,  7,064;  1880,  7.- 
467;  1890,  15,988;  1900,  23,023. 

Princeton.  The  Church  of  The  Heavenly  Best.— The  begin- 
ning of  our  Church  in  Mercer  county  took  place  before  the 
war  between  the  States  when  Mr.  Herbert  B.  Barber,  an 
Englishman,  came  here  October  15th,  1851.  He  married  in 
October,  1859,  Miss  Francis  Churchill  Grigsby.  She  was 
confirmed  in  1892.  In  1868  they  settled  on  the  farm 
"Stoney  Lonesome",  near  Concord  Church,  now  Athens,  and 
the  site  of  a  thriving  State  Normal  School.  Dr.  Isaiah  Bee, 
"Seventh  Day  Adventist",  came  July  4th,  1865,  with  Mary, 
his  wife.  She  is  a  veteran  Episcopalian  and  one  of  the  most 
marked  characters  in  this  section.  This  home  has  always 
been  the  hospitable  recipient  of  our  ministers.  The  Doctor 
and  Mrs.  Bee  signed  a  deed  to  the  lot  on  July  26th,  1895,  in 
the  presence  of  Wirt  A.  French,  a  Notary  Public.     Though 


in  West  Virginia.  679 

r.ot  a  churchman,  this  widely  useful  physician  has  always 
been  a  friend  of  the  Church.  Mr.  John  Barbarie  and  Julia, 
his  wife,  came  in  1878;  another  English  family.  They  came 
from  Wytheville,  Virginia,  and  settled  on  the  farm  "Tangle- 
wood." 

The  Bishop  of  West  Virginia  visited  Princeton  first  in 
1881,  and  confirmed  five,  of  whom  one  was  colored.  He  was 
received  at  Tanglewood.  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy  was  the  first  and 
the  Rev.  F.  A.  Meade  second  minister.  On  September  7th, 
1S85,  the  Bishop  preached  in  the  Methodist  Church  in  Prince- 
ton. No  steps  had  yet  been  taken  to  build  a  church,  but 
the  Missionary,  Rev.  F.  A.  Meade,  who  made  a  monthly  visit 
from  Hinton,  was  much  encouraged  by  the  outlook. 

One  may  imagine  that  this  encouragement  must  have  been 
caused,  in  part  at  least,  by  the  arrival  about  this  time  of 
Mrs.  W.  A.  French,  whose  cheerful  mind  and  helpful  spirit 
assisted  greatly  in  the  establishment  of  the  church-  Gone 
now  to  Beckley,  Raleigh  county,  she  is  operating  in  the  same 
spirit  towards  another  pioneer  church. 

The  Bishop's  report,  made  in  1888  says:  "Baptized  two 
children  at  Princeton,  November  5th,  1887."  The  next  morn- 
ing the  Holy  Communion  was  administered,  and  at  night  two 
were  confirmed.  These  services  were  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  During  these  years  prior  to  the  coming  of  Rev. 
W.  H.  Burkhardt,  the  first  minister  settled  here,  the  work 
at  Princeton,  like  all  our  points,  was  nurtured  and  encour- 
aged by  Revs.  Benjamin  Denis,  Chas.  Gauss,  and  S.  O.  South- 
all,  from  Virginia.  The  first  report  made  to  the  Council, 
so  far  as  I  know,  was  in  1889.  It  was  under  the  heading 
"Mercer  County  Mission."  It  included  Princeton,  Bramwell 
and  Bluefield,  under  Rev.  Chas.  Gauss.  Took  Charge  Sep- 
tember, 1888,  resigned  June,  1889.  The  Bishop's  note  to 
this  report  gives  Princeton  thirteen  (13)  communicants.  He 
also  stated  that  they  had  some  money  for  a  church,  in  ad- 
dition  to  the  lot.  Bluefield  is  credited  with  fourteen  (14) 
communicants,  a  lot  worth  $525.00  and  $303.00  in  money; 


680  The  Episcopal  Church 

and  Braniwell,  with  eleven  (11)  communicants  and  a  lot.  He 
makes  remark  about  Mr.  Gauss'  "successful  work/'  Mr. 
Gauss'  intense  earnestness  was  felt  all  through  this  section. 
During  his  administration  at  Princeton,  he  was  visited  by 
a  young  man  who  said  he  wanted  to  study  for  the  ministry. 
On  being  asked  why  he  desired  to  do  so,  he  said:  "I  hear 
that  an  Episcopal  minister  goes  into  good  society  and  does 
not  have  to  work  much  and  thought  1  would  like  it." 

That  finished  the  record  of  the  transaction. 

The  next  report  is  that  made  by  Rev.  S.  O.  Southall  in 
1890.  He  reports  for  Bluefield  three  Sunday  services  and  eight 
others,  with  thirty-three  (33)  communicants;  for  Princeton 
two  Sunday  services  and  eight  others,  with  fourteen  (14) 
communicants.  Sunday  -school  scholars,  sixty-five  (65), 
teachers,  two;  for  Oakvale,  two  services  week  days,  with 
fourteen  (14)  communicants,  Sunday  school  scholars  143  with 
twelve  (12)  teachers.  He  says  "Mr.  William  Queale,  Lay 
Reader,  is  doing  good  work  at  this  point." 

Mr.  William  L.  Davis,  a  Lay  Reader,  and  also  a  practical 
carpenter,  seems  to  have  succeeded  the  Rev.  Mr.  Southall.  He 
was  the  constructor  of  the  buildings  at  Princeton  and  Blue- 
field.  He  is  now  our  minister  at  Dundee,  N.  Y.  He  seems 
to  have  been  here  up  to  Rev.  Mr.  Burkhardt's  arrival  in  1891; 
or  'till  later.  The  Church  of  the  Heavenly  Rest,  Princeton, 
was  opened  July  26th,  1893,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Burkhardt  and  the 
Bishop  being  present.  It  was  consecrated  at  Morning 
Prayer,  August  16th,  1896,  the  Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy  preaching 
the  sermon.  That  evening  he  preached  again.  On  the  15th 
Rev.  F.  A.  Meade  preached  in  the  evening.  He  and  Mr.  Mar- 
shall assisted  in  the  consecration  services.  The  music  at 
this  memorable  service  was  conducted  by  the  full  choir  from 
Bramwell.  The  Bishop  and  Mr.  Marshall  went  to  Bluefield 
for  the  evening  service. 

The  Church  in  Princeton  has  never  been  able  to  command 


REV.     NORMAN   FITZHUGH    MARSHALL. 


GRACE,    ECKMAN. 


HOLY    TRINITY,    BRAMWELL. 


HOLY    TRINITY,    BRAMWELL 


in  West  Virginia.  681 

the  service  needed  for  its  development.  But  it  is  a  mistake 
to  suppose  its  mission  to  be  in  vain.  Certainly  I  could  not 
think  so,  when  I  went  into  the  little  church  unexpectedly, 
a  year  or  two  ago,  and  there,  sitting  in  a  pew,  was  the  ven- 
erable pioneer  of  us  all.  He  was  in  a  position  of  reverent 
devotion,  reading  the  Te  Deum  aloud,  as  an  act  of  worship 
to  The  Great  Presence.  Never  amidst  the  most  ornate  ren- 
dering of  Cathedral  Choir  was  that  grand  Hymn  more  im- 
pressive. Not  an  auditor  but  what  was  solemnized.  No  won- 
der that  venerable  patriarch  has  seen  the  last  of  his  many 
sons  and  daughters  enter  this  branch  of  the  ancient  Church 
of  England  which  he  loves. 

Bluefield,  Christ  Church. — Prior  to  Mr.  Gauss'  report  to 
Council  in  June,  1889,  the  Bishop  had  said  in  the  Church 
News  (May  15th)  "Here  a  desirable  lot  has  been  secured." 
More  than  half  the  money  needed  had  been  secured,  and  he 
expressed  the  hope  of  using  the  church  in  that  year.  But 
it  seems  not  to  have  been  completed  until  September.  1890, 
when  the  congregation  still  owed  $1200.00.  "The  Church  of 
'The  Incarnation',  now  known  as  Christ  Church,  at  Bluefield, 
was  opened  by  the  Bishop,  Sunday,  November  23rd.  1890." 

Rev.  William  H.  Burkhardt  held  his  first  service  in 
Bluefield  at  three  P.  M.,  February  15th,  1891.  The  first  en- 
try in  the  register  there  of  a  baptism  is  August  2nd,  1891; 
first  of  a  confirmation  is  July  23rd,  1891.  Mr.  G.  A.  Shirey, 
for  years  the  Treasurer  of  the  Church,  was  in  this  class. 

Mr.  Burkhart's  ministry  made  a  profound  impression  on 
this  entire  section.  He  was  loved  in  the  homes  far  and 
near.  His  administration  was  simple,  direct,  earnest,  self- 
denying,  and  efficient.  What  Dr.  Lacy  and  Mr.  Meade  were 
in  the  early  inchoate  state  here,  he  was  in  the  period  of 
orderly  rise.  One  summer  he  was  assisted  by  the  Seminar- 
ian, W.  P.  Chrisman,  who  is  most  kindly  remembered.  Mr. 
Burkhardt  was  followed  in  February,  1894,  by  the  Rev.  John 
S.  Lightbourne,  an  English  Bermudau.     His  energetic  work, 


682  The  Episcopal  Church 

greatly  assisted  by  his  ability  as  a  musician,  was  cut 
short  by  his  removal  in  May  to  go  to  the  Bermudas. 

When  in  June,  1894,  Rev.  Norman  F.  Marshall  took  charge 
of  Bluefield,  Mr.  Lightbourne  had  reported  the  church  as 
"Christ  Church."  Thus  disappear  the  name  of  Incarnation, 
used  at  the  time  of  the  Bishop's  opening,  and  Transfigura- 
tion, used  by  Mr.  Burkhardt.  All  subsequent  reports  give 
the  name  "Christ  Church."  From  1894  to  1897  the  list  of 
communicants  runs  thus:  36,  42,  53,  and  54.  The  number 
hovers  about  50  ever  since.  The  figures  are  interesting  as 
showing  the  stead}"  tendency  upwards  despite  the  constant 
drain  due  to  a  migratory  population.  For  instance,  in  189G, 
the  Sunday  school  lost  all  of  its  staff  of  officers  by  the  mid- 
dle of  February.  From  1894  to  189S  $600.00  was  paid  on  the 
Rectory  debt,  which  is  now  $400.00.  The  chancel  was  im- 
proved, the  vestry  room  rebuilt  and  enlarged,  the  entire 
property  fenced  on  three  sides  and  otherwise  improved.  Mr. 
Marshall  was  aided  in  the  whole  field  during  the  years  1894 
to  1900  by  Mr.  C.  K.  A.  Marshall,  the  Rev.  A.  K.  Fenton, 
Rev.  C.  A.  Chrisman,  Mr.  William  B.  Sams,  Rev.  M.  T.  Tur- 
ner, (since  deceased),  Rev.  Win,  H.  Bean,  and  Mr.  Robt.  Nel- 
son Meade.  In  the  summer  of  1900  Mr.  Meade  filled  all  of 
Mr.  Marshall's  appointments  for  him  during  his  £>rotr:icted 
sickness  at  Bramwell  and  in  the  coal  field,  keeping  the  work 
well  in  hand  by  wise  measures.  Mr.  Marshall  is  indebted 
to  all  these  gentlemen  for  valuable  relief  in  the  arduous 
duties  of  an  immense  field.  Although  canonically  non-res- 
ident, Mr.  C.  E.  A.  Marshall  left  the  practice  of  Law  in  Blue- 
field  to  go  to  the  Seminary.  Mr.  Thos.  C.  Darst,  now  of  the 
middle  class  at  1he  Seminary,  became  a  postulant  under 
Bishop  Peterkin,  from  Bluefield. 

In  1899  to  1900  Tazewell  was  connected  with  our  West 
Virginia  work  by  Bishop  Randolph's  consent.  Thus  we  re- 
turn their  early  fostering  care.  In  June,  1900,  Mr.  Marshall 
resigned  Bluefield  and  Princeton  to  the  Bishop  of  West  Vir« 


in  West  Virginia.  683 

ginia  so  that  with  Tazewell  Court  House  and  Graham,  in  the 
Diocese  of  Southern  Virginia,  an  independent  work  could  be 
started.  It  offers  a  Rectory  at  Bluefield  and  $800,  but  no  one 
has  accepted.  Pocahontas,  Virginia,  is  associated  under  this 
plan  with  Bramwell. 

Bramwell,  The  Church  of  the  Holy  Trinity.— The  Flat  Top 
coal  field  opened  in  1882.  This  town  corporation,  including 
Cooper,  Bramwell,  Simmons  and  Spicers,  with  a  total  popula- 
tion of  1,200  (now)  followed  after.  Bramwell  itself,  named 
after  one  of  its  earliest  settlers,  Mr.  J.  H.  Bramwell,  is  sit- 
uate in  and  around  a  horseshoe  formed  by  the  twisting  Blue- 
stone  River.  The  prettiest  and  best  equipped  Church  of  all 
this  region  stands  on  a  picturesque  knoll  on  the  northeast 
shoulder  of  the  horseshoe,  facing  west  and  overlooking  the 
river  and  the  town:     The  Church  of  the  Holy  Trinity. 

Tuesday,  November  8th,  1S87,  the  Bishop  came  here,  in 
the  early  part  of  1890,  the  Guild  was  organized,  consist- 
ing mainly  of  Mrs.  T.  L.  Henritze,  Miss  Sarah  Pairchild, 
Mrs.  W .  C.  Brooke,  Mrs.  John  D.  Hewitt,  and  Mrs.  F.  L.  Pad- 
dock. Rev.  Messrs.  Dennis,  Gauss  and  Southall,  as  above, 
and  Dr.  T.  H.  Lacy  ministered  in  these  early  days.  The  ser- 
vices were  generally  held  in  what  is  now  the  Presbyterian 
church.  The  work  of  building  the  church  was  all  done  prac- 
tically during  Mr.  Burkhardt's  days.  The  Missions  Commit- 
tee was  organized  in  1891,  with  W.  C.  Brooke,  warden;  F. 
L.  Paddock,  John  D.  Hewitt,  Treasurer,  H.  T.  Mercer,  T. 
T.  Lineaweaver  and  Walter  McMinn,  as  members.  The  cor- 
ner stone  was  laid  September,  1892,  and  the  church  opened 
October  15th,  1893.  The  Holy  Bible  was  given  by  the  chil- 
dren;  the  Communion  set  by  Mrs.  Clarissa  Baldy;  the  font 
was  given  by  Mrs.  F.  L.  Paddock,  in  memory  of  a  child;  she 
and  Mr.  A.  R.  Paddock  gave  the  colored  hangings.  Subse- 
quently the  organ  came  by  subscription.  At  Easter,  IS'.IT, 
the  Church  received  the  following  gifts:  Prayer  Book  and 
Hymnal   ■rem  Mercy  Baldy  Keller  (Mrs.  B.  F.)  Altar  Hook 


684  The  Episcopal  Church 

from  Sophia  Keller  Hall  (Mrs.  Hall  the  Rectory,  Wilmington; 
Delaware) ;  the  Altar  Desk,  Cross  and  Vases  from  "  The 
Girls  of  Holy  Trinity;"  the  Brass  rails,  Alms  Basin,  an-1 
Choir-stalls  from  the  Guild.  The  debts  having  been  paid, 
the  church  was  consecrated  September  5th,  1897,  by  Bishop 
Peterkin,  the  Revs.  Win.  R.  Savage  and  Norman  F.  Mar- 
shall assisting  him  in  the  service. 

The  instrument  of  donation  was  read  by  Mr.  Henderson 
M.  Bell,  the  warden. 

When  the  church  was  consecrated  the  frame  of  a  new 
rectory  was  rearing  on  an  adjacent  lot,  which  was  given  by 
Capt.  F.  L.  Paddock.  This  eleven  roomed  house  with  fur- 
nace, electric  lights,  water  and  considerable  furniture,  pro- 
vided by  the  congregation,  was  entered  by  Mr.  Marshall's 
family  as  a  residence  on  March  28th,  1898.  Thus  was  mark- 
ed one  of  the  transition  periods  in  the  work  of  our  church 
in  this  region. 

Wisely  providing  themselves  before  hand  with  an  annual 
subscription  list  of  $350.00  the  Committee  of  the  Mission 
has  at  the  end  of  1900  reduced  the  debt  to  |1,500.00.  The 
heaviest  individual  contributors  to  this  $4,000.00  house  are 
the  Guild,  Mr.  B.  F.  Keller,  Mrs.  C.  Baldy,  John  D.  Hewitt, 
F.  L.  Paddock,  and  A.  R.  Paddock.  The  efficient  Treasurer 
during  this  time  is  Mr.  W.  D.  Tyler,.  This  year,  too,  is 
marked  by  an  additional  furnace  being  placed  in  the  church 
and  by  the  gift  of  a  handsome  vocalion  organ  "In  Memoriam, 
J.  Herbert  Bramwell,"  from  his  Brother  and  Sisters. 

The  work  in  Bramwell  has  been  marked  by  the  hearty  co- 
operation of  the  Guild  and  of  the  committee.  And  all  these 
years  since  1894  our  worship  has  been  dignified  and  elevated 
by  the  splendid  work  of  the  choir  under  the  leadership  of 
Mr.  Benjamin  F.  Keller  with  Mr.  Albert  R.  Paddock  as  or- 
ganist. 

The  present  number  of  communicants  is  34. 

Since  Mr.  Burkhardt's  day  the  Sunday  school  numbering 


IN  West  Virginia.  685 

about  sixty  scholars,  and  five  or  six  teachers,  has  been  super- 
intended efficiently  by  Mr.  Henderson  M.  Bell,  the  warden. 

May  6,  1900,  Bishop  Gravatt  visited  Bramwell  in  the  morn- 
ing and  Bluefield  in  the  evening,  lie  went  to  Princeton  on 
the  7th,  and  Athens  on  the  8th.  Here  one  was  baptized  by 
Mr.  Marshall  and  three  were  confirmed.  This  is  thought 
to  be  the  first  confirmation  at  Athens.  Bishop  Peterkin 
visited  Bramwell  on  October  7th,  and  14th,  also  Bluefield 
in  the  evenings. 


680  The  Episcopal  Church 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Records  continued.  Mineral,  Mingo,  Monongalia,  Monroe,  Mor- 
gan, Nicholas,  Ohio  counties.  Churches  in  Morgantown, 
Union,  Berkeley  Springs,  Wheeling,  Elm  Grove,  &c. 

Mineral. 

Mineral  county  was  formed  from  Hampshire,  in  1866. 
Square  miles  300.  Population— 1870,  6,332;  1880,  8,630;  1890, 
11,987;  1900,  12,883. 

Shaw. — Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Shaw,  Friday,  December 
11th,  1885,  and  preached  in  a  school  house.  Here  he  found 
a  faithful  family  who  had  come  from  Fairmont,  some  years 
ego,  and  had  been  keeping  up  a  Sunday  school.  They  had 
been  encouraged  and  helped  by  visits  from  Rev.  Mr.  Gib- 
bons, and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pearson,  The  Rev.  Mr.  Humphrey, 
of  Westernport,  Maryland,  was  with  the  Bishop,  and  bap- 
tized several  children.  He  promises  some  care  over  these 
few  people.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons,  of  Moorefield,  and  Rom- 
ney,  had  charge  of  church  work  at  this  time  in  Shaw  and 
all  of  Mineral  county,  and  continues  in  charge  at  the  present. 
Bishop  Peterkin  again  visited  Shaw  Monday,  August  30th, 
J  886,  and  confirmed  three,  and  again  on  Thursday,  August 
4th,  1887,  when  he  confirmed  one;  again  Tuesday,  November 
20,  1888,  confirming  one;  again  Tuesday,  December  17,  1889. 

Owing  to  the  opening  of  new  mines  and  abandoning  of  old, 
this  community  has  so  materially  lessened  and  changed,  it  now 
hardly  seems  expedient  to  continue  the  effort  to  build  a 
church. 

Piedmont.— The  church  people  in  Piedmont,  having  become 
identified  with  the  Church  in  Westernport.  Maryland   before 


in  West  Virginia.  687 

the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia  was  formed,  have  retained  their 
connection  with  that  Parish,  and  so  though  resident  in  our 
borders,  are  not  counted  in  our  numbers. 

Keyser. — The  Bishop  has  made  repeated  visits  to  Keyser, 
and  on  Ash  Wednesday,  1893,  confirmed  two  persons,  and 
altogether  has  confirmed  eight  persons  there.  Once  or  twice 
we  thought  we  were  on  the  eve  of  having  a  church  building, 
but  owing  to  a  variety  of  causes,  we  bave  been  disappointed. 
The  outlook  at  present  is  not  encouraging.  Rev.  Mr.  Gib- 
bons has  ministered  to  the  few  Church  people  at  Keyser 
for  ten  or  twelve  years,  much  of  the  time,  giving  them  ser- 
vices one  Sunday  every  month,  and  then  on  one  week  night 
every  month. 

Mingo. 

Mingo  county  was  formed  from  Logan,  in  1894,  and  nam 
ed  for  the  Mingo  Tribe.     Square  miles,  407.     Population — 
1900,  11,359. 

Williamson — Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Williamson,  the  coun- 
ty seat  of  the  new  county  of  Mingo,  in  October,  1899,  and 
again  in  February,  1900,  on  the  latter  occasion  preaching 
in  the  Presbyterian  church.  This  point  has  since  been 
placed  under  the  care  of  Rev.  Mr.  Gibson,  of  Huntington. 
We  have,  perhaps,  five  or  six  communicants,  ami  steps  are 
being  taken  to  build  a  chapel  and  secure  regular  services. 
The  town  of  Williamson  has  come  into  some  prominence  not 
only  as  the  county  seat,  but  as  the  headquarters  of  one  of 
the  Railroad  divisions. 

Monongalia. 

Monongalia  county  was  formed  out  of  the  District  of  West 
Augusta,  in  1776,  and  embraces  the  territory  lying  north  of 
Augusta,  west  of  the  meridian  of  the  fountain  of  the  Poto- 
mac, southward  of  Yohogania,  and  eastward  of  Ohio.  The 
county  received  its  name  from  the  river  Monongahela,  i.  e., 
River  of  caving  or  crumbling  banks.  Square  miles,  360.  Pop- 
ulation—1870,  13,547;  1880,  14,985;  1890,  15,429;  1900,  19,049. 


688  The  Episcopal  Church 

Morgantown,  Trinity  Church. — The  earliest  records  of  the 
"Guy  Allen  Parish''   that  this  writer   (Mrs.   St.   George  T. 
Brooke),  has  been  able  to  find,  are  in  an  old  book  now  in  the 
possession  of  Mr.  George  Rogers,  of  Morgantown.     This  is 
so  interesting  that  notwithstanding  our  very  limited  space 
we  will  copy  an  extract,  which  is  as  follows:    "We,  the  sub- 
scribers, being  desirous  to  promote  the  harmony  and  wel- 
fare of  the  inhabitants  of  Monongalia  county  by  establish- 
ing a  permanent  and  comfortable  place  of  divine  worship 
in  Morgantown  on  equal  and  just  principles  (finding  nothing 
of  the  late  plans  to  which  many  of  us  have  subscribed  are 
likely  to  succeed,)     do     hereby     constitute     and     appoint 
Thomas  Wilson,  John  Steals",  Samuel  Hanaway,  Mmrod  Ev- 
ans, Augustus  Wernenger,  John  Rogers,  Matthew  Gay,  Mich- 
ael Kern,  Jr.,  and  Ralph  Berkshire,  and  do  hereby  vest  them 
with  full  power  to  build,  or  cause  to  be  built  a  Stone  or 
Brick  Building  for  divine  Worship  on  the  Sepulchre  lot  on 
High  street,  No.  —  in  such  form  as  they  may  in  their  wis- 
dom judge  best  for  our  interest,  which  House  shall  be  the 
property  of  the  Presbyterian  and  Protestant  Episcopal  So- 
cieties jointly  and  their  successors  forever."     Then  follow 
other  provisions  closing  with  a  power  to  take  subscriptions 
and  an  exceedingly  interesting  list  of  about  110  subscrib- 
ers.   This  must  have  been  in  the  latter  part  of  1818  or  the 
very  early  part  of  1819,  because  the  next  record  is  as  fol- 
lows:    "At  a  meeting  of  Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  and 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  of  Morgantown,  held  on  the 
fourth  day  of  February,  1819,  Present  Thomas  Wilson,  Au- 
gustus Werninger,  Nimrod  Evans,   Matthew     Gay,     Ralph 
Berkshire.  John  Stealy  and  John  Rogers,  it  was  resolved 
that    the     said     Presbyterian     and     Protestant     Episcopal 
Churches,  of  Morgantown  shall  be  located  on  the  Sepulchre 
lot  described  in  the  Articles  of  subscription,  and  the  dimen- 
sions to  be  forty-five  feet  by  fifty-five."     The  last  of  these 
meetings  of  the  joint  church  that  this  book  shows  was  "Jan- 
uary 5th,  1861,  Presbyterian  and  Episcopal  meeting,  John 


REV.    JOHN   T1LTON   MAULEY. 


TRINITY,    MORGAN  TOWN. 


REV.    JAMES   SHEERIN. 


REV.    THOMAS  E.    WINECOFF. 


in  West  Virginia.  689 

Rogers,  elected  Chairman,  L.  S.  Hough,  Secretary.  Bishops 
Meade  and  Johns  came  to  the  parish  annually  to  confirm, 
and  in  the  early  days  Mr.  Castleman  held  services  followed 
by  Mr.  Page,  from  Brownsville,  Pennsylvania,  and  Mr.  Tomp- 
kins from  the  southern  part  of  the  State.  Up  to  1861,  at 
any  rate  in  that  year,  Episcopal  services  were  held  in  the 
Church  every  5th  Sunday  of  a  month,  and  every  Monday 
evening.  Rev.  David  J.  Lee,  of  Fairmont,  was  the  rector 
at  this  date;  but  having  written  an  article  for  the  ''South- 
ern Churchman,"  (Richmond,  Virginia,)  which  his  Morgan- 
town  parishioners  considered  an  unjust  reflection  upon  them- 
selves, a  correspondence  ensued,  and  Mr.  Lee's  connection 
with  the  Morgantown  church  came  to  an  end  in  the  late  fall 
of  18G1.  No  Episcopal  service  seems  to  have  been  held  from 
1861  to  1874,  when  the  church  was  re-organized  chiefly  by 
the  late  Mr.  Thomas  Rogers  and  Professor  R.  C.  Berkeley. 
Services  were  held  once  a  month  in  the  Academy  building 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons,  rector  of  the  church  at  Fairmont. 

It  appears  that  an  attempt  to  organize  a  parish  in  Mor- 
gantown was  made  in  October,  1860,  by  Rev.  H.  S.  Kepler, 
missionary  at  large  in  what  was  then  the  Diocese  of  Virginia. 

After  giving  notice,  Mr.  Kepler  called  a  meeting  of  the 
members  and  friends  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
Morgantown.  Said  meeting  was  held  October  12th,  1860,  at 
the  house  of  a  Mr.  Swearingen.  At  that  meeting,  and  several 
subsequent  ones,  a  vestry  of  seven  members  was  elected,  and 
organized,  and  steps  were  taken  to  have  regular  services. 
The  records  further  show,  as  detailed  above,  that  the 
Presbyterians  and  Episcopalians  had  joint  ownership  of  a 
church  and  lot,  and  arrangements  were  made  by  committees 
from  each  congregation  by  which  services  were  to  be  held 
at  such  times,  as  that  one  would  not  conflict  with  the  other. 

In  January,  1861,  the  last  meeting  of  the  vestry,  before 
the  civil  war,  was  held  of  which  there  is  any  record. 

No  further  steps  were  taken  in  this  direction  until  Febru- 
ary. 1876.     It  appears  from  the  above  mentioned     records 


690  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

that  a  petition  was  sent  to  the  Convention  in  Alexandria 
in  1861  for  the  admission  of  the  parish  into  the  Diocese.  A 
subsequent  examination  of  the  Journals  of  the  Convention 
for  1S61  and  1862,  shows,  however,  that  no  action  was  taken 
on  the  subject. 

On  the  12th  of  February,  1876,  another  effort  was  made  to 
organize  a  parish  in  Morgantown.  Rev.  G.  A.  Gibbons,  who 
Avas  then  rector  of  the  Church  in  Fairmont,  was  the  mover 
in  this  effort,  and  presided  at  a  meeting  called  for  the  pur- 
pose. A  vestry  was  elected,  and  a  petition  for  admission 
was  sent  to  the  Council  which  met  in  Alexandria  in  May, 
1876.  This  petition  was  acted  upon  and  the  parish  was  admit- 
ted as  Guy  Allen  Parish,  its  bounds  coterminous  with  the 
county.  (See  Journal  for  1876  p.  75).  At  this  time  the  con- 
gregations in  Fairmont  and  Morgantown  were  united,  and 
Rev.  G.  A.  Gibbons  held  service  once  a  month  in  Morgan- 
town.  This  arrangement  was  continued  by  Mr.  Gibbons 
and  his  successors  until  1893.  At  this  time  Morgantown 
and  Grafton  were  united.  Rev.  G.  A.  Gibbons  moved  from 
Fairmont  in  1885,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Howard  Mc- 
Queary.  In  the  same  year  a  lot  was  bought  for  a  church. 
In  1886  a  small  wooden  church  was  built  capable  of  seating- 
ISO  persons.  This  church  was  consecrated  Thursday,  June 
12th,  1890.  In  1893  the  church  was  enlarged  to  twice  its 
original  size. 

In  1886  Rev.  H.  McQueary  was  succeeded  in  the  rector- 
ship by  Rev.  John  Ambler,  who  continued  in  connection 
with  the  parish  until  his  death  in  1891.  Rev.  G.  P.  Som- 
merville  succeeded  him  and  remained  one  year.  He  was 
followed  by  Rev.  C.  C.  Pearson,  in  1892,  who  continued  three 
years.  Rev.  James  Sheerin  succeeded  Mr.  Pearson,  and 
remained  three  years.  He  was  followed  by  Rev.  Thos.  E. 
Winecoff.  From  the  time  of  Mr.  Sheerin  the  Rector  of  the 
parish  was  also  warden  of  the  Episcopal  Hall. 

In  the  fall  of  1899  Rev.  Mr.  Winecoff  was  succeeded  by 
Rev.  Gilbert  C.  Hannah,  and  he  having  removed  to  the  west, 


i\  West  Virginia.  691 

was  succeeded  in  the  fall  of  1900  by  Rev.  John  Tilton  Mai- 
ler. During  the  summer  of  11)00  the  church  building  was 
moved  to  a  more  desirable  location,  near  the  Hall,  the  old 
lot  being  sold  for  $4,000,  and  the  new  one  bought  for  $3,000. 

The  Church   Hall  at  Morgantown. 

In  fultillment  of  a  plan  which  has  been  in  contemplation 
for  several  years,  a  Church  Hall  has  been  established  in 
connection  with  the  State  University  at  Morgantown.  This 
idea  of  "church  halls"  or  dormitories  at  State  universities 
has  of  late  created  unusual  interest  because  of  a  number 
of  magazine 'articles  and  addresses  by  Prof.  Richard  T.  Ely, 
Ph.  D.,  and  other  earnest  advocates  of  the  plan. 

The  idea  has  its  origin  in  a  condition  of  things  which  may 
be  stated  thus:  All  the  States — except  a  few  of  the  older 
ones  in  the  East  already  provided  otherwise — have  estab- 
lished State  universities,  which  are  munificently  equipped 
for  the  highest  training  in  every  department  of  education- 
al life.  Many  people,  however,  object  to  these  universities 
on  account  of  the  fact  that  they  do  not  or  cannot  exercise 
a  care  over  the  students  in  their  home  life,  and  because  of 
what  is  supposed  to  be  an  insufficient  moral  or  religious 
influence.  This  is  due  to  the  absence  of  dormitories,  and  of 
ability  on  the  part  of  the  State  to  provide  a  religious  influ- 
ence  which  would  entirely   satisfy  each  denomination. 

There  are  two  ways  of  getting  rid  of  this  objection:  (1) 
By  building  separate  church  colleges;  (2)  By  building  church 
dormitories,  called  "church  halls,"  for  the  accommodation 
of  students  at  the  State  universities. 

To  build  a  separate  church  college,  with  an  equipment 
equal  of  I  hat  of  the  State  University,  is  impossible  for  the 
Church  in  any  State;  and,  even  if  it  were  possible,  it  might 
not  be  wise,  for  experience  has  shown  that  students  ordi- 
narily prefer  the  more  general  institution,  where  extraor- 
dinary privileges  are  offered  them  free  of  charge.  It  is 
here  that  the  Church  Hall  comes  in  to  relieve  the  Church 
of  the  burden  of  building  and  endowing  a  large  university 


<592  The  Episcopal  Church 

for  a  few  students,  and  to  supplement  whatever  may  be 
lacking  in  either  a  home  or  religious  way  in  the  State  in- 
stitution. The  Church  Hall  can  provide  all  that  the 
separate  college  could.  It  supplies  the  home,  with  its 
dormitory,  under  the  care  of  a  church  clergyman,  or  oth- 
er fit  person,  and  it  may,  if  desired,  have  its  separate  chapel 
services  or  family  prayers,  its  special  studies  of  a  religious 
or  voluntary  character,  and,  in  addition  to  all  these,  every- 
thing that  the  great  university  can  give  in  either  an  intel- 
lectual or  social  Avay.  It  keeps  the  student  under  the  in- 
fluence of  the  Church,  and  it  does  it  without  depriving  him 
of  the  inestimable  advantages  provided  for  him  by  the  State. 
In  fact,  it  seems  an  easy  and  sensible  solution  of  the  difficult 
question  as  to  the  proper  relations  of  the  Church  and  State 
in  the  field  of  higher  education.  It  makes  the  one  uphold 
and  supplement  the  efforts  of  the  other. 

The  Church  Hall  at  Morgantown  has  not  yet  reached  the 
ideal,  of  course,  but  it  can  offer  a  home  for  our  own  Church 
students  at  the  State  University,  surpassed  by  none.  The 
rules  of  the  Hall  are  very  simple,  and  require,  in  substance, 
but  two  things, — obedience  to  the  requirements  of  the  uni- 
versity authorities,  and  conduct  becoming  a  young  gentleman 
living  in  a  Christian  home. 

January  18,  1896,  the  Hall  was  formally  opened  by  the 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  and  a  public  recep- 
tion held.  A  new  addition  had  been  recently  finished,  al- 
though the  hall  had  been  occupied  since  the  preceding  Sep- 
tember. The  Wardens  of  the  Hall  have  been:  Rev.  James 
Sheerin,  Rev.  Thomas  E.  Winecoff,  Rev.  C.  Gilbert  Hannah 
and  Rev.  John  Tilton  Marley.  , 

In  the  fall  of  1899  a  change  was  made  in  the  administration 
of  the  Hall  by  the  appointment  of  a  Proctor,  who  should  have 
full  charge  of  the  Boarding  Department  and  of  the  premises. 
This  position  has  since,  been  most  acceptably  filled  by  Cap- 
tain William  C.  Marshall,  and  the  Hall  has  better  prospects 
than  ever  before. 


in  West  Virginia.  693 

Monroe. 

Monroe  county  was  formed  from  Greenbrier,  in  1799,  und 
\ /as  named  for  President  Monroe.  Square  miles,  460.  Popu- 
lation—1870,  11,124;  1880,  11,501;  1890,  12,363;  1900,  13,130. 

.17/  tfaints'  Church,  Union. — I  have  no  knowledge  or  means 
of  knowing  when  or  by  whom  the  first  service  was  Iield  here. 
I*i shops  Meade,  Johns  and  Whittle  officiated  from  time  to 
time  before  any  clergyman  was  settled.  The  Rev.  Richard 
H.  Mason  began  coming  from  Warm  Springs,  Virginia,  as 
missionary  to  this  and  several  other  points  prior  to  1868.  The 
parish  was  organized  in  1871,  and  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Braddock 
was  the  first  clergyman  regularly  in  charge.  I  believe  he  was 
then  in  Deacon's  Orders.  According  to  the  record  in  his  own 
hand,  the  first  in  the  Parish  Register,  his  ministry  began 
August  1st,  1872,  and  ended  October  1st,  1874.  There  was 
then  no  church  building  or  rectory.  Services  were  held  in  the 
court-house  and  in  the  old  Presbyterian  Church,  kindly  loaned 
lor  that  purpose.  During  Mr.  Braddock's  ministry  the  church 
building  was  begun.  In  1875,  the  Rev.  Richard  H.  Mason  re- 
moved to  Union  from  the  Warm  Springs,  Bath  county,  Vir- 
ginia, and  took  charge  of  the  Episcopal  congregation,  to- 
gether with  several  other  points  in  Monroe  and  Greenbrier 
counties.  During  his  ministry  of  fifteen  years,  ending  with 
nis  resignation  in  1889,  the  present  neat  church  was  com- 
pleted and  consecrated  by  Bishop  Whittle,  in  1878,  and  the 
small,  but  convenient  rectory,  purchased. 

Mr.  Mason  was  succeeded  in  1890  by  the  Rev.  F.  A.  Meade, 
whose  ministry  lasted  about  eight  months,  and  was  termi- 
nated by  his  resignation  and  removal  to  the  Diocese  of  Vir- 
ginia. Mr.  Meade  was  followed  in  1891  by  the  Rev.  John  Mon- 
cure,.  who  also  remained  but  a  short  time,  resigning  and  re- 
moving the  same  year.  Mr.  Moncure  was  succeeded  by  the 
present  incumbent,  Rev.  George  W.  Easter,  who  took  charge 
of  this  parish  and  of  missionary  work  at  Alderson,  Monroe 
county,  and  Fort  Spring,  Ronceverte,  Lewisburg,  White  Sul- 
phur  Springs  and  Gloncoe,   in  Greenbrier  county,  April  18, 


694  The  Episcopal  Church 

1892.  I  gave  up  the  charge  of  Ronceverte  and  Lewisburg 
about  October  1st,  1893,  continuing  in  charge  of  Alderson 
until  July  12,  1890,  when  I  gave  up  that  part  of  my  work  to 
the  Rev.  F.  A.  Meade.  I  retain  at  present,  December  28th, 
1900,  the  charge  of  All  Saints',  Fnion,  and  missions  at 
Fort  Spring  and  two  points  near  the  White  Sulphur  Springs, 
where  I  hold  services  in  school-houses,  viz.,  at  Dry  Creek  and 
Eakle's  school-house.  During  my  incumbency,  considerable 
miner  improvements  have  been  made  to  the  rectory,  and  we 
have  recently  purchased  lumber  and  let  the  contract  for  ceil- 
ing and  wainscoting  the  church  and  enlarging  the  vestry- 
room,  at  the  cost  of  $40  for  the  lumber  and  $134  for  the  work. 

George  W.  Easter,  Rector. 
December  28,  1900. 

There  are  at  the  present  time  forty  actual  communicants  in 
All  Saints'  Church  and  nine  or  ten  confirmed  non- 
communicants,  seventeen  families  and  fifteen  persons  not 
thus  included,  and  the  number  of  baptized  persons  is  about 
ninety.  In  the  Sunday-school  there  are  four  teachers  and 
ihirty-one  scholars.  The  contributions  last  year  were:  Paro- 
chial, $S88.71;  Diocesan,  $405.17;  extra  Diocesan,  87.82.  Total, 
$1,441.70. 

The  church  property  consists  of  a  frame  church,  seating 
180  to  200  persons,  valued  at  $2,500,  and  insured,  with  fur- 
niture, for  $1,350;  a  rectory,  brick  and  frame,  valued  at 
$1,200;  other  property,  $250.  Total  value  of  church  property, 
$3,950. 

Alderson,  the,  Church  of  the  Messiah. — The  Bishop's  first  visit 
to  Alderson  was  made  on  August  16,  1878,  about  three 
months  after  his  consecration.  This  was  perhaps  the  first 
Episcopal  service  held  in  the  place.  He  was  accompanied  on 
ihis  visit  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cobbs  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gibson!  Up 
to  the  time  of  the  consecration  of  the  Church,  which  took 
place  May  14,  1894,  the  Bishop  had  made  twenty-one  visits  to 
Alderson  and  confirmed  twenty-five  persons.  The  little  band 
0/  workers,  never  exceeding  twenty  communicants,  and  be- 


in  West  Virginia.  695 

ginning  with  a  smaller  number,  succeeded,  by  zeal  and  ac- 
tivity, in  erecting  a  convenient  and  pretty  church  upon  a  lot, 
costing  $140. 

The  following  ministers  have  had  charge  of  the  work,  in 
the  order  named:  Rev.  Francis  I).  Lee,  July,  1880,  to  June, 
1881;  Rev  T.  H.  Lacy,  August,  1881,  to  March,  1886;  Rev. 
Curtis  Grubb,  October,  1886,  to  April,  1888;  Rev.  F.  A.  Meade, 
May,  18S8,  to  December,  1890;  Rev.  John  Moncure,  June,  1891, 
to  November,  1891;  Rev.  George  W.  Easter  took  charge 
March,  1892. 

It  was  during  Dr.  Lacy's  earnest  and  untiring  ministry  that 
the  congregation  and  Sunday-school  were  organized,  the  cor- 
ner stone  of  the  church  laid,  and  active  preparations  inaugu- 
rated for  the  erection  of  the  building.  Under  Mr.  Grubb's 
ministry  the  work  prospered,  so  that  when  Mr.  Meade  took 
charge  the  church  was  ready  for  occupancy,  and  the  latter 
held  the  first  service  therein  on  the  morning  of  May  13,  1888. 
in  the  evening  Bishop  Peterkin  came  over  from  Union  and 
preached  and  confirmed  one  person.  The  corner-stone  was 
laid  April  24,  18S4,  the  Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  acting  for  the 
Bishop,  who  could  not  be  present.  The  building  was  finished 
with  the  exception  of  the  pews,  by  May,  1888.  During  a  part 
of  Mr.  Meade's  ministry,  the  congregation  sat  upon  rude  and 
unsteady  benches,  which  sometimes  upset  or  gave  way,  with 
little  regard  to  the  proprieties  of  time  or  place,  but  they  were 
replaced  by  comfortable  pews,  and  before  its  consecration  the 
building  was  repaired,  re-carpeted,  the  chancel  enlarged  and 
greatly  improved,  so  that  it  is  complete  and  thoroughly 
ci | nipped  for  devout  and  edifying  worship. 

In  1897,  in  a  readjustment  of  the  field,  Rev.  Mr.  Meade,  of 
Hint (ui.  was  put  in  charge  of  Alderson,  giving  the  church  one 
Sunday  each  month.  YVe  have  lost  many  by  removal,  and, 
owing  to  the  fact  that  with  the  exception  of  the  year  1888, 
when  Mr.  Meade  lived  here,  we  have  never  had  a  resident  min- 
ister, and  so  could  never  give  to  the  community  the  pastoral 
care  it  needed,  our  church  lias  not  seemed  to  prosper  "-really. 


696  Thk  Episcopal  Church 

Morgan. 

Morgan  county  was  formed  in  1820,  from  parts  of  Hamp- 
shire and  Berkeley,  and  named  for  General  Daniel  Morgan. 
Square  miles,  300.  .  Population— 1870,  4,315;  1880,  5,777;  1890, 
I.  <>22;  1900,  7,294. 

Berkeley  Springs. — In  1878,  Bishop  Peterkiu  visited  Berke- 
ley Springs  and  held  services  in  the  ball-room  of  the  hotel. 
He  stated  that  he  considered  that  a  good  point  for  establish- 
ing a  mission,  and  that  he  would  make  arrangements  for  a 
regular  service  every  two  weeks,  to  be  held  in  the  ball-room, 
(Mr.  T.  T.  Trego  having  kindly  offered  it  for  the  purpose)  until 
j)  suitable  building  could  be  secured.  There  were  then  only 
six  resident  communicants,  the  number  being  increased  in  the 
summer  by  visitors  at  the  Springs.  The  Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell, 
of  Charlestown,  consented  to  take  charge  of  the  mission  and 
to  hold  alternate  services  at  Hedgesville  and  Berkeley 
Springs  on  alternate  Sundays  during  the  summer  season.  For 
years  Mr.  Leavell  devoted  himself  with  great  faithfulness  and 
success  to  this  work,  and  it  grew  steadily  under  his  hands. 
The  offerings  after  defraying  his  expenses,  were  to  be  de- 
voted to  a  fund  for  a  church  building.  As  services  continued 
for  years,  the  funds,  through  offerings  and  subscriptions  given 
by  those  interested,  increased  until,  in  the  summer  of  1881, 
The  fund  amounted  to  $900.  The  Bishop  then  advised  that  a 
lot  be  secured  and  a  committee  was  appointed.  A  lot,  well 
located  and  costing  $500,  was  bought  and  presented  to  the 
church  by  Mr.  Moro  Phillips,  of  Philadelphia.  A  design  for  a 
church,  to  cost  about  $1,500,  was  presented  by  Mr.  Jay  Cooke, 
which  was  afterwards  changed  for  one  costing  $5,500.  In 
September,  1881,  the  corner-stone  of  the  building  was  laid  by 
the  Bishop,  assisted  by  other  clergy,  the  address  being  deliv- 
ered by  the  Rev.  Canon  Dixon,  of  Guelph,  Canada,  and  on  Au- 
gust 26,  1886,  he  consecrated  the  building  to  the  service  of 
Almighty  God.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  Beverly 
Tucker,  of  Virginia,  by  invitation  of  the  Rector  and  Bishop. 
A  few  years  after,  a  lot  was  secured  on  which  to  build  a  rec- 


REV.    CHARLES    C.    PEARSON. 


"ainflBIIMPlllfflftlWll 

■■um 


ST.    MARKS,    BERKELEY    SPRIXtiS. 


RECTORY,    BERKELEY    SPRINGS. 


in  West  Virginia.  697 

tory,  which  was  completed  two  years  later,  and  on  the  last 
Sunday  in  August,  1894,  announcement  was  made  from  the 
<  hancel  that  a  mortgage,  which  had  been  placed  on  the  rec- 
tory, for  $900,  had  been  canceled,  Mrs.  E.  M.  Breese  supple- 
menting the  amount  which  had  been  raised  by  offertory,  by 
the  gift  of  $500,  in  loving  memory  of  her  mother. 

Two  years  later  Mr.  Leavell  gave  up  this  work  and  devoted 
his  time  to  his  parish,  in  Hedgesville,  where  he  lived,  and  was 
followed  by  Rev.  C.  C.  Pearson,  who  took  charge  April  1st, 
1896.  For  two  years  after,  the  Church  continued  to  prosper, 
by  being  sustained,  to  a  considerable  extent,  with  offerings 
from  summer  visitors,  but  since  the  burning  of  the  large  hotel, 
in  February,  1898,  and  the  destruction,  by  fire,  also,  of  the 
"Fairfax  Inn,"  July,  1901,  the  number  of  visitors  has  greatly 
diminished,  to  the  detriment  of  the  financial  interest  of  the 
Church.  Both  the  hotels  named,  now  destroyed,  stood  as 
souvenirs  of  the  past.  The  large  one  was  built  nearly  sixty 
years  ago,  and  was  a  popular  resort  for  more  than  half  of  the 
past  century, — the  other,  not  only  for  the  whole  of  the  cen- 
tury past,  but  for  a  part  of  the  preceding  one,  being  built,  it 
is  said,  in  1790. 

At  the  time  of  this  writing,  August,  1901,  there  is  no  hotel 
accommodations  in  the  old  town  of  Bath.  Plans  are,  how- 
ever, on  foot  to  rebuild  the  "Fairfax  Inn,''  this  autumn  and 
winter,  and  also  to  supplement  the  other  with  quite  a  large 
and  costly  one. 

Nicholas. 

Nicholas  county  was  formed  from  Greenbrier,  1818,  and  was 
named  for  Wilson  Cary  Nicholas,  Governor  of  Virginia,  1810. 
Square  miles,  720.  Population— 1870,  4,458;  1880,  7,223;  1890, 
9,298;  1900,  11,403. 

Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Nicholas  in  August,  1887,  holding 
one  service. 


698  The  Episcopal  Church 

Ohio. 

Ohio  county  was  formed  from  West  Augusta,  in  1776.  In 
1 785,  on  the  adoption  of  Mason  and  Dixon's  line,  Virginia  lost 
nearly  the  entire  area  of  Youghiogheny  county,  and  the  re- 
mainder was  annexed  to  Ohio  county.  Square  miles,  120. 
Population— 1870,  28,831;  1880,  37,457;  1890,  41,365;  1900,  48,- 
024. 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Whaling. — "The  Rev.  Joseph  Dod- 
dridge was  the  first  Episcopal  minister,  it  is  believed,  who 
officiated  in  Wheeling.  Residing  in  Wellsburg,  he  occasionally 
visited  the  few  Church  families  then  in  Wheeling." — From 
Bishop  Meade. 

In  1816-'17  Bishop  Chase,  of  Ohio,  uncle  of  the  late  Chief 
Justice  Chase,  at  the  request  of  Mr.  John  Carter,  a  merchant 
of  St.  Clairsville,  held  service  in  the  old  court-house  in  Wheel- 
ing. There  was  a  good  attendance,  and.  as  was  the  custom 
of  the  Bishop,  he  instructed  the  congregation  in  the  use  of 
the  Prayer  Book  and  particularly  in  the  responses.  Daniel 
Peck  led  in  the  singing  of  the  hymns.  After  the  services  the 
Bishop  entertained  Mr.  Peck  and  others  of  the  citizens  of 
Wheeling.  On  this  occasion,  he  told  of  his  recent  visit  to 
England,  when  Lord  Kenyon,  Chief  Justice  of  the  Queen's 
Bench,  had  subscribed  to  the  establishment  of  the  present 
Kenyon  College. 

The  result  of  Bishop  Chase's  visit  perhaps  was  the  organi- 
zation of  a  parish  "in  the  borough  of  Wheeling.  W.  Va.," 
under  the  title  of  St.  Matthew's  Church.  Wheeling.  The  per- 
sons composing  the  first  congregation  were  as  follows:  Sam- 
uel H.  Chapline,  John  Armstrong,  Jr.,  William  L.  Good,  Wil- 
liam Gray,  Thomas  H.  Armstrong,  Joshua  Norton,  John  Good, 
William  Perrine,  Richard  Simms,  Patrick  Ray,  John  C.  Wil- 
liams, Joshua  Chapline,  William  Chapline,  Jr.,  Philip  Bier, 
Southmayd  Scorie,  Thomas  M.  Coates,  Charles  D.  Knox,  John 
M.  Smith,  Robert   C.  Thompson.  Moses  Shepherd,  Moses  W. 


in  West  Virginia.  (399 

Chapline,  Hus.  Thornburg,  John  Eoff,  Samuel  Chamberlain, 
Joseph  Wilson,  Jr. 

Attest:  Thomas  H.  Armstrong. 

The  date  of  the  above  instrument  is  May  11,  1819. 

On  May  11,  1819,  a  vestry  was  elected  at  the  first  parish 
meeting  to  hold  office  until  Easter  Monday  following:  John 
Good  and  Richard  Simms,  Church  Wardens;  William  Chap- 
line,  Jr.,  B.  Scovil  and  John  C.  Williams,  vestrymen. 

The  Eev.  John  Armstrong,  of  Frederick,  Maryland,  was 
chosen  Hector  and  entered  upon  his  duties  at  some  time  im- 
mediately prior  to  December  23d,  1820.  Mr.  Armstrong's  sal- 
ary was  set  at  the  munificent  sum  of  $100  per  annum. 

During  the  first  year  services  were  held  in  the  old  court- 
house, where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Doddridge  had  officiated,  and  which 
stood  on  Main  street,  where  Tenth  street  now  intersects. 

On  February  2,  1821,  commissioners  were  appointed  to 
make  arrangements  for  the  building  of  a  church.  Mr.  Noah 
Zane  offered  the  choice  of  several  lots,  and  a  lot  on  Market 
street  opposite  the  present  market-house  was  selected  as  the 
building  site.  On  May  0.  1821,  the  corner-stone  of  St.  Mat 
thew's  Church  was  laid  by  the  Order  of  Masons.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Armstrong  preached  a  sermon,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Dod- 
dridge delivered  an  address.  The  church  was  built  of.  brick, 
having  a  tower  and  bell.  It  is  remembered  as  containing  a 
gallery  on  three  sides  and  a  very  high  pulpit.  Much  of  the 
money  for  this  church  building  was  contributed  by  the  people 
of  Wheeling,  but  a  considerable  portion  was  raised  by  Mr. 
Armstrong  in  Philadelphia  some  years  later.  After  seven 
years  of  devoted  service,  Mr.  Armstrong  came  to  his  end 
through  heart  trouble,  incurred  while  crossing  the  mountains 
in  his  own  conveyance  for  t  lie  purpose  of  raising  the  money 
for  the  debt.  Mr.  Armstrong  was  buried  in  the  church  for 
which  he  had  labored  so  faithfully.  At  the  building  of  the 
new  church  his  remains  were  removed  to  it. 

During  the  incumbency  of  Mr.  Armstrong,  Bishop  White, 
of  Pennsylvania,  visited  St.  Matthew's,  administered  the  rite 


700  The  Episcopal  Church 

of  confirmation  in  the  Market-street  building,  which  he  conse- 
crated, as  Bishop  Moore,  of  Virginia,  was  too  infirm  to  cross 
the  mountains.  Mr.  Armstrong  was  accustomed  to  preach 
every  fourth  Sunday  in  the  month,  at  St.  John's  Church, 
Brooke  county,  and  occasionally  preached  at  St.  Clairsville, 
where  he  eventually  built  a  church. 

After  the  death  of  the  Rev.  John  Armstrong,  his  son,  the 
Rev.  William  Armstrong,  then  the  Rector  of  Zion  Church, 
Frederick  county,  Maryland,  was  elected  to  succeed  him.  Mr. 
Armstrong  declined  the  call,  but  recommended  the  Rev.  Thos. 
Wheat,  who  was  chosen  to  fill  the  vacancy.  In  1832,  Mr. 
Wheat  resigned,  and  Mr.  Armstrong  being  again  elected;  ac- 
cepted the  call. 

The  congregation  so  increased  under  his  care,  that  it  be- 
came necessary  to  build  a  larger  church.  In  1836  the  church 
site,  which  had  greatly  increased  in  value,  was  sold  and  a  new 
site,  where  the  Fort  Henry  Club  now  stands,  was  purchased. 
For  a.  short  time,  services  were  held  in  the  brick  building 
which  stood  upon  this  lot.  Bishop  Mcllvaine,  of  Ohio,  at  one 
time  {(reaching  here  while  visiting  Wheeling. 

But  the  lot  did  not  prove  satisfactory,  by  reason  of  its  prox- 
imity to  the  other  churches.  It  was,  therefore,  sold  for  f 7,600 
and  the  lot  on  the  corner  of  Byron  and  Twelfth  streets  pur- 
chased. 

The  church  built  upon  this  lot  was  consecrated  by  Bishop 
Meade,  October  26,  1837.  Mrs.  Ann  Davison,  speaking  of  the 
occasion,  writes:  "The  Bishop  forgot  to  bring  his  robes  with 
him,  much  to  everybody's  dismay,  and  all  the  ladies  hinted 
that  'he  needed  a  wife.'  Elizabeth  Armstrong  and  I  made 
something  with  flowing  sleeves,  which  answered  the  purpose." 
Mrs.  Davison  continues:  "The  Bishop  was  very  much  beloved 
and  his  visits  were  great  events." 

Throughout  Mr.  Armstrong's  administration  there  was  a 
large  and  flourishing  Suuday-school,  under  the  superintend- 
ence of  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  John  F.  Clarke.  In  1853,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Perkins  was  appointed  assistant  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 


in  West  Virginia.  701 

Armstrong.  In  the  following  year,  Mr.  Armstrong  resigned. 
The  vestry  and  congregation  were  so  unwilling  to  part  with 
one  who  had  so  faithfully  served  them  for  nearly  a  quarter  of 
a  century,  that  earnest  efforts  were  made  to  prevent  his  re- 
moval from  Wheeling,  and  had  he  consented,  provision  would 
have  been  made  for  his  support  without  the  performance  of 
his  usual  ministerial  services.  But  he  felt  it  his  duty  to  re- 
turn and  spend  his  remaining  days  in  a  small  parish  in  Mary- 
land, where  he  had  served  during  the  first  thirteen  years  of 
his  ministry. 

The  Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins  succeeded  Mr.  Armstrong.  Under 
his  aggressive  and  earnest  leadership,  the  church  building- 
soon  became  inadequate  to  the  needs  of  the  congregation. 
Many  persons  were  unable  to  obtain  pews.  So,  on  July  13, 
1858,  a  committee  of  the  vestry  was  appointed  "to  inquire  and 
report  at  their  earliest  convenience  as  to  the  expediency  of 
providing  an  adequate  place  in  the  city  to  be  devoted  to  the 
public  religious  worship"  of  the  Church. 

On  September  2,  185S,  the  committee  reported  the  time  in- 
expedient, stating  that  it  would  seem  impossible  to  raise  the 
necessary  funds  to  accomplish  this  end.  Many  of  those  who 
were  unable  to  obtain  pews  preferred  to  continue  at  St.  Mat- 
thew's without  a  regular  sitting.  The  Rector,  therefore,  on 
September  27,  presented  a  plan  of  alteration  on  the  interior 
of  the  church  by  which  ten  additional  pews  might  be  obtain- 
ed.   This  plan  was  adopted  and  executed. 

On  May  30,  1859,  Mr.  Perkins  read  to  the  vestry  a  letter 
"from  a  friend  in  (Eastern)  Virginia,"  giving  him  authority  to 
draw  on  him  for  the  sum  of  from  $500  to  $700  for  the  purpose 
of  defraying  the  expense  of  sending  an  evangelistic  mission- 
ary into  Western  Virginia.  The  donor  expressed  the  wish 
that,  if  convenient,  the  Rector  should  open  the  work  in  per 
son. 

To  the  purport  of  this  letter  the  vestry  assented,  on  the 
condition  that  the  rectorship  should  be  filled  during  the  in- 
terim by  an  acceptable  assistant,  who  should  not  be  charge- 


702  The  Episcopal  Church 

able  to  the  vestry.  In  December  of  the  same  year,  the  Rector 
reported  to  the  vestry  that  he  had  devoted  some  three  weeks 
to  this  itinerant  service  in  Northwestern  Virginia. 

In  the  spring  of  1860,  the  congregation  was  found  alto- 
gether too  large  for  the  capacity  of  the  church,  and  further 
plans  were  instituted  for  rebuilding,  but  as  this  plan  did  not 
meet  the  approval  of  the  congregation,  the  whole  matter  of 
church  extension  was  laid  on  the  table. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War  Dr.  Perkins  severed  his 
connection  with  the  parish.  This  separation  was  brought 
about  in  a  most  happy  manner,  and  it  is  only  fitting  to  record 
that,  had  it  not  been  for  the  wisdom  and  Christian  courtesy 
of  Dr.  Perkins,  the  parish  might  easily  at  this  time  have  been 
seriously  disabled  through  divisions  occasioned  by  party  feel- 
ing. 

Mr.  Perkins  was  succeeded  by  his  brother-in-law,  the  Rev. 
Thomas  G.  Addison,  on  December  15,  1801. 

Dr.  Addison's  first  sermon  has  never  been  forgotten  by 
those  who  heard  it.  The  text  was  from  I.  Cor.  2:2:  "For  I 
determined  not  to  know  anything  among  you  save  Jesus 
Christ  and  Him  crucified.-'  From  the  spirit  of  this  text  Dr. 
Addison  never  wavered  throughout  his  ministry  during  this 
trying  period. 

Notwithstanding  the  war,  the  Church  continued  to  thrive 
under  Dr.  Addison's  care  and  several  matters  of  special  in- 
terest occurred  during  his  incumbency. 

In  1863,  Bishop  Bedell,  of  Ohio,  was  invited  by  the  vestry 
to  administer  the  rite  of  confirmation,  inasmuch  as  it  was  im- 
possible for  Bishop  Johns  to  do  so.  This  he  did,  but  Bishop 
Johns  regarded  it  as  a  breach  of  Episcopal  courtesy,  since  his 
consent  had  not  been  asked.  The  matter  assumed  national 
importance  and  was  one  of  the  factors  which  led  up  to  the 
change  of  Article  IV.,  of  the  Constitution  in  1874,  which  con- 
stitutionally prohibits  a  similar  repetition. 

In  the  fall  of  1863  it  was  decided  that  a  new  church  must 
be  erected,  and  on  February  22,  1864,  ten  persons  gave  $500 


in  West  Virginia.  703 

each  for  the  purchase  of  a  new  site.  The  same  spring  the  con- 
gregation  of  St.  John's  parish  being  without  a  Rector  or 
(lunch,  the  vestry  of  St.  Matthew's  extended  to  them  a  cor- 
dial invitation  to  accept  seats  in  St.  Matthew's  "until  such 
time  as  they  should  provide  otherwise  for  themselves,"  which 
invitation  was  cordially  accepted. 

On  March  13,  1866,  the  sale  of  the  old  church  was  consum- 
mated for  the  sum  of  $8,000,  which  was  offered  by  the  Baptist 
Society. 

The  Cotts  lots  proving  unsatisfactory,  the  two  lots  on 
which  the  present  Church  and  Rectory  now  stand  were 
bought  of  Mr.  Henry  K.  List  for  the  sum  of  $5,000,  and  the 
corner-stone  of  the  Church  was  laid  with  appropriate  cere- 
monies on  November  1,  1866.  The  address  upon  this  occa- 
sion was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Charles  Gillett,  of  Ohio. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Addison  tendered  his  resignation  to  the  ves- 
try of  the  parish  on  April  8, 1867.  It  was  accepted  with  great 
regret  and  Mr.  Addison  left  with  the  love  and  esteem  of  all 
to  whom  he  had  ministered  so  faithfully  for  nearly  five  years. 

It  is  here  fitting  to  make  mention  of  Mr.  John  Harrison, 
who  for  so  many  years  served  so  faithfully  the  Mission  Sun- 
day school.  We  find  a  minute  of  the  vestry  dated  October  6, 
1861,  expressing  a  vote  of  thanks  to  him  for  his  zeal  and 
labors.  He  continued  as  superintendent,  much  beloved,  until 
his  sudden  death,  in  L870. 

A  minute  of  the  vestry,  dated  January  29,  1868,  reads  as 
follows : 

••Resolved,  That  Mr.  McAfee  be  appointed  a  committee  to 
go  to  Louisville  and  see  if  Bishop  Whittle  will  locate  here, 
provided  we  raise  $1,000  per  annum  for  him."  In  conformity 
with  this  resolution,  Mr.  McAfee  went  to  Louisville,  but  was 
unable  to  persuade  the  Bishop-elect  to  come  to  Wheeling. 
This  minute  is  interesting,  as  showing  the  spirit  of  the  north- 
western portion  of  Virginia  and  the  relationship  which  this 
section  at  that  time  desired  to  maintain  with  the  eastern  por- 
tion of  the  State,  in  Church  matters.    The  Church  was  still  a 


704  The  Episcopal  Church 

unit,  notwithstanding  the  bitter  partisanship  during-  the  years 
immediately  preceding. 

The  following  clipping,  from  the  Churchman,  may  well  come 
in  here: 

Wheeling,  W.  Va. — Sunday,  February  1st,  1868,  the  new 
church  erected  by  St.  Matthew's  Parish  was  opened  for  Divine 
service.  It  is  a  fine  stone  church  of  the  Gothic  order,  seating 
between  six  and  seven  hundred.  It  has  cost  about  sixty  thou- 
sand dollars.  The  parish  is  without  a  Rector,  and  has  been 
so  for  nearly  a  year. 

Work  on  the  beautiful  church  for  St.  John's  Parish  has  been 
suspended  during  the  winter.  The  congregation  was  much 
disappointed  in  not  getting  into  it  for  Christmas,  as  was  ex- 
pected. It  is  hoped  that  early  in  the  summer,  it  will  be  com- 
pleted. The  Rector,  (the  Rev.  William  B.  Morrow),  is  doing 
earnest  work  in  the  parish,  and  will,  no  doubt,  when  the  new 
church  is  occupied,  find  such  a  congregation  as  will  leave  but 
little  room  to  spare  within  its  walls.  The  Church  here  in  the 
western  section  of  this  great  Diocese  is  not  a  "great  power 
in  the  land,"  but,  rather,  the  reverse.  The  parishes  are  wide- 
ly scattered,  and  not  strong  in  numbers.  It  is,  in  fact,  splen- 
did missionary  ground  all  through  these  mountains.  In  this 
city,  too,  where  for  more  than  half  a  century  the  Church  has 
been  established,  there  are  but  two  parishes.  There  should 
be  four  at  this  time,  if  not  more. 

The  Rev.  C.  George  Currie  accepted  a  call  to  succeed  Dr. 
Addison  and  arrived  to  undertake  his  pastorate  in  March, 
1868.  Dr.  Currie  pressed  with  vigor  the  work  of  building  the 
new  church  which  was  designed  by  Mr.  Lloyd,  of  Detroit.  Ser- 
vices were  held  in  the  meanwhile  at  Union  Hall,  in  which  Dr. 
Currie  preached,  as  he  always  did,  to  large  congregations. 

On  November  6,  1870,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tongue  was  railed  as 
assistant  Rector,  which  position  lie  accepted,  remaining  until 
August  8,  1871.     On  December  27,  1870,  Dr.  Currie  resigned 
and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  James  A.  Latane,  from  Staun- 
ton, Virginia,  on  May  24th,  of  the  following  vear.    Dr.   La- 


ST.    MATTHEW'S,    WHEELING. 


REV.    DAVID    W.    HOWARD. 


st.  Matthew's,  wheeling. 


in  West  Virginia.  705 

lam's  pastorate  was  memorialized  by  the  completion  of  the 
church  at  an  expense  of  $5,000  for  the  lots,  $65,862.28  for 
church  and  appointments;  total,  $70,862.28,  July  1,  1871. 

A  debt  of  nearly  $1.0,000  still  remained,  making  the  total 
cost  over  $80,000.  On  January  16,  1874,  Mr.  Latane  tendered 
his  resignation  to  the  vestry,  accompanying  his  resignation 
with  a  letter,  stating  at  length  his  reasons  for  defection  from 
the  ministry  <>f  the  Church,  to  join  the  movement  of  Bishop 
Gumming,  known  as  the  Reformed  Episcopal  Church 

Mr.  Latane's  resignation  was  reluctantly  accepted  by  the 
vestry,  with  the  assurance  that  in  the  severing  of  their  rela- 
tions with  their  late  beloved  pastor,  they  were  constrained 
to  bear  testimony  to  his  fidelity  and  ability  in  the  discharge 
of  all  his  duties. 

On  June  6,  1874,  the  Rev.  J.  GL  Armstrong,  of  Hannibal, 
Mo.,  was  called  to  the  rectorship  of  the  parish.  He  entered 
upon  the  duties  of  office  August  1,  1874. 

In  the  early  spring  of  1876,  a  mission  chapel  was  built  upon 
the  island,  at  a  cost  of  $1)80.91.  The  wisdom  of  this  attempt 
at  expansion  has  now  visible  proof  in  the  strong  and  vigorous 
parish  of  St.  Luke's.  Soon  after  the  mission  was  built  a  min- 
ute of  the  vestry  records  a  resolution  to  the  effect  that  if  at 
any  time  the  people  of  the  island  should  wish  to  apply  for  a 
separate  parish  they  might  possess  this  property  upon  the 
payment  of  the  principal  sum.    This  was  thereafter  done. 

Diocesan  matters  of  importance  were  now  occupying  the 
attention  of  St.  Matthew's  people.  On  April  4th,  1876,  the 
Righl  Rev.  John  Johns,  I  >.  1).,  who  had  been  Bishop  in  the 
Church  of  Virginia  for  thirty-four  years  and  Diocesan  for 
fourteen  years,  "entered  into  life."  His  departure  was  deep- 
ly felt,  not  only  within  his  own  Diocese,  in  which  he  labored 
so  devotedly  and  successfully,  hut  throughout  the  general 
Church. 

The  necessity  for  a  division  of  the  Diocese  had  long  been 
seen.    There  had  been  several  attempts  to  bring  such  a  divis- 


i  ()(')  The  Episcopal  Church 

ion  to  pass,  but  each  attempt  had  seemed  to  be  inopportune. 
Tlio  death  of  Bishop  Johns,  throwing,  as  it  did,  the  whole 
work  upon  Bishop  Whittle,  furnished  the  occasion  for  the 
division,  and  accordingly  on  April  18th,  1877,  a  meeting  of  the 
Parochial  delegates  was  called  at  Parkersburg,  West  Vir- 
ginia. 

Provision  for  the  support  of  the  new  Bishop  taxed  the  new 
jurisdiction  to  its  utmost.  The  delegates  from  St.  Matthew's 
pledged  the  parish  for  $600  a  year,  looking  forward  to  a  time 
in  the  near  future  when  the  Church  in  West  Virginia  would 
so  increase  that  this  pledge  could  be  reduced.  The  Church 
has  grown,  as  was  expected,  but  the  needs  have  grown  pro- 
portionately with  the  work,  so  that  it  has  been  necessary  to 
contribute  this  sum  up  to  the  present  day. 

The  Rev.  J.  G.  Armstrong  resigned  his  rectorship  of  this 
parish  April  11,  1878,  to  accept  a  call  to  Monumental  Church, 
Richmond,  Virginia,  but  at  the  request  of  the  vestry  he  re- 
mained until  after  the  consecration  of  Bishop  Peterkin,  which 
was  to  take  place  in  St.  Matthew's  Church  on  May  30th,  1878, 
that  day  being  Ascension  Day. 

The  consecration  took  place,  as  appointed.  Never  before, 
and  never  since,  has  St.  Matthew's  been  favored  with  such  an 
array  of  dignitaries.  The  eonsecrator  was  the  venerable 
Bishop  of  Ohio,  Dr.  Bedell,  of  precious  memory,  and  the 
preacher  the  great  aud  eloquent  Bishop  of  Kentucky,  Dr. 
Dudley.  Three  other  Bishops  assisted  in  the  consecration — 
Bishop  Whittle,  of  Virginia;  Bishop  Kerfoot,  of  Pittsburg, 
and  Bishop  Jagger,  of  Southern  Ohio.  Of  the  number  three 
are  still  alive,  after  an  interval  of  twenty-one  years,  to  testify 
to  the  excellence  of  the  work  they  that  day  accomplished. 

The  summer  of  1878  in  some  respects  marked  the  lowest 
ebb  of  St.  Matthew's  Church  during  these  latter  years.  The 
large  numbers  who  hung  upon  Mr.  Armstrong's  preaching  had 
not  connected  themselves  with  the  Church.     These  drifted 


in  West  Virginia.  707 

elsewhere.  A  large  debt  of  $20,000  embarrassed  the  congre- 
gation and  the  whole  prospect  was  far  from  bright. 

On  October  2,  1878,  the  Rev.  R.  R.  Swope,  of  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  was  called  to  the  rectorship  and  he  entered  upon  his 
duties  November  1st  of  the  same  year.  A  plan  for  reducing 
the  debt  was  at  once  undertaken.  Twenty-year  coupon  bonds 
(4  per  cent)  were  issued,  redeemable  at  the  pleasure  of  the 
vestry.  The  plan  was  an  assured  success  from  the  start, 
f  5,290  worth  of  bonds  being  laid  upon  the  plate  in  1879  and 
$3,060  worth  in  1880.  By  the  fall  of  1888  the  entire  debt  upon 
the  church  had  been  canceled,  so  that  it  was  ready  for  conse- 
cration. 

Arrangements  were  made  for  the  long-hoped-for  ceremony, 
and  on  November  1, 1888,  All  Saints'  Day,  the  church  was  con- 
secrated to  the  worship  of  Almighty  God.  The  Rev.  Thomas 
G.  Addison,  D.  D.,  of  Washington,  D.  C,  who  laid  the  founda- 
tion stone  of  the  building  during  his  incumbency,  was  present 
and  preached  the  sermon. 

With  the  debt  extinguished,  Dr.  Swope  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  the  expansion  of  the  work. 

On  November  29,  1880,  six  years  after  the  mission  church 
on  the  island  was  built,  the  vestry  gave  consent  to  its  erection 
as  an  independent  parish.  Notwithstanding  the  loss  of  sev- 
eral of  the  strongest  supporters  of  the  old  Church,  resulting 
from  the  organization  of  this  mission,  St.  Matthew's  was  still 
animated  with  the  missionary  spirit,  and  in  1892  aided  in  the 
erection  of  a  church  at  Elm  Grove,  for  which  a  debt  of  $1,300 
was  incurred. 

On  February  2,  1894,  a  lot  and  building  in  the  Eighth  ward 
were  purchased  for  $3,060,  to  be  known  as  St.  Andrew's  Mis- 
sion. This  missionary  venture,  however,  was  purely  personal, 
having  been  undertaken  by  Dr.  Swope  and  Mr.  Lawrence 
Sands,  of  St.  Luke's,  with  the  co-operation  of  the  Bishop.  St. 
Matthew's  has,  however,  ever  since  contributed  to  its  support. 

During  the  summer  of  1894,  some  needed  improvements 


708  The  Episcopal  Church 

were  made  in  St.  Matthew's.  The  chancel  was  altered,  the 
organ  replaced  and  the  church  kalsomined.  Adequate  provis- 
ion had  not  been  made  for  these  necessary  expenses.  The 
rectory  was  still  encumbered  with  a  debt  of  $5,400  and  $1,000 
had  been  borrowed  to  meet  the  Diocesan  obligations,  so  that 
the  outstanding  debt  of  the  parish  was  in  the  neighborhood 
of  $11,000. 

On  September  3,  1894,  there  was  a  full  discussion  of  the 
finances  of  the  parish,  at  which  time  the  trustees  were  au- 
thorized to  negotiate  a  loan  of  $5,000  to  provide  for  the  cur- 
rent indebtedness,  which  loan  was  to  be  secured  by  a  mort- 
gage on  church  property. 

On  March  17,  1807,  Dr.  Swope  resigned  the  parish  to  accept 
a  call  to  All  Souls  Church,  Biltmore,  North  Carolina.  The 
ties  which  must  be  formed  in  a  successful  pastorate  of 
eighteen  years  are  not  quickly  broken,  if  ever.  Dr.  Swope  will 
never  be  forgotten.  He  was  a  leader  in  the  Councils  of  the 
Diocese,  a  preacher  of  rare  power,  a  man  of  strong  person- 
ality, and,  though  St.  Matthew's  wns  weakened  by  the  several 
drains  upon  lier  membership,  he  left  the  Church  far  stronger 
than  when  he  became  its  Rector.  May  his  ministrations  be 
ever  as  useful  as  they  were  here. 

The  Rev.  Nathaniel  Seymour  Thomas,  of  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Leavenworth,  Kansas,  succeeded  Dr.  Swope  and  entered  upon 
his  duties  as  Rector  of  the  parish  on  October  31,  1897. 

Mr.  Thomas  quickly  won  the  love  of  all,  and  infused  new  life 
into  the  Church  and  into  the  various  societies  for  Church 
work,  and  many  new  members  were  added.  With  the  idea  of 
assisting  Mr.  Thomas  to  enlarge  the  work,  the  Rev  Henry 
L.  A.  Kick  was  called,  June,  1899,  as  assistant  Rector  of  St. 
Matthew's  Parish.  He  remained  until  November,  1899,  when 
he  went  to  Oklahoma  Territory,  upon  Mr.  Thomas'  accepting 
a  cali  to  the  Church  of  the  lioh  Apostles,  Philadelphia.  Mr. 
Thomas  left  Wheeling,  to  the  great  regret  of  the  Church  and 
the  Diocese.  In  January.  L900,  I  lie  Rev.  David  \Y .  Howard 
succeeded  him. 


ix  West  Virginia.  709 

List  of  Wardens  and  Vestrymen  of  St.  Matthew's  Church. 

Names.  Years  Ves-  Years 

tryman.  Warden. 

John  Good 1(1  9 

Richard  Simms 22        19 

W'm.  Ghapline,  Jr 7  4 

S.  Scovil  :; 

J.  C.   William    1 

Noah  Zane (i 

Judge  Alex.  Caldwell  19 

Joseph  Caldwell L3 

Win.  Chapline,  Sr 2 

Josiah  Chapline   5 

Eli  B.  Swearingen 13 

Moses  Shepherd   2 

Kit-hard  Lane    9  2 

l'eter  Yarnell 1 

Patrick  Kay (j  3 

James  Tanner 1 

Edmund  I.  Lee,  Jr 2 

Dr.  Joshua  Morton   11 

Major  Moses  C.  Good 11 

Wade  H.  Heiskell    4 

John  P.  Clark 15 

Zedekiah  B.  ( Jurtis 11 

Prank   Bassett    5 

Morgan  Nelson 27 

W.  J.  Selby   16 

1 1  [ram  1  >.  Brown 25        20 

W.  I).  Atterbury  4 

Alex.  T.  Laidley 13  9 

John  Robinson   13 

Samuel   Neil    2 

Alfred  Richardson  2 

Andrew  P.  Woods 24         21 

J.   L.  Newby   2 


710  The  Episcopal  Church 

Names.  Years  Ves-  Years 

try  man.  Warden. 

J.  E.  Greer 14 

W.  K.  Lindsay  1 

George  Armstrong   15 

Robert  C.  Woods  ■ 8 

Hon.  Sobieski  Brady 46  7 

R.  C.  Bonham 30         15 

Geo.  C.  Tingle 6 

Dr.  E.  A.  Hildreth S 

A.   Allan   Howell    2 

N.  Pigman  2 

Judge  G.  W.  Thompson 11 

James  McCluny   16 

James  H.  McMechen   5 

George  Adams  4 

John  G.  Chandler 4 

T.  C.  McAfee 7 

S.  P.  Hildreth 16 

L.  S.  Delaplain 17 

Alonzo  Loring 28 

John  M.  McLure,  Jr 3 

James   Maxwell    1  mo. 

A.  C.  Quarrier  2 

Thos.  Hughes 2 

A.  J.  Cecil 7 

L.  W.  Stocton   3 

W.  H.   Hennegan    5 

*J.  D.  DuBois    29         10 

O.  C.  Dewey  11 

James  P.  Rogers 5 

*J.  D.  Culbertson 19  6 

Lucius  Hoge   5 

*Frank  J.  Hearne  17 

Spaulding  Wallace 3 

Gibson  Lamb    7 


in  West  Virginia.  711 

Names.  Years  Ves-  Years 

tryman.  Warden. 

J!  R.  McCourtney   2 

•Robert   Browne    11 

•Allen  Brock   11 

*Hullihen  Quarrier  10 

*  Joseph  Speidel   8 

*Nathan  B.  Scott   8 

*B.  Walker  Peterson  4 

*Dr.  G.  A.  Aschman 4 

*J.  J.  Holloway  3 

*Cyrus  P.  Flick  1 

"The  Island  Parish,"  St.  Luke's  Church,  Wheeling.— When 
Wheeling  was  incorporated  as  a  city  in  1836,  the  plot  of  the 
Island  was  known  as  the  town  of  Columbia.  The  city  itself 
had  a  population  at  that  time,  not  much  larger  than  the  pres- 
ent population  of  the  Island,  and  the  town  of  Columbia  was 
one  in  name  only. 

Situated  in  the  midst  of  the  Ohio  River,  it  was  for  many 
years  almost  uninhabited,  and  was  covered  largely  with  for- 
est trees,  with  here  and  there  a  corn  field,  or  an  orchard,  or 
a  meadow.  There  are  about  375  acres  in  the  whole  tract  of 
land,  which  is  one  and  three-quarter  miles  long  and  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  wide. 

As  late  as  1848  but  five  houses  had  been  erected  upon  it. 
At  the  present  time  (1900),  the  population  numbers  5,135,  and 
the  Island,  known  as  the  Seventh  Ward,  is  almost  entirely  a 
residence  portion  of  Wheeling. 

Two  splendid  bridges  connect  the  Island  with  the  city,  and 
two  with  the  Ohio  side.  And  so  the  ''Garden  Spot,"  as  it  is 
popularly  known,  is  easily  accessible  by  the  electric  ear  and 
otherwise,  to  Virginia  and  Ohio. 

Such,  briefly,  is  a  description  of  the  Island  at  the  close  of 
the  nineteenth  century;  and  now  as  the  writer  turns  to  the 

*  Those  so  marked,  the  preeenl  vestry  of  St.  Matthews. 


712  The  Episcopal  Church 

main  purpose  of  this  sketch,  he  desires  to  state,  that  the 
earliest  and  only  account  of  any  effort  made  to  establish  the 
Episcopal  church  in  this  portion  of  Wheeling,  is  found  on  the 
fly-leaf  of  an  old  Sunday  school  record  book,  which  reads  as 
follows: 

"The  Island  Mission  Sunday  school  was  organized  on  the 
morning  of  the  5th  Sunday  after  Trinity  (June  27th  1869), 
with  Mr.  E.  B.  Me  Lain  as  superintendent.  There  were  twenty- 
two  girls  and  five  boys  in  the  school  divided  into  classes.  Not 
over  a  dozen  communicants  on  the  Island  at  that  time." 

Thus,  thirty-one  years  ago,  the  work  began  to  grow,  and 
like  the  Church  herself,  it  started  in  a  little  "upper  room," 
on  a  street  which  is  now  called  "South  Huron."  Here  for 
about  four  years,  the  work  for  children  was  faithfully  main- 
tained by  a  zealous  band  of  teachers,  under  the  leadership  of 
Mr.  McLain.  Who  the  teachers  were,  at  this  first  meeting 
does  not  appear  in  the  record,  but  there  is  a  number  of  lists 
given  in  reports  made  from  September,  1870,  to  April  27th, 
1873,  and  we  gladly  transcribe  them  in  the  order  in  which 
they  appear: 

Mr.  J.  H.  Laishly,  Miss  Lillie  Ingersoll,  Mr.  Wm.  Harrison, 
Misses  Mary  Laishly,  Annie  McLain,  Lucy  Cecil,  Mr.  T.  B. 
McLain.  Miss  Eliza  Jane  Cecil,  Mrs.  Lucy  Atkinson,  Misses 
Mary  Harrison,  Rose  Berger,  Tillie  Ingersoll,  Annie  Miller, 
Belle  Chambers,  .Julia  McLure,  Dr.  J.  B.  Elder,  Misses  Lizzie 
Seamon,  Mary  Cilles,  Annie  Kyle,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mrs.  Mag 
gie  Griff eth,  Mr.  Vardy,  Mr.  Chas.  Brady. 

It  is  gratifying  to  note  the  persistent  faithfulness  of  these 
teachers  to  duty,  and  yet,  a  feeling  of  sadness  comes  over  us, 
at  the  thought,  that  but  one  of  this  number  is  with  us  today, 
in  the  active  work  of  St.  Luke's-on-the-Island. 

"Some  have  gone  to  lands  far  distant. 

And  with  strangers  make  their  home. 
Some  upon  the  world  of  waters 

All  their  lives  are  forced  to  roam. 

Some  are  gone  from  us  forever, 
Longer  here  they  might  not  stay. 
They  have  reached  the  fairer  region 
Far  away,  far  away." 


ST.    LUKE  s.    WHEELING. 


REV.    JACOB    BRITTINGHAM. 


ST.    LUKE'S,    WHEELING. 


ix  West  Virginia.  713 

In  1873  a  plain  frame  chapel  was  built  on  South  Broadway, 
to  which  the  Sunday  school  was  transferred,  and  whore  oc- 
casional services  were  conducted  by  the  various  Electors  of 
St.  Matthew's  Church,  who  were  actively  interested  in  the 
welfare  of  the  work  on  the  Island. 

Soon  after  this  change,  Judge  Jas  P.  Rogers  became  the 
superintendent,  and  continued  its  devoted  leader  for  twenty- 
five  years.  He  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Lawrence  E.  Sands,  the 
present  superintendent,  whose  faithfulness  to  this  duly  is  as 
marked  as  to  that  of  the  treasurership  of  the  parish,  which 
lie  has  held  for  a  number  of  years. 

It  was  but  a  natural  result,  that  iu  due  course  of  time,  the 
church  people  of  the  Island  should  ask  for  a  separate  or- 
ganization, and  so  when  that  time  did  come,  those  who  re- 
garded the  prosperity  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  this  com- 
munity, above  that  of  a  mere  sentiment  or  social  status,  took 
the  first  step,  and  they  did  well,  as  time  and  events  have 
shown. 

On  the  29th  of  March,  1880,  after  securing  the  consent 
of  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  the  Rector  and  vestry  of  St. 
Matthew's  Parish,  the  Island  was  canonically  set  apart  as 
"St.  Luke's  Mission,"  and  the  Reverend  C.  N.  Spalding,  D. 
D.,  was  appointed  missionary  in  charge,  with  a  committee 
composed  of,  Jas.  P.  Rogers,  warden;  Sam'l  P.  Hildreth, 
treasurer;  Gibson  Lamb,  secretary. 

On  the  2d  day  of  June,  1881,  St.  Luke's  Parish  was  duly 
organized,  and  admitted  into  union,  with  the  Diocese  as  an 
independent  and  self-supporting   L'arish. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  elected  by  I  he  congrega- 
tion as  (he  first  vestry  of  I  his  parish:  .Jas.  P.  Rogers,  sen 
ior  warden;  Sam'l  P.  Hildreth,  junior  warden  and  treasurer; 
Gibson  Lamb,  registrar;  John  McLure,  -Judge  Jno.  J.  Jacobs. 
The  congregation  was  wise  and  fortunate  in  their  selection 
of  these  gentlemen,  for  the,\  were  devotedly  attached  to 
the  Church,  and  being  men  of  affairs,  they  promptly  set  about 


71-4  The  Episcopal  Church 

to  establish  the  work,  on  a  sure  and  firm  foundation.  "They 
builded  better  than  they  thought." 

They  gave  of  their  time  and  substance,  and  now  all  this 
vestry  save  one,  and  most  of  their  original  helpers  rest  from 
their  labors,  and  their  works  do  follow  them.  It  is  pleasant, 
however,  to  recall  the  indefatigable  zeal,  and  hearty  loyalty 
of  Mr.  Hildreth,  who  loved  so  well  the  church  on  the  Is- 
land, and  was  ever  ready  to  collect  for,  and  give  to  its  sup- 
port; the  calm,  judicious  counsel  of  Mr.  Lamb  and  Mr.  Jacobs, 
who  were  no  less  prompt  to  lend  a  helping  hand;  and  the 
unflagging  interest  of  Capt.  McClure,  who  gave  to  the  church 
the  ground  on  which  the  building  is  now  located. 

We  rejoice,  that  we  still  have  with  us  our  Senior  Warden, 
Judge  Rogers,  of  whose  great  liberality  and  faithfulness 
the  people  of  St.  Luke's  know  so  well. 

This  vestry  elected  the  Rev.  C.  N.  Spalding,  as  first  Rector 
of  St.  Luke's,  but  he  declined  the  call  in  a  letter  which  shows 
that  a  cordial  relationship  existed  between  the  pastor  and 
his  people.  He  resigned  on  July  4th,  1881,  and  was  succeed- 
ed by  the  Rev.  Chas.  C.  Pearson,  who  took  charge  of  the 
new  parish  on  the  first  day  of  April,  1882.  Seconded  and 
sustained  by  such  faithful  men  and  women,  as  then  com- 
posed the  young  and  growing  parish,  the  new  Rector  was 
enabled  to  build,  pay  for  and  have  consecrated,  within  twelve 
months,  the  beautiful  Gothic  Church,  which  now  adorns  the 
corner  of  South  Penn  and  Ohio  streets. 

Mr.  Pearson  saw  the  consummation  of  a  cherished  hope 
in  the  erection  of  a  commodious  and  attractive  house  of 
worship,  and  within  two  years  after  its  consecration,  he  ex- 
perienced with  the  rest  of  the  Island  people,  and  the  whole 
Ohio  Valley,  the  highest  and  most  destructive  flood  in  the 
memory  of  the  oldest  inhabitant. 

Eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-four  will  ever  be  remembered 
as  the  great  flood  year,  it  having  reached  the  unprecedented 
height  of  fifty-four  feet.    It  was  a  common  calamity  however, 


ix  West  Virginia.  715 

but  true,  brave  hearts  at  home,  and  liberal  friends  abroad, 
made  it  possible  to  soon  repair  the  loss. 

The  church  was  speedily  made  as  beautiful  as  ever,  and 
the  whole  Island  was  actually  benefitted  by  the  severe  and 
trying  experience.  All  had  literally  passed  through  deep 
waters,  but  not  a  life  was  lost,  and  within  a  few  weeks  after 
the  waters  receded,  the  homes  and  premises  of  the  people 
were  as  bright  and  attractive  as  before. 

Mr.  Pearson  resigned  January  1st,  1885,  and  was  followed 
by  the  Rev.  J.  Gibson  Gantt,  who  took  charge  of  the  Parish 
June  2Sth,  of  the  same  year.  In  spite  of  ill  health,  person- 
ally, and  frequent  sickness  in  his  family,  Mr.  Gantt,  was  ac- 
tive and  faithful  in  every  good  word  and  work.  After  his 
resignation  on  the  1st  day  of  October,  1888,  the  Rev.  Henry 
Hobart  Morrell,  D.  D.,  came  like  a  heavenly  benediction  to 
this  parish.  He  was  its  Rector  only  three  short  months, 
but  they  were  full  of  sweetness  and  love  to  all.  He  preached 
and  ministered  to  this  people,  as  if  his  days  were  few;  so 
they  were,  for,  on  the  2d  day  of  January,  1889,  he  was  found 
in  his  room  cold  and  still  in  death.    He  fell  in  the  harness. 

At  the  time  of  his  departure  to  be  with  Christ,  he  was 
preparing  a  Wednesday  evening  lecture  from  the  text:  "And 
they  called  His  Name  Jesus." 

On  the  3rd  of  March,  1889,  the  Rev.  Jacob  Brittingham  took 
charge  of  this  parish,  and  he  has  been  naturally  gratified  to 
note,  that  despite  cares  and  distractions,  trials  and  sorrows, 
losses  and  separations,  the  work  has  moved  steadily  on,  and 
he  can  but  feel,  that  he  has  been  entering  into  other  men's 
labors.  During  the  years  that  have  come  and  gone,  since 
the  time  of  our  humble  beginning  in  the  little  upper  room, 
the  communicant  list  has  grown  from  twelve  persons  to 
three  hundred  and  sixty,  and  in  spite  of  losses  by  removal 
and  death,  and  otherwise,  there  is  at  the  present  time  an 
enrollment  of  253  communicants. 

The  parish  is  entirely  out  of  debt,  and  the  valuation  of 
property  has  grown  to  $26,000.    A  very  comfortable  rectory 


TIG  The  Episcopal.  Church 

has  been  built,  and  also  a  beautiful  Parish  house,  memorial 
of  Florence  V.  (Shearer)  Brittingham,  "a  sweet  and  gra- 
cious life,  whose  presence  in  the  well  remembered  days  gone 
by,  was  a  benediction  in  our  midst." 

And  can  those,  who  are  still  in  life's  hard  struggle,  help 
feeling  a  solemn  awe,  a  solemn  hope,  when  they  meditate 
upon  the  mighty  past,  and  the  no  less  great  future? 

And  as  we  are  swept  forward  upon  the  stream  of  time, 
how  natural  it  is  as  we  bend  to  the  oar,  to  catch  among  the 
ripples  some  whisper  of  former  things,  and  to  gaze  with 
wistful  eyes  to  see  the  wonders  of  the  widening  shore,  ever 
conscious  that  hour  by  hour,  and  year  by  year,  we  are  draw- 
ing nearer  and  nearer  to  our  eternal  home. 

"  The  golden  evening  brightens  in  the  west ; 
Soon,  soon  to  faithful  warriors  cometh  rest. 
Sweet  is  the  calm  of  Paradise  the  blest." 
ALLELUIA. 

The  following  gentlemen  have  served  as  vestrymen  of  St. 
Luke's.  Those  now  serving  have  a  star  affixed  to  their 
names: 

Mas.  1\  Rogers,  18  years.  Senior  Warden  and  Registrar 
18  years. 

Samuel  P.  Hildreth,  6  years.  Junior  Warden  and  Treas- 
urer 6  years. 

Gibson  Lamb,  1  years.     Registrar  1  years. 

-Tolm  McLure,  8  years. 

John  J.  Jacobs,  4  years. 

"Lawrence  E.  Sands,  16  years.  Junior  Warden  and  Treas- 
urer 1G  years. 

Win,  E.  Williams,  8  years. 

Win.  1>.  McCoy,  3  years. 

Geo.  T.  I>igby,  1  year. 

Allen   Brock,  2  years. 

*Edward  B.  Bowie      13  years. 

Prank  P.  Jones,  V»  years. 

;  Wm.  A.  Wilson,  1)  years.     Present  Registrar. 

Lucius  lloge,  Sr.,  8  years. 


in  West  Virginia.  717 

Wylie  Irwin,  8  years. 
Edward  L.  Rose,  1  year. 

*  Joshua  Buckley,  '■>  years. 

*  Archibald  A.  Taylor,  8  years. 
"("lias.  H.  Copp,  7  years. 
Orlando  H.  Dorsey,  i'  years. 
Rufus  B.  Baitelle,  3  years. 
Murray  L.  Springer,  4  years. 
Win.  C.  Gardner,  8  years. 
*Matthew  R.  Wolff,  2  years. 
*Thomas  Johns,  2  years. 

St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling. — On  Palm  Sunday,  1856,  the 
Rev.  Geo.  K.  Warner  took  charge  of  the  parish  at  a  salary 
of  $1,000  and  a  parsonage.  February  17,  1857,  he  resigned, 
and  Bishop  Johns  was  asked  to  choose  a  Rector  at  $800  and 
a  parsonage,  but  afterwards  the  vestry  decided  to  recall 
Dr.  McCabe.  He  was  offered  $1,200  and  parsonage,  but  de- 
clined. The  Rev.  Jos.  Hicks,  of  Newark,  New  Jersey,  was 
called  then  at  $1,000  and  parsonage,  and  took  charge  August 
4,  1857.    He  resigned  March  4,  1859. 

September  10,  1850,  the  Rev.  .his.  Moore,  of  Princess  Ann, 
Maryland,  accepted  a  call  to  the  Parish.  There  is  no  record 
of  his  resignation,  but  June  1_,  L861,  we  read  that  "The 
Rector  having  abandoned  his  parochial  charge,  the  Rector- 
ship was  vacant,  and  Mr.  Eenry  Tallant  was  appointed  Lay 
Reader,  to  officiate  Sunday  mornings  in  1  he  absence  of  a 
clergyman." 

December  1G,  1801,  Bishop  Bedell  being  applied  lo,  allowed 
the  Rev.  (ieo.  H.  Jenks,  Deacon,  al  a  salary  of  $500,  to  offi- 
ciate until  the  Bishops  of  Virginia  could  be  heard  from.  Mr. 
Jenks  took  charge  May  1.  L862,  was  ordained  Presbyter  Eas- 
ter. 1862,  and  accepted  the  Rectorship  of  the  Parish  April 
1 4th.  August  9th,  he  resigned  to  take  a  chaplaincy  in  the 
ii  in  v.  The  Rev.  J.  T.  Sinylhe  took  temporary  charge  until 
•  Inly  1,  1803.    He  was  then  Rector  until  December  26,  1st;:;, 


718  The  Episcopal  Church 

when  he  resigned.     His  salary  had  been  whatever  could  be 
raised,  and  a  parsonage. 

About  this  time  the  trustees  were  authorized  to  sell  the 
church  building  and  lot  for  the  sum  of  $2,000,  and  to  in- 
vest the  same  in  a  new  church  lot  on  Market  street.  March 
7,  1867,  the  architect,  Mr.  Kemple,  was  authorized  to  get  up 
drawings  for  a  building  to  cost  not  more  than  $10,000.  June 
16,  1867,  the  Rev.  Wm.  Morrow  entered  upon  his  duties  as 
the  seventh  Rector.  Until  the  completion  of  the  new  build- 
ing, services  were  held  in  the  United  States  court  room  in 
the  Custom  House  Building.  August  22, 1867,  the  corner  stone 
of  the  new  church  was  laid  with  appropriate  ceremonies. 

In  1868,  the  trustees  of  St.  John's  parish  having  been  em- 
powered by  act  of  the  Legislature  to  borrow  money,  bonds 
were  issued  by  them  to  the  amount  of  $10,000,  bearing  a 
rate  of  interest  not  to  exceed  7  3-10  per  cent.  The  payment 
was  to  be  secured  by  deed  of  trust  on  the  church,  lot,  organ 
&c.  June  29,  1869,  it  was  reported  that  the  financial  con- 
dition of  the  church  was  most  unsatisfactory.  The  church 
had  cost  more  than  the  original  estimate,  the  congregation 
had  not  grown  as  had  been  expected,  and  now  there  was  a 
considerable  debt  and  a  revenue  insufficient  to  meet  the  in- 
terest on  it  and  to  defray  the  necessary  expenses. 

September  15,  1869,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Morrow  resigned  and  in 
February,  1870,  the  effort  was  made  to  have  the  parish  work- 
ed by  an  assistant  at  St.  Matthew's,  but  failed.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Benton,  of  Kentucky,  was  then  called  by  St.  John's,  and 
took  charge  of  the  parish  March  10,  1870,  as  the  eighth  Rec- 
tor. He  resigned  December  30th,  and  the  Rev.  Jas.  H.  Mc- 
Mechen  conducted  services  Sunday  mornings  until  Septem- 
ber 1,  1871,  when  the  Rev.  Thos.  O.  Tongue  took  charge  as 
ninth  Rector  at  a  salary  of  $1,000.. 

In  the  treasurer's  report  January  14,  1871,  he  states  that 
March  15,  1869,  the  trustees  had  caused  to  be  executed  100 
bonds  of  $100  each,  bearing  interest  at  7  per  cent,  per  an- 
num, and  payable  in  five  years,  secured  bv  deed  of  trust  on 


ix  West  Virginia.  719 

church  building,  lot  and  organ.  He  also  states  that  the 
building,  including  organ  and  chancel  furniture,  had  cost 
$23,758.88.  To  this  had  been  applied  funds  from  old  church 
lot,  $2,000;  old  parsonage  property  sold,  $5,142.68;  bonds 
sold,  $9,500.  Subscriptions,  &c,  to  make  the  total  amount 
raised,  $24,695.54.  Out  of  this,  during  1867  and  1868,  the 
sum  of  $936.66  was  appropriated  to  pay  the  deficiency  in  the 
Rector's  salary,  and  other  expenses,  so  that  the  amount 
actually  expended  was  $23,758.88.  The  debt  at  this  date  is 
audited  at  $10,029.69. 

During  the  year  1870,  a  subscription  list  was  taken  for 
the  Rector's  salary,  and  incidental  expenses,  &c.  St.  John's 
parishioners  subscribed  $1,410.  St.  Matthew's  parishioners 
and  others  subscribed  $360.  June  6,  1873,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Tongue  resigned,  and  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Clark,  of  East  Windsor, 
Connecticut,  was  invited  to  officiate  as  "Priest  of  this  par- 
ish," for  four  months,  from  September  1,  1873,  at  a  salary 
at  the  rate  of  $1,000  per  annum.  It  was  stated  that  the 
temporary  nature  of  the  call  was  made  necessary  by  reason 
of  possible  financial  complications  as  the  bonds  represent- 
ing the  financial  indebtedness  of  the  church  were  then  be- 
coming due.  December  29,  1873,  the  Vestry  called  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Clark  to  assume  the  permanent  Rectorship  of  the  Par- 
ish, which  call  was  accepted.  May  4,  1875,  at  a  meeting  of 
the  Vestry  it  was  formally  stated  that  B.  M.  Eoff,  with  the 
sanction  of  the  other  bond-holders,  had  that  day  made  a 
legal  demand  for  the  payment  of  his  bonds.  The  Rector  and 
Vestry  recognizing  the  legal  justness  of  such  claims,  and 
regretting  their  inability  to  liquidate  the  bonds,  expressed 
their  willingness  to  leave  the  premises  whenever  the  bond- 
holders should  request  them  to  do  so.  But  they  reserved 
the  right  to  remove  all  "moveables"  that  might  be  justly 
claimed  as  property  of  St.  John's  Parish. 

Resolutions  were  passed  to  rent  a  hall,  remove  furniture, 
&c,  to  it  and  to  perpetuate  the  name  of  St.  John's  Parish, 
but  there  is  no  further  record  after  that,  but  the  Trustees' 


720  The  Episcopal  Chtkch 

sale  of  the  property.  This  sale  took  place  July  14,  1875,  and 
the  deed  for  the  church  was  admitted  September  2,  for  $10,- 
0(10.00. 

St.  Paul's,  Elm  Grove. — In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1889, 
the  mission  started  at  Elm  Grove,  six  miles  East  of  Wheel- 
ing, by  Dr.  R.  R.  Swope,  assumed  a  more  definite  shape,  the 
Rev.  John  Woods  holding  services  twice  a  month  in  the  Town 
Ball,  with  an  average  attendance  of  25.  Mr.  Woods  con- 
tinued for  some  months  when  Dr.  Swope  undertook  the  work 
himself. 

In  the  spring  of  1900,  a  lot  was  purchased  for  $400.00  in 
the  centre  of  the  town  and  a  chapel  erected  at  a  cost  of 
$2,000,  $800  of  which  was  raised  and  a  mortgage  placed  on 
the  property  for  the  balance.  Services  were  continued  by 
Dr.  Swope  until  February  5th,  1895,  when  Rev.  Lee  H.  Young 
was  called  to  take  charge  of  this  mission  in  conjunction 
with  St.  Andrew's  Mission,  in  South  Wheeling.  The  salary 
of  the  Rector  being  raised  by  St.  Paul's  Mission,  St.  An- 
drew's Mission,  St.  Matthew's  Church  and  the  King's  Daugh- 
ters Missionary  Society  of  St.  Matthew's  Church. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Young,  who  accepted  a  call 
to  Chadron,  Nebraska,  in  June,  1898,  the  $1,200  debt  was 
removed  from  the  church,  48  persons,  were  baptized,  13  con- 
firmed, 1  marriage  and  4  deaths.  A  Sunday  school  was  con- 
ducted with  an  average  attendance  of  75  pupils  and  9  teach- 
ers. Upon  the  departure  of  Mr.  Young,  the  Rev.  Luther 
Doggett  was  called  to  the  Missions  of  St.  Paul's  and  St.  An- 
drew's and  continued  in  the  work  until  March,  1900.  Dur- 
ing his  rectorship  at  St.  Paul's,  .">  were  baptized,  none  con- 
firmed, 2  marriages  and  5  deaths. 

The  total  number  of  communicants  at  St.  Paul's  is  34,  com- 
municating but  not  entered  1<>  membership  15,  removed  from 
Elm  (irove  15.  Since  the  departure  of  Mr.  Doggett,  services 
have  been  discontinued,  but  the  Sunday  school  has  been  con- 
ducted by  Mrs.  IS.  C.  Ryan,  with  an  average  attendance  of 
;;n   pupils  and   5   teachers.      It   is  a   matter  of  regret    to   the 


REV.    NATHANIEL    SEYMOUR   THOMAS. 


REV.    RODNEY    Rl'SH    BWOPE,    I).    I). 


REV.    JAMES    G.    ARMSTRONG,   D.    D. 


REV.    T.    J.    OLIVER   CURRAN. 


in  West  Virginia.  721 

few  church  people  still  in  the  neighborhood  that  some  ar- 
rangement cannot  be  made  to  hold  Sunday  services  at  this 
point,  as  the  property  is  free  from  debt,  and,  although  it 
would  never  develop  into  a  church  of  much  strength,  with 
the  proper  interest  and  financial  assistance  from  the  Dio- 
cese and  some  of  our  stronger  churches,  much  good  could  be 
done  here. 

S.  P.  Norton,  (Former  Warden.) 

St.  Andrew's  Mission,  South  Wheeling. — Sunday  evening, 
March  18,  1883,  Bishop  Peterkin,  with  Dr.  Swope,  held  ser- 
vices in  Westwood  Hall,  South  Wheeling.  It  was  hoped, 
that  a  mission  might  be  sustained  in  that  part  of  the  town. 
In  March,  1894,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Swope,  and  Mr.  Lawrence  E_ 
Sands  secured  a  large  building  on  Jacob  street,  near  42d, 
themselves  becoming  responsible  for  the  purchase  money, 
$3,060.  This  is  a  frame  building,  45x110  feet,  with  a  hall 
and  large  room  adjoining.  As  marking  the  zeal  and  earnest- 
ness of  the  chapters  of  the  Brotherhood  connected  with  the 
two  parishes  in  Wheeling,  and  the  aid  it  was  hoped  they 
would  render  in  carrying  on  the  work,  it  is  to  be  known  as 
St.  Andrew's  Mission.  Soon  after  an  open  meeting  was  held 
in  the  nail,  there  being  present  Dr.  Swope,  Drs.  Aschman 
and  Pratt,  Mr.  L.  E.  Sands  and  Mr.  Robt.  H.  Devine.  Dr. 
Swope  placed  Messrs.  Sands  and  Devine  in  charge  of  the 
Sunday  school,  but  no  services  were  to  be  held  regularly.  In 
June  of  the  same  year,  Dr.  Swope  appointed  Mr.  Richard 
Wkitehouse,  of  New  York,  to  conduct  regular  services  and 
do  what  he  could  as  layman  for  the  mission.  In  November, 
1894,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Barrett  held  a  successful  mission  of  ten 
days.  Mr.  Wbitehouse  left  in  December,  when  the  work 
was  taken  up  by  the  Brotherhood  men  of  St.  Matthew's  and 
St.  Luke's,  until  the  Rev.  Lee  H.  Young  was  appointed  Feb- 
ruary 5,  1S95.  Mr.  Young  stayed  until  August,  1S98.  Jn 
September  of  1hat  year  the  Rev.  Luther  W.  Doggett  took 
charge  and  remained  until  March,  1900. 

The  Bishop  then  placed  the  work  iu  charge  of  the  Rector 


722  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  and  a  little  later  the  vestry  with 
commendable  zeal,  assumed  the  debt.  The  Rev.  Thos.  J. 
Oliver  Ourran  was  called.  He  undertook  the  work  of  the 
mission  October  1,  1900.  A  Sunday  School  of  one  hun- 
dred children  has  been  gathered  together,  there  are  fifty 
communicants,  and  at  present  the  prospects  of  success  in  this 
work  are  encouraging. 


in  West  Virginia.  723 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Records  continued.  Pendleton,  Pleasants,  Pocahontas,  Preston, 
Putnam,  Raleigh,  Randolph,  Ritchie,  Roane,  Summers,  Taylor, 
Tucker,  Tyler,  Upshur  Counties.  Churches  in  St.  Mary's, 
Waverly,  Willow  Island,  Clover  Lick,  Scary,  Beckley,  Elkins, 
Hinton,  Grafton,  Davis,  Sistersville,  Buckhannon,  &c. 


Pendleton. 

Pendleton  county  was  formed  from  Augusta,  Hardy  and 
Rockingham  in  1787,  and  was  named  for  Edmund  Pendleton, 
of  Caroline  county,  Virginia.  Square  miles,  650.  Popula- 
tion—1870,  0,455;  1880,  8,022;  1890,  8,596;  1900,  9,167. 

The  Bishop  visited  Franklin  Thursday,  August  31,  1882. 
He  found  no  Episcopalians,  though  some  persons  who  had 
been  such  in  time  past  and  had  from  necessity,  as  they 
thought,  connected  themselves   with  other   churches. 

Pleasants. 

Pleasants  county  was  formed  from  Wood,  Tyler  and  Ritch- 
ie, in  1851,  and  named  for  James  Pleasants,  Governor  of 
Virginia,  1822.  Square  miles,  150.  Population — 1870,  3,012; 
1880,  6,256;  1890,  7,414;  1900,  9,345. 

Grace  Church,  tit.  Marys  Mission. — Rev.  YVm.  L.  Hyland,  of 
Parkersburg  was  the  first  Episcopal  minister  who  held  ser- 
vices in  St.  Mary's,  Pleasants  county.  This  was  about  the 
year  1859,  and  these  services  were  held  in  the  Methodist 
Protestant  Church,  kindly  offered  for  the  purpose.  Mr.  Hy- 
land was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins,  in  this  work. 
After  the  latter  gave  it  up,  there  was  an  intermission  of  some 
years  without  an  Episcopal  service,  until  a  monthly  service 


724  The  Episcopal  Church 

was  established  by  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods  in  November,  1885. 
The  successors  of  Mr.  Woods  were  the  Rev.  J.  R.  Taylor, 
who  held  a  few  services  when  he  accepted  a  call  to  Mounds- 
ville;  the  Rev.  Grant  Sommerville,  who  was  in  charge  sev- 
eral years;  the  Rev.  W.  L  Davis,  in  charge  but  a  short  time, 
and  the  Rev.  W.  K.  Marshall,  now  of  Wellsburg.  There  were 
also  a  few  services  held  by  the  Rev.  John  Ambler.  Jn  1806, 
the  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods  took  charge  of  the  work  for  the  sec- 
ond time,  and  established  a  monthly  service.  The  great 
drawback  to  the  mission  has  been  the  want  of  a  church 
home.  Borrowing  churches  from  the  respective  denomina- 
tions of  the  place,  proved  very  unsatisfactory,  and  our  peo- 
ple were  finally  driven  to  the  conclusion  that  if  services 
were  to  be  kept  up  in  St.  Mary's  with  any  regularity  or  ef- 
fectiveness, an  Episcopal  church  must  be  built.  Steps  were 
taken  to  this  end  and  the  first  dollar  earned  for  the  lot,  on 
which  to  build  the  church  was  on  the  4th  of  July,  1895.  At 
this  time,  July,  1898,  the  ladies  alone  have  raised  $1,600, 
the  church  is  plastered  and  it  is  expected  that  services  will 
soon  be  held  in  it.  When  completed  the  building,  will  be 
one  of  the  most  substantial  and  beautiful  churches  in  the 
Diocese  at  a  cost  of  not  more  than  $3,500.  The  persons 
more  particularly  identified  with  this  work  are  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
R.  H.  Browse  and  family;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ed  Holdren,  Mr. 
Geo.  Kelsall,  Miss  Rachel  Rymer,  Mrs.  Dr.  Steeres,  Mrs.  Ella 
Staley,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robt.  Pembeiton  and  Mr.  Jos.  E.  No- 
land. 

July,  1898. 

Since  the  above  was  written,  the  work  in  St.  Mary's  has 
gone  steadily  on.  Rev.  J.  A.  Hiatt  was  put  in  charge  of 
the  work  while  he  was  still  a  candidate  for  orders.  There 
was  steady  effort  made  to  reduce  the  debt,  especially  in  the 
summer  of  1901.  and  the  expectation  is  cherished  that  by  the 
end  of  the  year  it  will  be  entirely  paid. 

In  July,  1901,  St.  Mary's  was  put  into  one  charge  with 
Williamstown  and  Waverly.    Under  the  stimulating  influence 


in  West  Virginia.  72~> 

of  Archdeacon  Spurr,  a  salary  of  $400  was  promised,  thereby 
securing  the  residence  of  Mr.  Geo.  C.  Shaw,  a  candidate  for 
orders,  whom  the  Bishop  placed  in  charge. 

In  September,  1901,  after  a  series  of  special  services  near- 
ly $300  was  collected  for  the  church  debt,  thereby  reducing 
it  to  less  than  $600,  at  the  same  time  a  Rectory  was  pur- 
chased, very  near  the  Church.  This  wTas  at  a  cost  of  $2,000, 
and  arrangements  made  gradually  to  pay  it  off. 

St.  John's  Church,  Willow  Island,  or  Coir  Creek. — The  Rev. 
Thos.  Smith,  of  Parkersburg,  West  Virginia,  was  the  first 
Episcopal  minister  who  preached  in  the  neighborhood  of  St. 
John's  Church,  Cow  Creek,  or  Willow  Island.  The  occasion 
of  his  first  sermon  was  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Robert  Triplett, 
in  the  year  1843.  He  was  accompanied  by  the  late  Gen.  John 
J.  Jackson,  of  Parkersburg.  This  first  visit  led  to  occasional 
services  in  a  building  used  for  a  school  and  a  Methodist 
Church.  Mr.  Smith's  successors  at  Parkersburg  also  gave 
attention  to  this  mission,  which  was  seventeen  miles  distant 
by  land.  It  prospered  under  their  care  and  in  the  year  1845, 
Bishop  Meade  made  his  first  visitation  to  it,  accompanied 
by  the  Revs.  E.  T.  Perkins  and  F.  M.  Whittle,  now  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Perkins,  of  Louisville,  and  Bishop  Whittle,  of  the  Diocese 
of  Virginia.  The  present  St.  John's  Church  was  erected  in 
1852,  and  St.  John's  Church  Parish,  was  organized  with  ten 
communicants  in  1855.  The  mission  and  afterwards  parish, 
have  had  the  ministrations  of  the  following  presbyters  in 
orders:  Revs.  Thos.  Smith,  E.  T.  Perkins,  T.  K.  Coleman,  Wm. 
L.  Hyland,  S.  D.  Tompkins,  J.  F.  Woods,  J.  R.  Taylor  and 
Grant  Sommerville.  It  has  had  visitations  from  Bishops 
Meade,  Johns,  Whittle  and  Peterkin.  Bishop  Johns  confirm- 
ed at  one  time  15  persons.  Bishop  Whittle  5,  and  Bishop  Pe- 
terkin  in  1879  and  1880,  confirmed  8,  in  1882,  1;  1883,  1;  1892, 
2;  1893,  2;  1897,  1;  total  35.  The  following  gentlemen  have 
served  as  vestrymen  of  this  Parish:  Messrs.  Burr  Triplett, 
Samuel  Triplett,  Phineas  P.  Feeney,  Giles  Hammatt,  Frank 
Triplett,  John  W.  Norris,  James  Irwin,  David  Garrett,  and 


726  The  Episcopal  Church 

John  H.  Rolston,  seven  of  whom  are  now  *dead.  The 
strength  of  the  parish  is  not  so  great  as  it  has  been  in  times 
past,  on  account  of  deaths  and  removals  of  members  from 
the  neighborhood.  J.  F.  W. 

July  11th,  1898. 

Of  late  years  the  center  of  population  seems  to  have  chang- 
ed so  that  now  the  old  St.  John's  Church  is  rather  out  of  the 
way.  Still  a  good  congregation  assembles  there  at  the 
monthly  service.  The  idea  of  putting  a  chapel  near  the  river, 
while  retaining  the  old  Church  for  occasional  services  has 
been  advanced. 

Pocahontas. 

Pocahontas  county  was  formed  from  parts  of  Bath,  Pen- 
dleton and  Randolph,  in  1821.  In  1824  sixty  square  miles 
were  added,  taken  from  Greenbrier.  The  county  was  named 
for  Pocahontas.  Square  miles,  820.  Population. — 1870,  4,- 
069;  1880,  5,591;  1890,  6,740;  1900,  8,572. 

Clover  ],ivk  and  Huntersville. — As  far  as  known,  the  first 
services  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  were  held  in  Pocahontas 
county,  by  the  Rev.  R.  H.  Mason,  who  came  from  the  Warm 
Springs,  Bath  count}-,  Virginia,  in  1806.  Mr.  Mason  came 
three  or  four  times  a  year  for  several  years,  and  held  services 
in  the  house  of  Dr.  John  Ligon,  Clover  Lick,  and  also  in 
Huntersville.  After  Mr.  Mason's  removal  to  Union,  West 
Virginia,  (.1875),  his  services  in  Pocahontas  were  discontin- 
ued except  at  long  intervals,  and  there  wTere  no  regular  ser- 
vices until  Bishop  Whittle  sent  Rev.  E.  J.  Hall,  a  Deacon, 
in  1877.  When  Bishop  Peterkin  took  charge  of  the  Diocese 
in  1878,  he  found  Mr.  Hall  resident  in  Lewisburg,  and  hold- 
ing services  from  time  to  time  at  Clover  Lick,  and  in  Hunt- 
ersville. In  company  with  Mr.  Hall,  Bishop  Peterkin  paid 
his  first  visit  to  Pocahontas  county  in  October,  1878,  hold- 
ing services  at  Hillsboro  and  Huntersville,  and  at  the  latter 
place  confirming  one  person.  Since  then,  visitations  have 
been  made  regularly  and  in  all  fourteen  persons  confirmed. 

The  Episcopal  visitations  made  prior  to  the  organization 


in  West  Virginia.  727 

of  the  Diocese  were  by  Bishop  Whittle,  September,  I860. 
August,  1872,  wheu  he  confirmed  one  in  Huntersville.  In 
1874  (Grace  Church),  Madison  Parish,  comprising  the  coun- 
ty of  Pocahontas,  was  received  into  union  with  the  Council. 

In  1880  a  plan  was  inaugurated  to  build  a  church  at  Clover 
Lick,  and  through  the  zealous  interest  of  Mrs.  Dr.  Ligon 
it  was  so  carried  out  that  on  Sunday,  August  21,  18! )2,  we 
were  able  to  consecrate  a  neat  and  comfortable  building  as 
Emmanuel  Church. 

The  various  ministers  in  Lewisburg  held  occasional  ser- 
vices in  Pocahontas  county,  but  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lacy  (1881- 
1885)  was  specially  active  and  interested  in  this  work,  and 
more  lately  Rev.  Mr.  Turner  (1S98-9)  held  regular  services. 

Appointments  have  been  held  at  Clover  Lick,  Huntersville, 
Greenbank,  Dunmore,  Hillsboro,  Edrai,  Marlinton  and  Frost. 

Within  twenty-five  miles  of  the  Church  at  Clover  Lick 
(including  the  English  residents  around  Mingo)  there  may 
be  now  (1900)  residing  about  twenty  communicants.  So  far 
we  have  found  great  difficulty  in  organizing  this  scattered 
band,  and  in  providing  tuem  with  any  regular  service.  The 
completion  of  the  railroad  along  the  Greenbrier  River,  con- 
necting Clover  Lick  with  Eikins  on  the  one  hand,  and  Ron- 
ceverte  on  the  other,  will  materially  lessen  these  difficulties 
in  the  future. 

The  following  gentlemen  have  acted  as  vestrymen:  Col. 
James  T.  Lockridge,  Dr.  John  Ligon,  Samuel  B.  Lowry,  James 
YY.  Warwick,  Dr.  C.  P.  Bryan. 

Rev.  Mr  Turner  who  took  charge  of  Greenbrier  Parish  in 
the  fall  of  1897,  for  some  time,  preached  regularly  in  Poca- 
hontas county  on  one  Sunday  in  each  month. 

In  July,  1901,  Rev.  Guy  H.  Crook,  residing  at  Lewisburg, 
was  commissioned  by  the  Bishop  to  carry  on  the  work  in 
this  county,  and  it  is  hoped  that  now  the  completion  of  the 
rail  road  has  made  communication  easier,  that  more  may  be 
done  in  building  up  our  church. 

Marlinton  is  a  promising  missionary  point  where  we  have 


728  The  Episcopal  Ghukch 

six  or  eight  members.  A  site  has  been  selected  for  a  church 
and  occasional  services  held,  but  no  further  progress  has 
been  made. 

At  Clover  Lick  is  the  only  church  building  we  have  in  the 
county.  The  neighborhood  derives  additional  importance 
from  the  establishment  of  a  large  lumber  plant  at  the  Depot, 
a  mile  from  the  Church.  This  will  eventually  become  quite 
a  little  town. 

Huntersville  has  sensibly  declined  in  the  last  few  years  ow- 
ing to  the  removal  of  the  court  house  to  Marlinton. 

At  Hillsboro,  or  the  Academy  as  it  is  often  called,  we  have 
an  occasional  service.  At  one  time  we  had  four  communicants 
there,  but  now  (1891)  only  one. 

Preston. 

Preston  county,  was  formed  from  Monongalia  in  1818. 
Square  miles,  650.  Population,— 1870,  14,555;  1880,  19,091; 
1890,  20,151;  1900,  22,727. 

In  the  years  1878-1881  Bishop  Peterkin  preached  from  time 
to  time  at  Irondale  Furnace  and  Gladesville,  but  removals 
and  changes  seemed  to  make  it  expedient  to  discontinue  these 
services.  At  one  time  we  had  a  few  people  at  Newburg,  but 
they  also  have  removed.  All  these  persons  were  more  or 
less  identified  with  St.  Matthias  Church,  Grafton. 

In  April,  1899,  Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Terra  Alta.  preach- 
ing in  the  public  hall,  and  confirming  one  person. 

Putnam. 

Putnam  county  was  formed  from  parts  of  Kanawha.  Mason 
and  Cabell,  in  1848.  Square  miles,  320.  Population. — 1870, 
7,794;  1880,  11,375;  1890,  14,305;  1900,  17,330. 

St.  John's,  in  the  Valley,  Scary. — From  Bishop  Meade's  book 
it  is  learned  that  the  congregation  at  Teays'  (not  Quay's)  Val- 
ley, was  first  gathered  together  by  the  Rev.  James  Craik,  D. 
D.,  of  Charleston,  in  a  still-house  not  later  than  early  in  the 
forties;  that  St.  Mark's  Church,  St.  Albans,  was  built  in  1846 
and  shortly  after  St.  John's  in  the  Vallev.    Old  residents  of 


GRACE  CHURCH,   CLOVER   LICK. 


ST.    JAMES  AND   RECTORY,    LEWISBURG. 


REV.  GUY  H.  CROOK. 


THE  CHURCH  AT  GLEN  JEAN. 


IN  West  Virginia.  729 

Scary,  who  claim  to  remember  him,  say  that  Bishop  Meade 
preached  more  than  once  in  the  still-house  referred  to,  and 
a  number  of  times  later,  in  the  Church.  Indeed,  the  walls 
of  the  old  church  building  were  standing  in  1887. 

On  Sunday,  July  3,  1887,  the  Rev.  C.  M.  Campbell  held  his 
first  service  at  Scary,  in  a  school  house,  about  a  mile  below 
the  site  of  the  church.  From  this  date  until  May.  1892,  oc- 
casional services  were  held  here, — first  in  the  school  house 
mentioned,  and  later  in  the  church, — at  one  time  as  often  as 
once  a  month,  but  for  the  most  part  during  the  summer  sea- 
son, as  the  roads  in  winter  were  often  impassable  and  there 
was  but  one  communicant,  Mrs.  Robert  Simms,  a  very  old 
lady,  since  entered  into  her  rest,  and  very  few  people  living 
in  the  immediate  neighborhood. 

The  present  building  with  seating  capacity  of  85,  was  erect- 
ed in  1SS8,  largely  through  the  efforts  of  Mrs.  John  Kirtley, 
a  daughter  of  Mrs.  Simms,  and  at  a  cost  of  about  $500.  At 
the  time  of  my  last  report  of  this  work  to  the  Council,  in 
1892,  it  was  valued  at  |500  and  the  lot  at  $100.  This  lot 
was  originally  deeded  to  the  Episcopal  church,  but  with  the 
provision  that  any  other  religious  denomination  in  good 
standing  might  use  the  building  at  such  times  as  it  was  not 
needed  for  our  own  services.  Accordingly  the  new  Church 
was  built  with  the  same  understanding.  Therefore,  it  is  not 
a  union  Church,  as  some  have  thought,  but  belongs  to  the 
Episcopal  church  in  this  Diocese. 

Bishop  Peterkin  preached  in  the  new  building  for  the  first 
time  on  Sunday,  October  7, 1888,  though  he  had  before  preach- 
ed here  in  May  of  the  same  year.  During  Mr.  Campbell's 
ministry  at  St.  Albans,  we  had  only  the  one  communicant  at 
Scary,  and  the  attendance  was  never  very  large,  except  per- 
haps upon  some  special  occasion.  Mrs.  Simms  died  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1897,  and  since,  there  have  been  no  communicants 
there,  and  but  an  occasional  service. 

Raleigh. 

Raleigh  county   was   formed  from  Fayette,   in   1850,   and 


730  The  Episcopal  Church 

named  for  Sir  Walter  Raleigh.     Square  miles,  680.     Popula- 
tion—1870,  3,673;  1880,  7,367;  1890,  0,550;  1900,  12,136. 

Iu  company  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lacy,  Bishop  Peterkin  vis- 
ited Raleigh  iu  October,  1882,  and  had  the  pleasure  of  meet- 
ing the  venerable  General  Beckley,  after  whom  the  Court 
House  was  named.  In  the  last  few  years  both  Bishop  Peter- 
kin  and  Bishop  Gravatt  have  visited  this  point.  The  Rev. 
H.  B.  Thomas,  and  the  Rev.  F.  A.  Meade  have  held  services 
there  from  time  to  time,  and  now  this  point  is  under  the 
charge  of  Rev.  Guy  H.  Crook,  of  Ronceverte.  He  reports 
about  fourteen  communicants,  and  they  are  looking  forward 
to  building  a  chapel. 

Randolph. 

Randolph  county  was  formed  from  Harrison,  in  1787,  and 
was  named  for  Edmund  Randolph  of  Williamsburg.  Vir- 
ginia. Square  miles,  1,080.  Population — 1870,  5,563;  1880, 
8,102;  1890,  11,601;  1900,  17,670? 

The  Bishop  visited  Beverly,  Sunday,  June  15,  1879,  con- 
firmed one  person  and  baptized  three  infants.  This  is 
thought  to  be  the  first  confirmation  ever  held  in  this  mountain 
town.  The  Bishop  visited  Beverly  again  Wednesday,  August 
25,  1880,  and  Thursday,  May  28,  1885,  accompanied  by  Rev. 
Messrs.  Gibbons,  Noland,  Gibson  and  Brittingham,  on  his 
way  to  the  Lewisburg  Council. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons  several  times  conducted  services  and 
preached  in  Beverly  while  he  was  rector  of  Christ  Church, 
Fairmont. 

No  visit  of  Bishop  from  August,  1886,  to  August,  1894, — 
then  Mr.  Jno.  S.  Lightbourne  with  him.  He  had  recently 
taken  charge  of  work  with  headquarters  at  Bayard,  going 
also  to  Elkins. 

Bishop  visited,  Monday,  August  6,  1891,  Bayard;  confirm- 
ed 3.  Tuesday,  August  7,  1891,  Davis;  confirmed  2;  Wed- 
nesday, August  8,  1894,  Belington;  Elkins,  Sunday,  February 
23,  1896;  Davis,  Monday,  February  24,  1896;  Bayard,  Tues- 
day, February  25,  1896;  Elkins.  Sunday,  September  27,  1897, 


in  West  Virginia.  731 

confirmed  1;  Davis,  Monday,  September  28,  1897;  Bayard, 
Tuesday,  September  29,  1897.  At  this  time  Mr.  Lightbourne 
transferred  residence  to  Grafton,  though  retaining  work  as 
above. 

Bishop  visited  Bayard  on  Monday,  August  2,  1898,  con- 
firmed one,  presented  by  Rev.  Dr.  Hubbard.  Tuesday.  Au- 
gust. 3,  1898,  Davis,  baptized  a  child. 

The  history  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Randolph  county 
extends  over  but  a  short  period  of  time.  On  June  18th,  1878, 
Bishop  Peterkin  confirmed  Dr.  John  H.  Weymouth  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church  at  Beverly;  this  was  the  first  confirma- 
tion in  Randolph  county,  which  is  one  of  the  largest  and  old- 
est in  the  State,  having  been  formed  in  1787.  It  is  perhaps 
needless  to  say  that  the  Episcopal  Church  was  unknown  to  a 
great  number  of  people  in  West  Virginia,  and  it  was  an  up- 
hill task  to  organize  a  Church.  Thirty  years  ago  there  were 
only  two  communicants  in  the  county, — Dr.  Washington  Hil- 
liary  and  wife,  who  came  to  the  county  from  Maryland,  and 
who  owned  vast  tracts  of  land  on  Roaring  Creek,  nine  miles 
west  of  Beverly,  but,  having  no  Episcopal  Church  associa- 
tion, they  affiliated  with  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church; 
they  afterwards  sold  their  possession?  and  moved  to  Ken- 
tucky. This  left  the  county  without  a  communicant,  until 
the  confirmation  already  referred  to.  Bishop  Peterkin  visited 
Beverly  some  times  once  a  year,  enroute  to  Pocahontas  coun- 
ty; other  ministers  also  visited  the  county,  notably  Rev.  G. 
A.  Gibbons  and  Dr.  T.  H.  Lacy.  About  fifteen  years  ago,  some 
Englishman  purchased  land  at  Mingo  Elats,  about  thirty 
miles  south  of  Beverly;  subsequently  others  came,  the  whole 
forming  an  English  Colony;  they  were  adherents  of  the 
Church  of  England,  and,  although  nothing  was  done  by  them 
with  a  view  to  definite  organization,  the  ministers  of  the 
Episcopal  Church  have  always  been  heartily  received,  and  the 
Services  of  the  Church  appreciated.  The  greater  portion  of 
this  colony  have  since  returned  to  England.  On  Sunday,  Feb- 
ruary 2:5d,  1896,  Bishop   Peterkin   visited    Elkins,  and  again 


732  The  Episcopal  Chukch 

on  Sunday,  September  27th,  1807,  when  he  confirmed  one. 
Another  visit  was  made  on  Friday,  March  3d,  1899.  The  first 
confirmation  in  Elkins  was  by  Bishop  Peterkin,  in  the  Pres- 
byterian Church,  since  which  others  have  been  confirmed  in 
the  same  church.  The  town  of  Elkins  has  built  up  quickly 
in  the  last  ten  years,  and  from  time  to  time  Episcopalians 
from  other  counties  have  located  there,  many  staying  but  a 
short  time.  Services  have  been  held  in  different  buildings, 
and  our  ministers  have  had  to  depend  upon  the  courtesy  of 
other  Churches,  notably  the  Presbyterian  Church,  which  was 
formerly  known  as  "The  White  Church/'  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons 
held  occasional  services  at  Elkins  for  years,  and  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Rev.  John  R.  Joyner,  who  was  then  residing  at 
Bayard,  but,  on  account  of  failing  health,  he  was  compel- 
led to  relinquish  his  work.  The  Rev.  John  S.  Lightbourne  then 
took  charge  of  the  work,  supplying  its  need  of  services,  in 
connection  with  other  points  in  Taylor  and  Tucker  counties. 
When  Mr.  Lightbourne  moved  to  Pennsylvania,  Rev.  John  C. 
Ambler,  Missionary  to  Japan,  who  had  been  home  for  an  ex- 
tended visit,  took  charge  of  the  work,  living  at  West  Grafton, 
in  the  rectory  of  Grafton  Church.  On  July  9,  1899,  Rev.  James 
Logan  Pish  took  charge  of  the  work,  and  has  retained  the 
same  ever  since.  The  need  of  a  church  building  was  felt  by 
the  Episcopalians  at  Elkins,  recognizing,  as  they  did,  that 
the  growth  of  the  Church  was  retarded  through  lack  of  a  per- 
manent place  to  worship;  services  were,  from  time  to  time, 
held  under  unique  circumstances,  occasionally  in  an  empty 
store,  the  Opera  House,  or  other  hall  rented  for  the  purpose. 
In  the  fall  of  1900  a  site  for  a  church  was  purchased  from 
Senator  Davis,  of  Elkins,  worth  $600,  half  of  which  was  do- 
nated, the  actual  cost  to  the  Church  being  $300:  an  urgent 
appeal  for  funds  was  made,  and  liberally  responded  to  by 
friends  in  Elkins  and  the  county  generally.  The  result  is  a 
neat  building,  capable  of  seating  about  150  persons.  The 
building,  site,  furniture,  &c,  are  valued  at  $2,200.  The  loca- 
tion is  a  good  one,  being  central,  and  in  a  position  likely  to 


in  West  Virginia.  733 

improve  in  appearance,  and  increase  in  value.  The  Church 
has  been  named  "Grace,"  and  on  Sunday,  December  16,  1900, 
was  opened  for  service,  when  a  large  number  of  people  at- 
tended. A  Sunday-school  organized  on  the  day  of  opening 
has  shown  an  average  of  about  thirty-five  in  attendance.  The 
building  of  this  church  was  made  possible  by  the  generous 
gift  of  $502  from  a  lady  in  Massachusetts,  through  the  Rev. 
A.  H.  Amory,  of  Lawrence.  The  gift  was  most  opportune, 
and  made  possible  the  building  of  a  church  in  a  most  impor- 
tant center.  We  have  no  way  of  personally  thanking  this 
good  woman  for  her  thoughtful  liberality,  for  she  prefers  to 
remain  unknown,  but  we  here  gratefully  acknowledge  her 
timely  aid  and  pray  for  God's  blessing  upon  her. 

On  April  7th,  1901,  Easter  Day,  this  building  was  conse- 
crated by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  and  six  persons  were 
confirmed.  During  this  visit  arrangements  were  perfected  to 
relieve  Mr.  Fish  of  the  care  of  Grafton  and  transfer  his  resi- 
dence to  Elkins,  with  the  additional  charge  of  Davis  and  Par- 
sons and  Belington.  At  this  time,  also,  a  very  suitable  rec- 
tory was  purchased  at  Elkins  for  $2,000,  and  arrangements 
made  to  pay  for  it  in  small  installments.  This  whole  section 
of  the  State  is  developing  rapidly,  and  we  are  encouraged  to 
expect  the  strengthening  and  developing  of  the  Church  at  the 
same  time. 

Ritchie. 

Ritchie  county  was  formed  from  parts  of  Lewis,  Harrison 
and  Wood,  in  1843,  and  named  for  Thomas  Ritctiie,  of  Vir- 
ginia. Square  miles,  400.  Population— 1870,  9,055;  1880,  13,- 
474;  1890,  16,476;  1900,  18,901. 

Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Cairo  in  August,  1879;  in  company 
with  Rev.  Samuel  D.  Tompkins,  who  from  time  to  time,  min- 
istered to  the  few  church  people  there. 

Cairo  has  assumed  a  greater  importance  in  the  last  few 
years,  as  the  centre  of  extensive  oil  operations,  but  no  start 
has  yet  been  made  to  establish  services.  During  his  Rector- 
ship of  the  Church  in  Parkersburg,  Bishop  Gibson  of  Virginia, 


734  The  Episcopal  Church 

held  some  services  in  Harrisvilie.     Bishop  Peterkin  visited 
Pennsboro  in  June,  1900. 

Roane. 

Roane  county  was  formed  from  portions  of  Kanawha, 
Jackson  and  Gilmer,  and  was  named  after  Judge  Spencer 
Roane,  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Appeals  of  Virginia, 
1795-1822.  Square  miles,  350.  Population— 1870,  7,232;  1880, 
12,184;  1890,  15,311;  1900,  19,852. 

Spencer,  is  the  county  seat  of  Roane  county,  thirty-three 
miles  from  Ravenswood,  and  the  present  terminus  of  the 
Ravenswood,  Spencer  and  Glenville  Railroad.  Its  former 
name  was  California,  and  was  in  Jackson  county,  before  the 
formation  of  Roane  county,  in  1856.  Thus  it  is  within  the 
bounds  of  Ravenswood  Parish,  as  admitted  to  the  Council 
of  1852. 

We  have  ten  confirmed  persons  living  in  this  neighborhood, 
but  no  building  or  organization  of  any  kind.  Some  extracts 
from  s  letter  recently  written  by  Mr.  E.  L.  Bill,  give  about 
all  that  is  known  of  the  early  Church  services  at  this  place. 

In  1S70  the  Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins  visited  Spencer  upon  sev- 
eral  occasions,  when  by  reason  of  his  age  and  infirmities  he 
was  far  too  feeble  to  do  so,  riding  on  horseback  from  Ravens- 
wood. Upon  one  of  these  visits  he  held  service  in  the  Courl 
House,  and  gave  infant  baptism  to  Camilla  Livingston  Bill, 
and  to  the  children  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  A.  G.  Bailey;  Edward  H., 
Elizabeth  Moves  and  Catherine  (now  Mrs.  G.  P.  Stone). 

In  1881  or  1882,  the  Rev.  K.  J.  Hammond  visited  some 
friends  in  the  town,  and  remained  several  days,  holding  two 
services. 

In  1874  there  was  one  service  held  here  in  the  Presbyterian 
church  by  a  layman.  Since  then  (date  not  known),  the  Rev. 
H.  T.  Wiry  man  held  a  service  here. 

These  are  all  the  services  that  can  be  recalled  until  the 
Rev.  Dr.  S.  S.  Moore  came  from  Parkersburg  to  hold  a  ser- 
vice in  the  Presbyterian  church  in  1892.  Then  came  the  Rev. 
C.  M.  Campbell  to  take  charge  as  Missionary  August  1,  1892. 


in  West  Virginia.  735 

Summers. 

Summers  county  was  formed  from  Monroe,  Mercer,  Green- 
brier and  Fayette,  in  1871,  and  was  named  for  George  W. 
Summers.  Square  miles,  100.  Population — 1880,  9,033; 
1890,  13,095;  1900,  10,265. 

On  Saturday  evening,  June  6th,  1874,  the  Episcopal  Ser- 
vice was  held  in  Hinton,  Summers  county,  for  the  first  time, 
by  the  Rev.  C.  M.  Callaway,  who  preached  an  impressive  and 
eloquent  sermon.  There  were  Services  in  the  morning  and 
at  night,  with  a  sermon  on  each  occasion,  Sunday,  June  7th. 
After  the  sermon  on  Sunday  night,  all  who  were  favorable  to 
the  establishment  of  the  Church  at  this  place  were  invited  to 
remain  for  a  short  time.  About  twenty-five  remained,  and  it 
was  ascertained  there  were  about  thirteen  communicants  of 
the  Church  in  the  place.  It  was  determined  to  organize  a 
parish  at  once  and  try  to  build  a  small  church.  On  Monday 
morning  $5  was  raised  to  pay  Mr.  Callaway's  expenses. 

B.  S.  Thompson. 

Un  July  31st,  1874,  'Bishop  Whittle  confirmed  Mary  Ann 
Atkinson,  Margaret  Rose  Atkinson,  Almira  Virginia  Atkin- 
son, Miss  Alice  Dunn  and  Mary  Chilton  Fontaine.  This  was 
the  first  confirmation  ever  held  in  Hinton. 

Ascension  Church,  Hinton.— In  the  absence  of  early  parish 
records,  it  is  impossible  to  furnish  much  data  concerning  the 
origin  of  this  Church.  This  much  is  known.  Before  the  move- 
ment for  its  erection  began,  several  ministers  of  our  Church 
bad  visited  the  place,  and  held  services,  and  had,  doubtless 
helped  in  no  small  measure  to  inspire  in  the  little  band  of 
communicants  in  the  town  the  determination  to  build  a  house 
of  worship.  Among  these  may  be  confidently  and  gratefully 
mentioned  Bishop  Whittle  and  the  Reverend  Messrs.  Calla- 
way, Cobbs  and  Mason.  Through  the  earnest  and  energetic 
efforts  of  Major  B.  S.  Thompson,  Captain  C.  S.  Thompson  and 
Hon.  W.  W.  Adams,  seconded  by  the  zealous  labors  of  the 
small  band  of  workers,  and,  aided  by  the  generous  gifts  of 
friends,  the  work  was  rapidly  pushed  forward,  and  in  the 


736  The  Episcopal  Church 

early  spring  of  1881,  a  neat  brick  building,  capable  of  seating 
200  persons,  was  completed  and  thoroughly  furnished.  This 
church  was  destroyed  by  a  severe  storm  on  July  23d,  1897. 
But,  by  the  determined  efforts  of  the  congregation,  the 
prompt  aid  and  inspiring  encouragement  of  the  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese,  the  kind  sympathy  and  liberal  support  of  our  own 
clergy  and  laity,  and  many  generous  donations  from  friends 
and  members  of  other  Dioceses,  the  work  of  reconstruction 
was  at  once  begun.  In  about  eight  months  a  new  church  oc- 
cupied the  site  of  the  old,  and,  though  of  wood,  is  a  great  im- 
provement upon  the  first  building,  being  far  more  sightly  and 
having  a  large  Sunday-school,  or  parish-room  and  a  conveni- 
ent vestry-room.  The  new  church  was  occupied  for  the  first 
time  at  the  Bishop's  annual  visitation,  on  Easter-Sunday, 
April  10th,  1898.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  it  was  an  occa- 
sion of  peculiar  rejoicing  to  the  minister  in  charge  and  the 
members  of  his  congregation.  It  may  be  interesting  to  state 
that  this  congregation  has  owned  a  rectory  since  1890.  In 
1892,  the  rectory  first  purchased  not  being  sufficiently  com- 
modious or  conveniently  located,  was  sold  and  a  building, 
costing  about  $2,000,  was  erected  on  the  church  lot.  This 
was  occupied  by  the  Rector  and  his  family,  in  the  spring  of 
1893. 

The  following  ministers  have  been  in  charge  in  the  order 
and  between  the  dates  named:  Rev.  Francis  D.  Lee  and  T. 
H.  Lacy,  D.  D.,  1880  to  1883;  Rev:  F.  A.  Meade,  from  Novem- 
ber, 1883,  to  April,  1886;  Rev.  Curtis  Grubb,  from  October, 
1886,  to  Atfril,  1888;  Rev.  F.  A.  Meade,  from  May,  1888,  to 
May,  1890;  Rev.  G.  P.  Sommerville  and  Peter  Wager.  1891  to 
1892;  Rev.  F.  A.  Meade,  from  September,  1892,  to  date,  Au- 
gust 21st,  1900. 

Dr.  Lacy,  during  his  residence  in  Hinton,  1882--3,  frequently 
held  service  about  four  miles  below  tbe  town,  at  Brooke's 
Station,  sometimes  in  a  little  glen  near  the  railroad  and  some- 
times in  a  grove  on  the  river  bank.  It  was  from  Hinton  that 
Bishop  Peterkin  set  out,  under  Dr.  Lacy's  escort,  on  perhaps 


REV.    FRANK    A.    MEADE. 


RECTORY,    BINTON. 


MKSSFAII,    ALDKHSON. 


ASCENSION,    H1NTON. 


in  West  Virginia.  737 

the  longest  horse-back  trip  he  was  ever  called  to  take  in  the 
Diocese,  stopping  at  the  following  points:  Concord,  Prince- 
ton, Pocahontas,  Tug  River,  Peeryville,  Wyoming  Court- 
House,  Logan  Court-House,  Boone  Court-House,  Forks  of 
Coal  and  Raleigh  Court-House.  This  trip  was  about  four 
hundred  miles  in  length,  through  what  was  then  a  new  and 
unexplored  country.  A  great  part  of  the  way  was  by  bridle 
path.  In  one  county,  we  were  told,  there  was  no  wheeled 
vehicle;  in  another,  that  there  was  no  "church  house.'' 

Taylor. 

Taylor  county  was  formed  from  Harrison,  Barbour  and 
Marion,  in  1844,  and  named  for  General  Zachary  Taylor. 
Square  miles,  150.  Population— 1870,  9,367;  1880,  11,455; 
1890,  12,190;  1900,  14,978. 

Grafton. — The  Church  at  Grafton  dates  from  1879.  On  the 
twenty-iifth  day  of  September,  in  that  year,  a  Mission  was 
organized,  with  live  communicant  members.  These  were: 
Dr.  A.  II.  Thayer  and  wife,  Mr.  Thomas  G.  Steel,  Mrs.  Luther 
Martin  and  Mrs.  E.  W.  Lippincott.  The  work  was  placed  in 
charge  of  the  Rev.  W.  H.  H.  Powers,  who  resided  at  Weston. 
Through  the  kindness  of  Mr.  George  Brinkman,  the  Opera 
House  was  furnished  for  services.  Later  a  hall  was  rented 
over  the  store  which  stood  near  the  point  where  Main  and 
Latrobe  streets  meet.  For  this  a  rent  of  $100  a  year  was 
paid.  The  place  was  fitted  up  with  a  chancel  and  seats  and 
was  used  until  the  erection  of  a  church.  During  this  time 
the  little  congregation  paid  the  rent  for  the  hall,  gave  the 
missionary  $1-0  a  year,  bought  an  organ  for  |126,  besides 
meeting  other  incidental  expenses.  Services  were  held  twice 
a  month.  The  organization  was  first  called  Trinity  Mission, 
but  was  changed  to  Church  of  the  (rood  Shepherd.  Finally 
the  name  St.  Matthias'  was  adopted,  in  accordance  with  the 
terms  of  a  gift  of  $325  for  the  completion  of  the  building  from 
St.  Matthias'  Church,  Philadelphia.  Rev.  Mr.  Brittingham 
was  in  charge  of  the  Mission  at  this  time,  and  it  was  largely 
through  his  personal  influence,  and  his  faithful  work,  that 


738  The  Episcopal  Church 

the  Church  was  built.  It  is  a  neat  frame  building,  costing 
about  $1,400,  and,  being  most  eligibly  located,  is  ample  for  all 
present  purposes.  Tins  was  consecrated  Sunday,  September 
9,  1888.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Powers  preached  the  sermon.  The 
Church  has  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  sittings,  is  heated 
and  lighted  by  gas  and  the  property  is  now  (1901)  worth 
f 5,000.  There  is  no  indebtedness  on  it.  Chiefly  through  the 
earnest  efforts  of  the  women,  a  house  and  lot  were  bought  at 
a  cost  of  $1,500  for  a  rectory.  The  property  is  now  worth 
$8,500  and  has  only  about  $50  indebtedness  on  it.  There  are 
now  thirty  communicants,  representing  fourteen  families. 
Many  changes  have  been  made  in  the  membership,  owing  to 
the  people  being  largely  employed  by  the  railroad.  Offices 
in  the  congregation  have  been  held  by  Dr.  A.  H.  Thayer,  Mr. 
Thomas  G.  Steel,  Mr.  Charles  Steel  and  Mr.  William  Queale. 
At  present  Dr.  Thayer  is  Warden  and  Mr.  Charles  Steel 
Treasurer.  On  August  13th,  1901,  the  Rev.  Lewis  R.  Lever- 
ing took  charge  of  the  two  congregations  of  Grafton  and 
Buckhannon,  with  residence  at  the  former  place.  Services 
are  held  at  Grafton  on  the  first  and  third  Sundays  in  the 
month,  the  Sunday-school  meets  every  Sunday,  and  service 
is  held  every  Wednesday  evening.  The  ladies  of  the  congre- 
gation are  organized  into  two  guilds,  which  render  efficient 
help  in  caring  for  the  church  property  and  raising  necessary 
funds. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  ministers  who  have 
been  regularly  in  charge  of  the  work:  The  Rev.  W.  H.  H. 
Powers,  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Ware,  the  Rev.  Jacob  Brittingham, 
the  Rev.  John  Ambler,  August,  1898,  to  June,  1899;  the  Rev. 
R.  A.  Rodrick,  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Foster,  the  Rev.  Charles  C.  Pear- 
son, the  Rev.  J.  S.  Lightbourn,  from  November.  1896,  to 
March,  1898;  the  Rev.  James  L.  Fish,  from  July,  1899,  to 
1901;  the  Rev.  Lewis  R.  Levering,  from  August,  1901. 

Tucker 

Tucker  county  was  formed  from  Randolph  county  in  1857, 


in  West  Virginia.  739 

and  named  for  St.  George  Tucker.  Square  miles,  340.  Popu- 
lation—1870,  1,907;  1880,  3,151;  1890,  6,444;  1900,  13,433. 

Tucker  County,  West  Virginia. — The  Rev.  G.  A.  Gibbons,  of 
Moorfield  and  Romney,  first  commenced  Church  work  in 
Tucker  county,  going  to  Uavis  and  to  parts  near  St.  George, 
even  before  the  railroad  was  completed.  Beginning  in  1886, 
he  preached  in  Davis  once  a  month  for  several  years,  and  on 
one  occasion  baptized  a  family  of  children  near  St.  George. 
He  would  ride  across  the  Alleghanies,  on  the  western  slope, 
for  twelve  or  fifteen  miles,  to  administer  the  Holy  Sacrament. 
Services  were  held  in  different  places,  as  opportunity  offered, 
and  necessity  called  for.  The  Lutherans  and  Methodists  of 
Davis  kindly  offered,  and  Mr.  Gibbons  frequently  used,  their 
churches.  In  the  summer  of  1S86,  Bishop  Peterkin,  accom- 
panied by  Mr.  Gibbons  and  Mr.  Pearson,  visited  Davis  and 
preached,  the  service  being  held  in  a  large  engine-house,  which 
is  still  pointed  out  when  the  Bishop's  first  visit  is  mentioned. 
Services  were  afterward  held  in  the  Firemen's  Hall,  which 
was  kindly  loaned  for  purposes  of  worship,  free  of  charge. 
Ex-Senator  H.  G.  Davis  gave  a  lot,  and  the  few  Episcopalians 
in  Davis  began  at  once  to  collect  funds  for  a  building.  The 
work  was  handed  over  to  Rev.  John  R.  Joyner,  who  for  a  year 
or  so  held  services  at  Davis  and  Elkins. 

Bishop  Peterkin  made  no  visit  to  Davis  from  1886  until 
August,  1894,  when  he  went  with  Rev.  John  S.  Lightbourne, 
who  had  recently  taken  charge  of  the  work,  in  connection 
with  Bayard  and  Elkins.  On  Monday,  August  6th,  1894, 
Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Bayard,  and  confirmed  three  persons, 
and  on  Tuesday,  August  7th,  visited  Davis,  and  confirmed 
two,  and  Wednesday,  August  8th,  visited  Belington.  The 
Bishop's  next  visit  to  Tucker  county  was  made  in  February, 
1890;  on  Monday,  the  24th,  he  held  services  at  Davis,  and  at 
Bayard  on  Tuesday,  the  25th.  He  again  visited  Davis  on 
Monday,  September  28,  1897,  and  Bayard  on  Tuesday,  Septem- 
ber 29th.  About  this  time  Mr.  Lightbourne  transferred  his 
residence     to  Grafton,  though     retaining  work     as  already 


740  The  Episcopal  Church 

stated.  The  Bishop's  next  visit  to  Bayard  was  made  on  Mon- 
day, August  2d,  1898,  when  he  confirmed  one,  the  candidate 
being  presented  by  Rev.  John  P.  Hubbard,  1).  D.  Davis  was 
visited  on  Tuesday,  August  3d,  1898,  at  which  service  a  child 
was  baptized.  On  August  26th,  1898,  Rev.  John  C.  Ambler, 
Missionary  from  Japan,  took  charge  of  the  work,  Mr.  Light- 
bourne  having  transferred  to  Pennsylvania.  Mr.  Ambler  re- 
sided at  Grafton,  and  visited  Elkins  and  Davis  monthly,  and 
as  a  result  of  his  energetic  efforts,  the  idea  of  a  church  build- 
ing began  to  take  a  more  definite  shape  in  the  minds  of  the 
few  Episcopalians,  who  at  that  time  used  the  Firemen's  Hall 
as  a  place  of  worship.  In  company  with  Mr.  Ambler,  the 
Bishop  visited  Davis  on  March  5th,  1899,  and  confirmed  one. 
About  the  middle  of  June,  the  same  year,  Mr.  Ambler  left 
Grafton,  preparatory  to  returning  to  Japan,  which  he  eventu- 
ally did  in  the  following  fall.  On  July  9th,  1899,  Mr.  James 
L.  Fish  took  charge  of  the  work,  living  in  the  rectory  at  Graf- 
ton, as  his  predecessor  had  done,  and  visiting  Davis,  Elkins, 
Parsons  and  Belington  always  once  and  sometimes  twice  in 
the  month.  Between  the  Bishop's  visit,  on  March  5th,  and 
December  10th,  1899,  a  neat  church  had  been  built  at  Davis. 
Services  were  held  morning  and  evening,  the  Bishop  preach- 
ing both  times.  The  cost  of  the  church,  exclusive  of  equip- 
ment, was  about  $800,  which  was  fully  met  before  any  furni- 
ture was  purchased,  chairs  being  rented  for  the  opening  ser- 
vices. The  building  has  since  been  well  and  beautifully  fur- 
nished. The  work  since  then,  has  gone  uninterruptedly  on, 
and  has  now  the  greater  promise,  since  Mr.  Fish  has  removed 
to  Elkins  and  can  visit  Davis  more  frequently.  A  few  Church 
people  living  at  Coke  ton  and  Thomas  are  enrolled  at  Davis. 

Tyler. 

Tyler  county  was  formed  from  Ohio  in  1814  and  was  named 
for  John  Tyler,  of  James  City  county,  Va.,  the  father  of  Presi- 
dent Tyler.  Square  miles,  300.  Population— 1870,  7,832; 
1880,  11,073;  1890,  12,072;  1900,  18,252. 

St.   Paul's,  Sistersville.— We  find  in     the   Virginia  Council 


in  West  Virginia.  741 

Journal  of  1869,  the  following  note  about  the  Mission  at  Sis- 
tersville.  West  Virginia: 

■The  Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins  came  from  Kentucky  and  enter- 
ed upon  the  work  at  Sistersville  early  in  the  year  1867.  He 
used  the  church  buildings  of  the  various  denominations.  He 
found  eight  communicants.  During  his  rectorship  a  lot  was 
given  by  Mr.  Stocking  to  be  used  for  Church  purposes.  Octo- 
ber, 1869,  Bishop  Johns  visited  the  Mission  and  confirmed 
four  persons.  May,  1870,  Bishop  Whittle  paid  a  visit  and 
held  confirmation." 

Mr.  Tompkins  resigned  the  work  in  1872.  This  congrega- 
tion and  work  grew  mainly,  it  seems,  out  of  the  services  held 
at  Long  Reach,  a  few  miles  down  the  river,  in  Tyler  county. 
These  services  were  held  by  the  Rev.  J.  Rambo,  who  visited 
Long  Reach  once  a  month  from  October,  1877,  to  December, 
187S.  and  once  every  other  month  from  January,  1879,  to 
August  of  that  year. 

From  Bishop  Peterkin's  report  to  the  Council  of  West  Vir- 
ginia, in  the  year  1879,  we  find  that  he  "visited  and  preached 
at  Middlebourn,  Sistersville  and  Long  Reach,  all  in  Tyler 
county."  Wednesday,  March  10th,  1880,  our  Bishop  paid  an- 
other visit.  It  is  not  known  who  had  charge  at  this  time. 
Ere  the  next  visit,  March  28th,  1881,  the  Rev.  A.  Buchanan 
took  charge,  holding  services  on  the  fourth  Sunday  in  each 
month.  He  presented  a  class  of  eight  persons  to  the  Bishop 
and  reports  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Council  "twelve  bap- 
tisms  and  seventeen  communicants;  also,  that  four  hundred 
dollars  had  been  pledged  towards  erecting  a  church  build- 
ing." 

On  October  16th,  1881,  the  Rev.  J.  Brittingham  took  charge 
of  the  work.  He  writes:  "By  the  appointment  of  the  Bishop 
of  West  Virginia,  I  took  charge  as  missionary  of  the  work  at 
Sistersville,  Tyler  county.  Tradition  says  that  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Smith,  of  Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg,  was  the  first 
to  hold  Episcopal  Service  in  this  place.  No  official  organiza- 
tion seems  to  have  existed  till  Januarv  25th,  1882,  when  the 


742  The  Episcopal  Church 

congregation  made  application  to  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese, 
to  be  organized  and  constituted  as  'Tyler  Mission/  which,  be- 
ing granted,  the  following  committee  was  appointed  to  man- 
age the  secular  affairs  of  the  said  Mission:  Dr.  J.  C.  Gilles- 
pie, Mr.  J.  Russell,  and  Mrs.  A.  Thistle,  Treasurer." 

Services  were  held  for  a  while  twice  a  month ;  then,  in  the 
latter  part  of  1882,  they  were  again  held  monthly.  Inter- 
rupted navigation  prevented  these  during  three  months.  In 
July,  1883,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brittingham  took  leave  of  this  con- 
gregation, having  accepted  a  call  to  Christ  Church,  Clarks- 
burg. The  Rev.  K.  J.  Hammond  having  entered  upon  the 
field  vacated  by  Mr.  Brittingham,  "visited  St.  Paul's  Tyler 
Mission  on  the  second  Sunday  in  August,  1883." 

In  May,  1885,  a  congregational  meeting  was  held  to  provide 
for  the  erection  of  an  Episcopal  Church;  another  was  held 
in  June,  and  another  in  August,  when  out-line  plans  were  sub- 
mitted and  accepted  It  was  resolved  to  begin  the  erection 
immediately.  Ground  was  broken  for  the  foundation  Au- 
gust 20th,  1885.  The  building  was  under  roof  early  in  De- 
cember. On  March  13th,  1886  (the  first  known),  Lenten  Ser- 
vice was  held  in  the  town,  and  that  in  St.  Paul's,  the  new 
church,  it  being  ready  and  open  for  the  first  time.  The  church 
building  is  of  Gothic  style,  neat  and  plain.  In  1888  an  organ 
was  gotten.  Sunday,  May  18th,  1888,  the  last  service  was 
held  by  Mr.  Hammond,  who  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  John 
Ambler,  who  officiated  till  his  death,  in  1891.  The  Rev.  G.  P. 
feommerville  took  charge  August,  1891,  holding  a  service  once 
a  month.  Under  his  care  a  fine-toned  bell  was  placed  in  the 
tower.  Mr.  Sommerville  resigned  during  the  summer  of  1894. 
The  Rev.  B.  M.  Spun-  (now  Archdeacon),  of  Moundsville,  gave 
an  occasional  week-day  service  during  the  interregnum,  and 
affected  a  combine  with  St.  Anne's,  New  Martinsville.  The 
Rev.  Robert  U.  Brooking  was  called  to  take  charge,  February 
1st,  1895. 

Services  are  held  regularly  on  the  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
days of  each  month,  with  an  occasional  week-day  service.  The 


ix  West  Virginia..'  14X 

people  show  considerable  interest  in  the  work.  The  first  year 
of  Mr.  Brooking's  rectorship,  the  church  building  was  given  a 
coat  of  paint  inside  and  out,  a  new  carpet  was  bought,  new 
cathedral  glass  windows  were  put  in,  a  Bishop's  Chair  and 
Clergy  Stall  were  presented,  and  St.  Paul's  congregation  gave 
three  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars  towards  the  building 
of  St.  Anne's  rectory,  New  Martinsville.  In  the  fall  of  1896 
Mr.  S.  L.  Angle  became  a  permanent  resident  of  the  town, 
and  was  appointed  lay-reader  by  the  Bishop,  since  which  time 
the  Church  has  been  open  every  Sunday.  Mr.  Angle's  «<er 
vices  are  most  acceptable,  and  much  of  the  improvement  can 
be  traced  to  his  energetic  and  enthusiastic  work. 

In  June,  1898,  the  church  building  was  overhauled,  tran- 
septs and  recess  chancel  were  added,  which  enlarges  the 
chancel,  gives  a  place  for  the  choir  and  a  robing-room.  New 
carpet  was  gotten  for  the  chancel,  and  the  whole  building 
much  beautified  with  fresh  paint  and  new  paper.  Two  sets 
of  chancel  hangings,  a  memorial  prayer  desk  and  hymn  board 
add  much  to  the  beauty  and  convenience  of  the  chancel.  The 
stove  has  also  been  put  in  the  cellar  and  converted  into  a  hot- 
air  heater.  This,  with  electric  light,  completes  the  improve- 
ment, at  a  cost  of  nearly  one  thousand  dollars. 

We  must  not  neglect  to  speak  of  the  "Young  Woman's 
Guild,"  who  have  been  most  faithful  workers,  making  nearly 
eight  hundred  dollars,  by  their  untiring  energy,  and  using  it 
in  the  above-named  improvement.  The  parish  is  absolutely 
free  from  debt.  Number  of  communicants  last  reported, 
thirty-seven.      Respectfully, 

Robert  U.  Brooking,  Rector. 
March  1st,  1899. 

Present  Vestry — George  W.  Stocking  and  .lames  Pine, 
Wardens;  Stephen  L.  Angle,  Registrar  and  Treasurer;  Ed- 
ward Roome,  Art  Sutherland,  Joshua  Russell,  W.  At  wood; 
Stephen  L.  Angle,  Lay-Reader. 

Long  Reach. — Eight  miles  lower  down  the  river,  near  Long 
Reach,  is  a  Union  Church,  built  in  1876,  in  which  the  Episco- 


744  The  Episcopal  Church 

pal  Church  has  held,  since  its  erection,  a  fourth  interest,  and 
the  right  to  use  it  one  Sunday  in  the  month.  This  work  was 
done  largely  through  the  active  interest  of  Miss  Rachel  Wells. 
Here  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rambo,  from  Bellaire,  Ohio,  held  monthly 
services  from  October,  1877,  to  December,  1878,  and  once 
every  other  month  from  January  to  August,  1879,  visiting  on 
the  corresponding  Sunday  in  the  remaining  months,  New 
Martinsville.  Occasional  services  only  have  since  been  held 
here. 

The  first  service  in  the  church  was  the  funeral  of  Nicholas 
Wells.  March  2d.  1879,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hyland  officiating. 

Upshur. 

Upshur  county  was  formed  from  Randolph,  Barbour  and 
Lewis  in  1851,  and  named  for  Abel  P.  Upshur.  Square  miles, 
350.  Population— 1870.  8,023;  1880,  10,249;  1890,  11.884;  1900, 
14,696. 

Buckhannon. — The  Church  at  Buckhannon  (a  town  of  about 
3,000)  is  called  "The  Transfiguration. "  The  name  was  given 
it  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lacy,  under  whose  ministry  it  became  the 
property  of  the  Church  in  West  Virginia.  The  building  be- 
longed formerly  to  the  Southern  Methodists.  It  was  badly 
used  during  the  war,  and,  after  being  used  very  little  for  some 
years,  was  bought  by  our  struggling  congregation  and  trans- 
formed and  rebuilt,  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,700. 

The  history  of  the  Buckhannon  Mission,  on  the  one  hand, 
is  one  of  discouragement,  and,  on  the  other,  of  great  encour- 
agement,— discouragement  because  of  its  weakness  and  geo- 
graphical position.  The  supplying  it  with  anything  like  regu- 
lar services  has  been  impossible, — and  of  encouragement,  be- 
cause of  the  deep  loyalty  of  its  band  of  communicants. 

In  1893.  I  took  charge  of  the  station,  in  connection  with 
the  parish  of  St.  Paul's,  Weston,  the  mission  at  Sutton  and 
other  points.  I  found  a  Church  without  debt  and  about  six- 
teen communicants.  But,  do  the  best  I  could,  1  was  able  only 
to  give  them  one  Sunday  every  second  month  and  a  week- 
night  service  the  intervening  month.     Still,  we  held  together 


TRANSFIGURATION,    IU'CKHANNON. 


st.  John's,  button. 


REV.    J.    W.    KEEBLE. 


in  West  Virginia.  745 

and  made  some  progress.  In  1897,  the  Bishop  connected  the 
missions  at  Buckhannon  and  Sutton. 

In  company  with  the  Rev.  B.  M.  Spurr,  I  made  a  canvass 
of  the  two  congregations,  and  the  salary  for  a  missionary 
was  subscribed.  I  secured  the  services  of  the  Rev.  Thomas 
E.  Swan.  Deacon,  who  remained  about  one  year.  The  con- 
gregation again  without  a  pastor,  I  supplied  them  from  Wes- 
ton. A  year  intervened  and  the  Bishop  secured  the  services 
of  the  Rev.  R.  C.  Gaswall.  Mr.  Caswall  stayed  less  than  a 
year,  and  again  the  Church  was  without  a  leader. 

The  supplying  of  Buckhannon  and  such  towns  throughout 
the  Diocese  is  one  of  the  important  pressing  problems  the 
Bishops  and  the  Council  are  trying  to  solve. 

Buckhannon  is  a  school  town,  having  a  large  Methodist 
Seminary,  with  perhaps  375  pupils.  Our  Church-people  are 
deeply  loyal.  At  present  there  are  about  nineteen  communi- 
cants. W.  H.  BURKHARDT. 

P.  S. — In  July,  1901,  Buckhannon  was  joined  with  Grafton 
in  one  charge,  under  the  Rev.  Lewis  R.  Levering,  with  resi- 
dence in  Grafton.  A  few  services  were  held  in  Pickens,  in 
Randolph  county,  by  Mr.  Caswell,  the  Bishop  making  a  visita- 
tion on  Monday,  September  3d,  1900. 

The,  History  of  Spruce  Run  Mission. — The  first  time  that  a 
minister  of  the  Episcopal  Church  is  known  to  have  visited 
Spruce  Run  was  in  1848,  when  the  Rev.  S.  D.  Toinkins  preach- 
ed in  a  log  school-house  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  present 
church.  Then  abo-ut  the  year  1889,  Dr.  T.  H.  Lacy,  Rector  of 
Old  St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston,  at  the  suggestion  of  Mrs.  T. 
A.  Hopkins,  and  at  the  invitation  of  Mr.  M.  Thomas  Higgin- 
botham,  began  to  hold  services  in  the  near-by  school-house, 
coming  for  a  time  during  the  summer  once  a  month.  In  Au- 
gust, 1891,  the  Rt.  Rev.  G.  W.  Peterkin,  the  first  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese  of  West  Virginia,  paid  his  first  visit,  when  Mrs.  L.  L. 
Dowel]  was  confirmed,  and  her  four  children  baptized  by  Dr. 
Lacy.  At  the  time  that  the  idea  of  building  a  church  at  this 
point  was  suggested  by  Mrs.  T.  A.  Hopkins,  there  seemed  hu- 


740  The  Episcopal  Church 

manly  speaking,  very  little  probability  of  success,  and  now  we 
see,  as  the  result  of  her  faith,  the  present  church  building  and 
a  mission  organized.  Two  acres  of  land,  with  the  necessary 
timber,  were  donated  by  Mr.  Higginbotham,  a  saw-mill  was 
set  down,  and  the  lumber  was  cut  by  the  neighbors, 
who  gladly  entered  into  the  work,  giving  their  help  in  haul- 
ing logs  and  the  lumber  as  needed.  In  1892  the  work  was 
commenced,  and,  at  the  request  of  the  Bishop,  Mr.  W.  L. 
Davis  took  charge  of  the  work  and  remained  till  September 
of  that  year.  In  1894  the  floor  was  laid,  and  in  1895  rough 
benches,  which  soon  were  removed  for  more  comfortable 
seats,  were  placed  in  the  church  and  regular  services  com- 
menced. In  the  summer  of  1894,  Mr.  LeMosy,  from  the  Alex- 
andria Seminary,  took  charge  as  lay-reader.  In  1895  the  Rev. 
A.  K.  Fenton  was  placed  in  charge,  and  in  July,  1897,  Spruce 
Chapel  was  consecrated.  In  the  same  year  a  "mission"  was 
conducted  by  Rev.  J.  Brittingham,  and  in  September  of  the 
following  year  the  Mission  was  organized,  with  the  following 
officers:  William  Loudin,  Warden;  John  McDowell,  Treas- 
urer; George  W.  Spalding,  Registrar. 

This  Mission  sent  its  first  Delegate,  W.  Loudin,  to  the  Spec- 
ial Council  held  in  Clarksburg  in  1899,  for  the  election  of  a 
Coadjutor-Bishop.  At  this  present  time  fifteen  communicants 
attend  the  chapel,  and  there  are  twenty-eight  baptized  per- 
sons, who  look  to  the  Church  for  ministrations.  A  small  rec- 
tory was  built  on  the  church  land  in  1897. 


in  West  Virginia.  747 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Records  continued.  Wayne,  Webster,  Wetzel,  Wirt,  Wood,  Wyo- 
ming counties.  Churches  in  Kenova,  New  Martinsville,  Par- 
kersburg,  Williamstown,  &c. 


Wayne. 

Wayne  county  was  formed  from  Cabell,  in  1842,  and  named 
for  General  Anthony  Wayne.  Square  miles,  440.  Popula- 
tion—1870,  7,852;  1880,  14,739;  1890,  18,607;  1900,  23,619. 

The  Church  in  Wayne. — Wayne  county  was  formed  from  the 
territory  of  Cabell,  in  1842,  and  called  after  General  Anthony 
Wayne,  the  "Mad  Anthony,"  of  the  Revolutionary  War.  There 
seems  to  have  been  no  Churchmen  among  the  early  settlers, 
and  the  first  service  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  of  which  there 
is  any  present  knowledge,  was  not  held  until  the  spring  of 
1890,  when  Bishop  Peterkin  and  Rev.  N.  F.  Marshall,  then 
Rector  at  Huntington,  visited  Ceredo  and  held  service  in  the 
Congregational  Church.  This  service  was  a  great  delight  to 
several  families  of  Episcopalians,  who  had  just  come  to 
Ceredo  and  the  adjoining  town  of  Kenova,  with  the  Ohio  ex- 
tension of  the  Norfolk  and  Western  railroad.  From  this  time 
services  were  continued  regularly,  being  held  twice  a  month 
in  the  Congregational  Church  at  Ceredo,  kindly  loaned  for  the 
purpose.  In  the  autumn  of  1890,  a  meeting  of  the  Episcopal- 
ians of  the  vicinity  of  Ceredo  and  Kenova  was  held  at  the 
residence  of  Mr.  W.  A.  Doane,  in  Ceredo,  and  a  Mission  for- 
mally organized,  and  named  "Grace  Church."  The  first  offi- 
cers were:  William  A.  Doane,  Warden;  Charles  Cleveland 
Coe,  Treasurer;  L.  Tenney  Peck,  Registrar.  Rev.  N.  F.  Mar- 
shall was  the  first  minister  and  served  until  his  removal  from 
West  Virginia  to  Ohio,  in  1892.     He  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 


748  The  P]piscopal  Church 

Jhon  S.  Gibson,  who  took  charge  October  1st,  1892,  and  is 
still  (January,  1901,)  at  his  post. 

The  services  were  transferred  to  Kenova  in  1893,  and  held 
in  Assembly  Hall,  a  building  erected  by  the  Kenova  Land 
Association  for  public  meetings  of  all  kinds.  Rent  was  paid 
for  the  use  of  this  building,  on  the  first  and  third  Sunday 
afternoons  of  each  month  and  on  fifth  Sundays. 

In  1894  the  Land  Association  gave  the  Church  two  lots,  25x 
100  feet  each,  and  the  Court  appointed  Messrs.  L.  T.  Peck, 
O.  C  Coe  and  L.  D.  Baugh  trustees  to  hold  the  title.  On  these 
lots  was  begun  at  once  the  erection  of  a  church.  To  stimu- 
late the  people  to  this  undertaking,  Bishop  Peterkin  had 
giwn  the  church  building  at  Volcano,  a  deserted  oil  town,  in 
Wood  county,  and  had  it  taken  down  and  shipped  by  rail  to 
Kenova.  The  congregation  of  Grace  Mission,  small  but  en- 
thusiastic, entered  with  spirit  upon  the  re-erection  of  the 
building,  and  in  October,  1895,  it  was  opened  for  Divine  Ser- 
vice, many  of  the  Churchmen  of  Huntington  being  present 
on  the  glad  occasion. 

In  rebuilding,  the  original  plan  was  not  adhered  to,  but 
out  of  the  old  material,  as  far  as  it  could  be  utilized,  a  new 
church,  with  nave,  apsidal  chancel,  vestry-room  and  vesti- 
bule was  built.  The  total  cost  was  $1,300,  not  including  the 
carpet,  bell,  heater,  organ,  &c,  which  were  the  gifts,  at  vari- 
ous times,  of  the  efficient  "Woman's  Guild."  The  American 
Church  Building  Fund  donated  $200,  and  the  remaining  $600 
necessary  to  pay  all  bills  was  kindly  loaned  by  a  member.  At 
Easter,  1S99,  the  borrowed  money,  with  interest,  had  all  been 
paid,  and  on  June  11th,  1899,  being  Sunday,  the  church  was 
consecrated  by  Bishop  Peterkin.  Mr.  L.  Tenney  Peck  read 
the  "Instrument  of  Donation,"  and  Rev.  John  S.  Gibson,  the 
''Sentence  of  Consecration,"  Rev.  N.  F.  Marshall  preaching 
the  sermon  on  "The  Spirit  Giveth  Life."  There  were  present 
of  the  clergy  Revs.  S.  S.  Moore,  D.  D.,  W.  H.  Neilson.  D.  D., 
F.  A.  Meade,  W.  L.  (Jravatt  and  C.  M.  Campbell,  and  a  large 
congregation. 


in  West  Virginia.  749 

The  shifting  character  of  the  population  of  the  town  makes 
the  work  uncertain,  but,  with  the  growth  of  the  community, 
it  is  hoped  it  will  be  of  a  permanent  character.  The  founda- 
tion has  been  well  laid  at  least. 

Kenova  is  situated  at  the  confluence  of  the  Big  Sandy  and 
Ohio  Rivers,  and  takes  its  name  from  the  States  of  Kentucky, 
Ohio  and  West  Virginia,  thus:    Ken.  O.  Va. 

The  following  have  served  as  members  of  the  Mission's 
Committee:  William  A.  Ooane,  L.  Tenney  Peck,  Charles  C. 
Coe,  John  W.  Dashiell,  R.  Ney  Williams  and  J.  Shufflebarger. 

Webster. 

Webster  county  was  formed  from  Nicholas,  Braxton  and 
Randolph,  in  1S60,  and  named  for  Daniel  Webster.  Square 
miles,  450.  Population— 1870,  1,730;  1880,  3,207;  1890,  4,783; 
1900,  8,862. 

Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Addison,  the  county  seat,  in  Au- 
gust, 1880,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Powers  and  the  Rev. 
George  W.  Dame.  It  was  one  of  their  preaching  points  on  a 
long  circuit  from  Clarksburg,  by  Weston,  Sutton,  Addison, 
Mingo,  Clover  Lick,  Huntersville,  Dunmore,  Greenbank,  Hills- 
boro,  Beverly,  Buckhannon.  Since  that  time  both  Bishop 
Peterkin  and  Bishop  Gravatt  have  visited  Addison,  and  others 
of  the  clergy,  notably  the  Rectors  at  Weston,  under  whose 
charge  it  is  supposed  to  be,  but  we  have  not  as  yet  even  the 
beginning  of  a  mission.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Roller  officiated  at  Ad- 
dison August  15th  and  22d.  1886. 

Wetzel. 

Wetzel  county  was  formed  in  1846,  and  named  for  Lewis 
Wetzel.  Square  miles,  440.  Population— 1870,  8,595;  1880, 
13,896;  1890,  16,351;  1900,  22,880. 

St.  Anne's  Church,  New  Martinsville. — The  first  effort  in  the 
direction  of  Church  organization  in  New  Martinsville  was 
made  on  the  15th  of  June,  1851,  by  the  Rev.  J.  D.  McCabe,  D. 
D.,  who  held  a  service  in  the  court-house;  and  the  same  day 
a  parish  was  organized  under  the  constitution  and  canons 


750  The  Episcopal  Church 

of  the  Virginia  Church,  to  be  known  as  "Wetzel  Parish."  A 
subscription  list  was  opened  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a 
church,  a  vestry  was  elected,  articles  of  association  were 
adopted,  to  which  the  following  signatures  were  attached: 
Sampson  Thistle,  Friend  Cox,  Jonathan  N.  Coulter,  William 
McDonnelle,  Presly  M.  Martin,  B.  F.  Martin,  Leonard  S.  Hall, 
F.  S.  Springer,  Robert  W.  Cox,  R.  W.  Lanck,  Jonathan  Mc- 
Cnllogh,  Jacob  Young  and  Robert  Kyle.  Towards  the  close 
of  the  month  a  Building  Committee  was  appointed,  a  church 
plan  and  specifications  reported  upon,  the  treasurer  empow- 
ered to  receive  and  collect  subscriptions  for  the  church. 

On  a  visit  in  March,  Dr.  McCabe  baptized  fifteen  persons, 
preparing  the  adults  for  confirmation. 

In  October  of  the  same  year  the  parish  united  with  the 
Northwestern  Convocation,  and  at  the  same  meeting  of  the 
Convocation,  the  name  of  St.  Paul's  was  adopted  for  the 
Church,  steps  having  been  taken  to  erect  a  building.  On  the 
8th  of  November,  1851,  Bishop  Meade  visited  the  parish  and 
confirmed  six  persons.  In  1853  Dr.  McCabe  was  elected  Rec- 
tor of  the  parish,  which  position  he  accepted,  giving  a  service 
on  the  first  Tuesday  evening  in  each  month.  In  1854  a  church 
building  was  erected.  For  several  years  there  were  intermit- 
tent services, — the  work  finally  declining,  coming  to  a  stand- 
still, died  out,  to  be  revived  in  1874.  In  this  year  the  half- 
dozen  communicants  secured  the  services  of  Rev.  Jacob  Ram- 
bo,  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  who  gave  them  a  monthly  service  for 
six  months.  In  the  intervals  between  Mr.  Rambo's  visits  Mr. 
George  D.  Curtis  acter  as  lay-reader.  In  1875  Bishop  Whittle 
paid  a  visit.  No  regular  service  was  held  this  year,  but  the 
Rev.  John  F.  Woods  paid  occasional  visits.  From  1876  to 
1878,  Mr.  Rambo  again  took  charge,  making  occasional  visits. 
In  November,  1870,  the  Rev.  A.  Buchanan  was  appointed  by 
the  Convocation,  under  the  direction  of  Bishop  Peterkin,  to 
take  charge  of  the  work.  Bishop  Peterkin  paid  a  visit  in  1880, 
and  confirmed  five  persons. 

Mr.  Buchanan  reports  to  the  Council  this  year,  two  bap- 


in  West  Virginia.  751 

tisnis,  twelve  communicants,  one  burial,  and  that  seven  hun- 
dred dollars  had  been  pledged  for  the  building-  of  a  church. 
The  former  building  having  been  lost,  through  debt,  some 
time  before.     In  1881,  services  were  held  once     every  two 
months.     In  March,  the  Bishop  confirmed  four.     In  May,  a 
church  plan  was  adopted,  and  in  August  the  contract  given 
for  the  building.    In  1882,  the  church  building  was  completed, 
at  a  cost  of  |8G5.    The  Bishop  gave  a  very  encouraging  de- 
scription of  the  work  in  his  report  to  the  Council  this  year. 
The  chancel  furniture,  for  the  new  building,  was  a  present 
from  the  Rector,  who  asked  the  privilege  of  naming  the  new 
church;  this  was  granted,  and  it  was  called  "St.  Anne's."  The 
small  debt  having  been  paid,  the  Bishop  came  on  the  26th  of 
July  to  consecrate  the  edifice,  bringing  with  him  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  K.  Nelson  (of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Virginia); 
R.  A.  Gibson,  (Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Parkersburg);  J.  Brit 
tingnam  and  A.  Buchanan.    At  this  time  the  Rev.  J.  Britting- 
ham  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  work.    In  1883  the  Bishop 
confirmed  five  persons.    In  July  of  this  year  Mr.  Brittingham 
resigned  to  go  to  Clarksburg.    The  Rev.  K.  J.  Hammond  was 
his  successor,  and  took  charge  the  first  Sunday  in  August. 
There  was  no  break  in  the  monthly  service  of  this  year,  but 
in  the  early  part  of  1884  the  service  had  to  be  suspended  be- 
cause of  inclement  weather  and  high  water.    The  flood  reach- 
ed the  highest  point  ever  before  known  in  this  town,  coming 
nearly  to  the  eaves  of  the  church.    Considerable  damage  was 
done,  yet  the  building  was  thoroughly  cleaned  and  ready  for 
service  the  first  Sunday  in  March.    The  Bishop  paid  a  visit 
on  the  first  Sunday  in  May  and  confirmed  two  persons.    The 
first  Easter  Day  service  was  held  on  the  first  Sunday  in  April, 
1885,  a  few  Lenten  services  being  held  on  the  days  immedi- 
ately before  and  after  the  first  Sunday  in  the  month.     In 
February,  1886,  the  stove  was  removed  to  the  cellar  and  con- 
verted into  a  hot-air  furnace,  adding  much  to  the  room  and 
comfort  of  the  church.    The  Rev.  Mr.  Hammond  resigned  in 


752  The  Episcopal  Church 

June,  1888.  Rev.  J.  K.  Taylor  was  Mr.  Hammond's  successor. 
During  his  rectorship  three  persons  were  confirmed.  Mr. 
Taylor  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  B.  M.  Spurr,  who  took 
charge  in  December  of  1893.  During  his  rectorship,  which 
lasted  two  years,  there  were  thirteen  persons  confirmed.  He 
sev  on  foot  plans  for  the  building  of  a  rectory,  and  arranged 
a  combine  with  St.  Paul's  Church,  Sistersville,  to  which 
charge  the  Rev.  R.  U.  Brooking  was  called  February,  1895. 
Early  in  the  summer  of  this  year  the  rectory  was  begun,  and 
was  ready  to  be  occupied  by  the  first  of  September.  The  house 
is  a  very  creditable  building,  costing  nearly  nineteen  hundred 
dollars.  The  lot  was  given  by  Mr.  S.  R.  Martin.  When  the 
building  was  completed  the  entire  indebtedness  was  only  four 
hundred  dollars.  "The  Ladies'  Aid''  and  "'The  Guild"  set 
themselves  to  work  to  pay  off  this  debt,  and  on  Easter  Sun- 
day, 1897,  the  debt  was  wiped  out  entirely.  During  the  sum- 
mer of  1898  several  rooms  were  papered,  which  added  much 
to  the  beauty  of  the  house. 

The  societies  and  congregation  generally  are  now  talking 
about  a  new  church  building,  and  there  is  a  small  sum  already 
laid  aside  towards  this  improvement.  Up  to  the  time  of  this 
writing,  there  have  been  added  seventeen,  by  confirmation, 
during  Mr.  Brooking's  rectorship.  The  communion  list  now 
numbers  forty. 

R.  U.  Brooking,  Rector. 
March  1st,  1899. 

The  present  vestrymen  (March  1st,  1899,)  are:  S.  R.  Mar- 
tin, Warden;  Lester  Williams.  Registrar;  S.  Bruce  Hall, 
Treasurer;  Robert  McEldowney,  Lindsay  Merrill,  William 
McG.  Hall,  John  F.  Martin.  Sunday-school  Superintendent, 
S.  R.  Martin. 

Smithfield. — Attention  was  first  called  to  Smithfield  by  con- 
tributions coming  in  (unasked)  from  that  point  for  the  mis- 
sions of  the  Church.  The  lumber  interests  was  for  a  long 
time  dominant,  but  a  few  years  ago,  oil  was  foun.l  in  large 
quantities,  and  the  building  of  the  Short  Line  from  darks- 


KEY.    WILLIAM    HULLIHEN    BURKHARDT. 


ST.    PAUL'S,    SISTERSVILLE. 


RECTORY,    NEW   MARTINSVILLE. 


ST.    ANNE'S,   NEW    MARTINSVILLE. 


in  West  Virginia.  753 

burg  to  New  Martinsville  is  rapidly  developing  this  section. 
The  Robinsons,  who  were  so  active  in  Mannington,  having 
moved  to  near  Smithfield,  they,  with  a  few  other  faithful 
members  and  friends  of  our  Church,  now  make  up  quite  a  lit- 
tle band.  It  cannot  be  said  that  as  yet  they  have  even  occa- 
sional services.  The  Bishop  has  visited  them  three  times. 
W "c  hope  that  they  may  be  served  from  New  Martinsville, 
even  though  very  infrequently. 

Wirt. 

Wirt  county  was  formed  in  1848,  and  named  for  William 
Wirt.  Square  miles,  290.  Population— 1870,  4,804;  1880,  7, 
104;  1890,  9,269;  1900,  10,284. 

Wirt  County  Mission,  Elizabeth  and  Newark. — The  first  Epis- 
copal services  held  in  this  mission,  the  date  of  which  is  known 
were  by  the  Rev.  Robt.  A.  Gibson,  Rector  of  Trinity  church, 
Parkersburg,  in  September,  1880.  Occasional  services  prior 
to  these  were  held  at  Elizabeth,  Burning  Springs  and  adja- 
cent points  by  the  Rev.  S.  D.  Tompkins,  the  dates  of  which 
are  unknown.  Mr.  Gibson  made  a  second  visit  in  this  year, 
L880,  holding  services  at  Elizabeth  and  Newark.  The  latter 
place  had  not  had  a  service  by  an  Episcopal  clergyman  for 
over  thirty  years.  Two  Episcopal  families,  Mr.  Jos.  W.  Hale's 
and  Mr.  Leonard  B.  Bidwell's,  settled  on  Newark  (Flats)  1848. 
Rt.  Rev.  (i.  W.  Peterkin  made  his  first  visit  to  the  mission 
1881,  and  confirmed  two;  also  in  1882,  April  23rd,  and  con- 
firmed two.  From  this  time  he  made  regular  visits.  The  first 
regular  monthly  services  were  established  by  the  Rev.  J.  F. 
WOods,  in  September,  1881,  who  is  now  in  charge  of  the  mis- 
sion, which  has  no  church  building  and  which  in  consequence 
of  deaths  and  removals  is  so  weak,  as  not  to  be  entitled  an 
organized  mission — or  mission  in  the  full  sense.  Among  the 
persons  who  have  been  connected  with  this  mission  are  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  J.  W.  Hale,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  C.  Hale,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Leonard  B.  Bidwell,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Leonard  Bidwell,  Mr.  and 
.Mis.  Walter  Fleming,  Mr.  David  Burns,  Mr.  and  Airs.  Heei> 
mans.  Dr.  Shaw,  and  Miss  Jossie  Riddle. 

J.  F.  Woods. 


754  The  Episcopal  Church 

Wood. 

Wood  county  was  formed  from  Harrison  in  1799,  and  was 
named  for  James  Wood,  the  son  of  Col.  James  Wood,  the 
founder  of  Winchester,  Virginia.  Square  miles,  375.  Popula- 
tion—1870,  19,000;  1880,  25,006;  1890,  27,992;  1900,  34.452. 

Trinity  Parish,  Parkersbury. — The  late  Maj.  A.  T.  Laidley, 
of  Charleston,  is  authority  for  the  statement  that  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Willard  was  the  first  clergyman  who  came  to  Parkers- 
burg.  He  came  in  the  year  1814  as  an  agent  of  New  York 
people,  who  owned  lands  in  Virginia,  and  Ohio,  and  that  it 
was  his  habit  to  give  the  people  a  service  of  the  Church  when- 
ever the  opportunity  offered.  This  statement  seems  to  be 
borne  out  by  the  fact  that  subsequently  when  he  went  to 
Marietta,  Ohio,  he  was  the  first  clergyman  to  preach  in  a 
school  house  built  by  Israel  Putnam  in  1S16.  This  brick 
school  house  had  "a  pulpit  at  one  end  of  it,  which  also  served 
as  a  reading  desk." 

The  following  record  has  been  found  in  an  old  register  in 
St.  John's  Parish.  Charleston  in  Maj.  Laidley's  chirography: 

Baptized,  Summer  of  1816,  at  Parkersburg:  Alexander  T. 
Laidley,  Corrinne  E.  Laidley,  James  Madison  Laidley.  Par- 
ents, Jas.  B.  Laidley  and  Harriet  B.  Laidley.  Sponsors,  John 
Tyler,  Mrs.  Stephenson,  widow  of  Edmund  Stephenson. 

The  early  work  of  the  church  here  was  done  by  missionar- 
ies, sent  by  the  Bishop  and  Council  of  Virginia  into  Western 
Virginia.  Visits  to  this  place  were  made  by  the  Revs.  Wm. 
F.  Lee,  Chas.  H.  Page  and  Frederick  D.  Goodwin,  The  Rev. 
Mr.  McMechen  spent  about  a  year  in  efforts  to  raise  up  a 
congregation  here,  during  which  he  resided  in  Parkersburg. 
About  the  same  time  an  attempt  was  made  to  unite  the 
churches  at  Parkersburg  and  Marietta,  under  one  minister 
and  for  a  while  the  Rev.  John  T.  Wheat,  Rector  of  the  church 
in  the  latter  place,  preached  regularly  in  the  former.  The 
dates  of  these  various  visits  and  attempts  seem  to  lie  be- 
tween 1825  and  1840.  At  some  time  during  the  same  period, 
probably,  according  to  tradition,  about  1832,  the  earliest  ef- 


ix  West  Virginia.  755 

fort  to  orgauize  a  garish  was  made  by  tbo.se  interested.  As 
the  result  of  this  or  later  efforts,  some  kind  of  organization 
was  effected,  through  which  in  1843,  the  Kev.  Tbos.  Smith  was 
called  to  the  charge  of  the  work.  The  first  entry  in  his  "par- 
ish register"  reads  thus:  "1843,  July  17.  Call  and  accept- 
ance this  day.  Found  but  few  friends,  some  interest  and  four 
communicants.  Gen'l.  Jackson.  Mrs.  Rathbone.  John  Taylor 
and  Mrs.  Murdoek.*'  This  is  the  first  official  record  of  Trin- 
ity Parish,  which  appears  to  have  been  in  the  year  (1843]  reg- 
ularly organized  and  in  the  year  following  admitted  into  un- 
ion with  the  Convention  of  Virginia.  Mr.  Smith  continued  to 
reside  here  until  his  death,  but  was  absent  much  of  the 
time,  preaching  at  other  places  over  a  wide  territory  and  vis- 
iting points  in  the  East  in  order  to  solicit  funds  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  church  here.  The  first  recorded  visit  of  a  Bishop  to 
this  parish — probably  the  first  ever  made  to  this  place — is 
entered  thus  in  the  "  Register:"—-  1843,  October  31st.  This 
day  Bishop  Johns  arrived  in  the  village  and  remained  with 
us,  in  company  with  Rev.  Mr.  Craik,  until  Monday.  6th  of  No- 
vember, preaching  and  exhorting  every  day  to  the  great  sat- 
isfaction of  all  and  edification  of  the  Church."  During  his 
visit,  on  Xovember  4th.  confirmations  was  administered  in 
the  Methodist  Chapel,  when  six  were  confirmed,  and  on  the 
same  day  one  additional  at  home  on  account  of  illness 

Mr.  Smith  was  so  successful  in  his  efforts  to  raise  money 
that  he  felt  justified  in  beginning  the  erection  ot  a  Church, 
of  which  the  corner-stone  was  laid  with  appropriate  ceremo- 
nies on  July  11th,  1816.  But  he  did  not  live  to  see  the  build- 
ing completed.  In  April.  1S47,  he  died  and  was  buried  at  his 
own  request  beneath  the  vestibule  of  the  unfinished  Church. 
The  burial  service  was  read  by  the  Rev.  E.  Winthrop.  Rector 
of  St.  Lukes,  Marrietta. 

Mr.  Smith  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  who 
came  here  on  October  1st.  1847,  a  young  deacon  just  from  the 
Virginia  Seminary.  On  October  11th  occurs  the  following 
entry  in  the  Register  of  the  Parish:     -  Meeting  of  the  Vestry 


756  The  Episcopal  Church 

for  the  purpose  of  devising  a  plan  for  the  completion  of  the 
Church,  partially  erected — and  to  elect  a  treasurer  of  the 
Vestry — and  to  have  some  understanding  as  to  the  amount 
of  service  to   be  performed    by  myself    in  this    place  and  at 
Prible's  Mills  and  Cow  Creek  respectively.     Mr.  C.  J.  Neal 
elected  treasurer.     The  amount  of  salary  contributed  by  the 
Parish,    beside  the    apropriation  from    Missionary    Society. 
$300.     I   consented  to  preach  here   three   Sundays   in   each 
month,  and  at  Prible's  Mills  or  Cow  Creek  one   Sunday — 
preaching  also  at  one  or  the  other  of  these  places  once  dur- 
ing the  week  in  each  month."     Mr.  Perkins  found  thirty-six 
communicants.     He  immediately  undertook  the  work  of  rais- 
ing funds  for  the  completion  of  the  Church.     Within  three 
weeks  after  his  arrival  here,  he  had  started  for  Wheeling  "to 
present  the  wants  of  our  Church  before  the  people  of  that 
place,"  and,  several  times  during  the  next  two  years  or  a  lit- 
tle more,  we  find  entries  of  trips  to  the  East  with  a  similar 
purpose  in  view.     The  result  of  these  efforts  was  that  the 
building  was  at  length  completed.     On  May  12th,  1850,  Trin- 
ity Church  was  opened  for  divine  service.  Prayers  were  read 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins,  of  Weston.     Lessons  by  Rev.  J.  D. 
McCabe,  of  Wheeling — Ante-communion  by  Rev.  M.  Tolford, 
of  Marietta — and  Communion  service  by  Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins, 
Rector  of  the  Parish.     The  opening  sermon  was  preached  by 
the  Rev.  J.  D.  McCabe  from  2nd  Tim.  1st  chap.  13th  verse. 
The  Communion  was  then  administered  by  the  Rector,  as- 
sisted by  Rev.  Mr.  McCabe. 

On  October  27,  1850,  the  Church  was  consecrated  by  Bishop 
Johns  by  the  name  of  Trinity  Church. 

Meantime,  on  September  27,  1848,  the  first  ordination  ser- 
vice ever  held  in  Parkersburg  occurred,  when  the  Rev.  E.  T. 
Perkins  was  ordained  to  the  order  of  Priests,  in  the  South- 
ern Methodist  Church  by  Bishop  Meade.  "The  sermon  was 
] ik -a died  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong,  of  Wheeling,  who  with 
Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins,  of  Weston,  united  in  the  imposition  of 
hands.*' 


in  West  Virginia.  757 

The  reetorate  of  Dr.  Perkins  ended  in  October,  1853.  After 
bis  departure,  tbe  parish  remained  vacant  probably  until  tbe 
spring  of  1857.  During  a  small  portion  of  this  period  the 
Kev.  Henry  I.  Kershaw  was  here.  He  does  not  appear,  how- 
ever, to  have  been  Rector  of  the  Parish. 

It  is  probable  that  he  came  here  in  August,  1856,  and  re- 
mained about  six  months.  He  graduated  at  the  Virginia  Sem- 
inary in  June  of  that  year  and  was  probably  sent  here,  as 
a  Deacon,  to  fill  the  vacancy  temporarily.  He  had  certainly 
left  prior  to  June,  1857,  for  on  the  7th  of  that  month  we  find 
the  Rev.  Thomas  K.  Coleman  already  Rector  and  presenting 
to  Bishop  Meade  a  class  for  confirmation.  Mr.  Coleman  re- 
mained in  charge  of  the  Parksh  for  eighteen  months.  He 
was  here  on  June  7,  1857,  when  the  class  just  mentioned  was 
confirmed,  and  also  on  October  24,  1858,  when  Bishop  Johns 
confirmed  another  class.  These  two  dates  are  nearly  seven- 
teen months  apart.  He1  must,  therefore,  have  become  Rector 
shortly  before  the  earlier  date  and  have  resigned  shortly  af- 
ter the  latter. 

Mr.  Coleman  was  succeeded  by  Dr.  Win.  L.  Hyland,  who 
came  to  the  Parish  in  the  spring  of  1851). 

Dr.  Hyland's  reetorate  was  the  longest  in  the  history  of 
the  Parish,  lasting  until  June  1st,  1878,  and  thus  covering  a 
period  of  19  years. 

The  Parish  possesses  an  enduring  and  admirable  monu- 
ment to  Dr.  Hyland's  zeal  in  the  commodious  rectory  which 
during  many  years,  furnished  a  comfortable  home  to  himself 
and  family,  as  it  has  done  for  the  succeeding  Rectors  and 
their  families.  It  was  built  about  1863  and  constituted  a 
most   important  addition  to  the  efficiency  of  the  Parish. 

Another  important  movement,  in  which  Dr.  Hyland  and 
the  members  of  the  Vestry,  associated  with  him,  were  most 
active,  was  that,  which  resulted  in  the  formation  of  the  Dio- 
cese of  West  Virginia,  to  which  this  Parish  has  always  wise- 
ly and  generously  contributed. 

In  the  last  year  of  Dr.  Hyland's  administration  the  old 
Church,  in  which  for  nearly  thirty  years  the  congregation 


i  5 8  T H  E  E  PI S( '()  pal  Ch  ukcii 

had  worshipped,  was  torn  down,  to  give  place  to  the  hand- 
some stone  church  now  standing  upon  the  same  site,  having 
been  much  enlarged  and  beautified,  in  the  year  1898.  The 
details  of  the  erection  of  this  building  appear  quite  fully  in 
the  records.  The  Building  Committee,  appointed  May  11, 
1878,  consisted  of  Mr.  W.  N.  Chancellor,  Mr.  R.  J.  McCandlish, 
and  Mr.  H.  H.  Moss,  and  to  these  Mr.  J.  B.  Neal  was  subse- 
quently added.  The  architect  was  Mr.  A.  C.  Nash  and  the 
superintendent  of  construction  Mr.  A.  F.  Lang.  Pending  the 
erection  of  the  Church,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  R.  A. 
Gibson  to  become  Rector,  which  was  accepted  and  his  rector- 
ate  began  October,  1878. 

He  entered  upon  his  work  with  faith  and  courage  and  was 
wonderfully  blessed  and  successful  in  it.  He  saw  the  church 
completed  and  consecrated  on  May  4,  1879.  During  his  in- 
cumbency Trinity  Hall  was  built  under  the  supervision  of  a 
committee,  consisting  of  Mr.  W.  N.  Chancellor,  Mr.  G.  W. 
Thompson,  and  Mr.  W.  Vrooman,  with  Mr.  B.  M.  Ambler,  as 
Treasurer  of  the  building  fund.  This  was  in  1881,  the  hall 
being  formally  opened  to  the  public  on  October  27. 

In  the  latter  part  of  his  administration  the  Chapel  at  Tav- 
ennerville  was  built,  chiefly  through  the  exertions  of  one  lady, 
a  member  of  this  Church,  whose  zeal  and  devotion  contin- 
ues to  be  the  chief  instrument  in  the  maintenance  of  the  Sun- 
day School  and  services  there — Mrs.  Janet  Tavenner. 

It  would  scarcely  be  proper  to  omit  mention  of  one  event, 
occurring  during  Mr.  Gibson's  administration,  which  does 
not,  indeed,  pertain  directly  to  the  history  of  the  Parish,  but 
has  exerted,  and  will  continue  to  exert,  a  most  beneficial  in- 
fluence upon  it.  This  was  the  erection  of  the  Bishop's  House 
in  Parkersburg,  which  was  completed  in  1885. 

When  Mr.  Gibson  left  the  Parish  in  October,  1887,  after  a 
rectorate  of  nine  year's,  he  left  a  work,  harmonious,  well 
equipped,  and  well  organized.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
S.  Scollay  Moore,  who  took  charge  of  the  parish  on  April 
15,  1888.  During  his  incumbency,  three  missions  have  been 
undertaken  in  this  city  and  a  chapel  has  been  built  at  Wil- 


in  West  Virginia.  759 

liamstown.  The  Mission  at  the  Memorial  Chapel  of  the  Good 
Shepherd,  corner  of  Charles  and  William  streets,  was  begun 
in  1891,  the  first  service  having  been  held  on  February  15, 
of  that  year.  The  lot  with  the  Parish  House  now  upon  it 
was  presented  to  the  Parish,  by  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Peterkin,  as 
a  memorial  to  their  child,  John  Stewart  Peterkin. 

The  Mission  at  the  Light  House  was  begun  on  December  2G, 
1892.  It  includes  a  coffee  and  reading  room,  a  chapel  where 
services  are  held  during  the  week  and  on  Sunday  (and  also 
a  Sunday  school)  and  some  lodging  rooms.  Sometimes  a  kin- 
dergarten school  is  maintained.  The  Mission  among  the  col- 
ored  people  on  June  14th,  1896. 

At  all  these  points  and  at  Tavennerville  regular  and  quite 
frequent  services  are  maintained. 

Bishop  Meade  gives  the  names  of  twenty-four  gentlemen, 
who  had  been  up  to  the  date,  at  which  his  account  closes, 
about  1855,  Vestrymen  of  the  Parish. 

The  Registers  now  existing  begin  many  years  later — on 
June  8,  1874.  Those,  covering  the  interval,  if  any  existed, 
seem  to  have  been  lost.  We  find  in  the  Iatr-r  records  an  al- 
most entirely  new  list  of  Vestrymen.  These  are  some  of  the 
new  names:  Judge  Jno.  J.  Jackson,  W.  Vrooman,  Henry 
Gill,  C.  M.  Shrewsbury,  R.  J.  McCandlish,  W.  T.  Poole,  A 
F.  Lang,  T.  Adams,  J.  N.  Camden,  W.  P.  Thompson,  H.  H 
Moss,  J.  B.  Jackson,  B.  M.  Ambler,  J.  B.  Neal,  W.  X.  Chancel 
lor,  A.  G.  Jackson,  Dr.  Philip  Burwell,  G.  W.  Thompson,  Dr 
T.  A.  Harris,  Dr.  T.  B.  Camden,  Simms  Powell,  W.  W.  Jack 
son,  C.  S.  Fewsmith,  B.  D.  Spillman,  Dr.  W.  H.  Sharp,  W.  J 
Robb,  D.  B.  Burns,  C.  C.  Martin  and  J.  M.  Jackson. 

Within  the  past  few  years  the  church  has  been  greatly 
beautified  by  several  handsome  memorial  gifts,  notably  a 
carved  walnut  reredos,  the  gift  of  Mrs.  Geo.  W.  Thompson 
in  memory  of  Co).  Geo.  W.  Thompson;  an  angel  lectern  of 
1  u:iss,  the  gilt  of  Mrs.  W.  H.  Smith,  Jr.,  in  memory  of  Gen- 
eral and  Mrs.  John  J.  Jackson,  and  a  pipe  organ  of  unusually 
line  tone  and  quality,  built  by  the  Votey  Organ  Company,  of 


760  The  Episcopal  Church 

Detroit,  MichigaD,  the  gift  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  M.  Jackson 
in  memory  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  V.  Rathbone.  Before  the 
organ  was  placed  in  position,  the  church  was  enlarged  by  an 
addition,  which  increased  its  seating  capacity  rather  more 
than  one-third. 

Other  handsome  memorial  gifts,  now  in  use  in  the  service 
of  this  parish,  not  strictly  in  the  line  of  church  ornamenta- 
tion, are  an  alms-basin,  given  by  Bishop  Peterkin  in  memory 
of  Mr.  R.  J.  McCandlish,  and  a  Communion  service,  of  silver, 
whose  several  pieces,  were  given  by  Mrs.  M.  E.  Rathbone  in 
memory  of  Mr.  F.  Vinton  Rathbone,  by  Mrs.  H.  C.  Jackson 
in  memory  of  Mrs.  Julia  A.  DeCamps,  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jas. 
Moffett  in  memory  of  their  children,  Robert  Beale  and  Mar- 
garet Moffett,  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  W.  M.  Trevor,  in  memory  of 
Miss  Elizabeth  Trevor,  and  by  the  King's  Daughters  of  Trin- 
ity Church  in  memory  of  Miss  Maude  C.  Dent,  one  of  their 
number. 

Belleville,  Wood  County. — The  Rev.  Dr.  Perkins  used  to  hold 
services  at  Belleville,  and  in  his  time  there  was  a  church 
there,  but  it  was  destroyed  by  fire,  and  owing  to  the  removal 
and  death  of  friends  and  members  no  attempt  was  ever  made 
to  restore  the  building. 

Williamstoion. — Probably  the  first  communicant  in  this 
neighborhood  was  Mrs.  Jane  H.  Henderson,  wife  of  Alexander 
Henderson.  This  worthy  couple  were  staunch  Episcopalians. 
Mr.  Henderson  being  a  son  of  Alexander  Henderson,  Sr.,  who 
was  a  vestryman  with  George  Washington,  in  the  Church  at 
Pohick.  Mr.  Henderson  brought  his  bride  (Miss  Lithgoe,)  to 
Western  Virginia  in  1801,  but  did  not  live  in  this  neighbor- 
hood till  some  years  later.  For  a  few  years,  about  1818,  he 
resided  in  Marietta,  Ohio,  being  cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Mari- 
etta; and  we  find  both  him  and  his  wife  mentioned  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Church  work,  and  when  in  1820,  St.  Luke's  was 
organized,  he  became  a  vestryman,  although  again  in  his  na- 
tive State,  Virginia.  In  the  "History  of  St.  Luke's"  we  find 
that  "Rain  or  shine,  he  always  came  to  Marietta  to  the  ser- 
vice on  Sundays."    He  and  his  wife  spent  the  latter  years  of 


REV.     S.    SCOLLAV    MOORE,    D.    D. 


I  DiBfifli 


TRINITY    RECTORY,    PARKE RSBURG 


RT.    REV.    ROBERT   A.    GIBSON,    D.   D. 


TRINITY    CHURCH,    PARKERSBURG. 


in  West  Virginia.  761 

iheir  lives  a  few  miles  below  Williamstown,  with  an  only 
child;  George  W.  Henderson,  whom  they  had  reared  to  love 
The  Church.  There  are  several  in  Marietta  as  well  as  in  oar 
county,  who  will  remember  Mrs.  Henderson  as  a  tall,  stately, 
cultured  old  lady,  whom  pioneer  life  never  robbed  of  her  cour- 
teous bearing.  A  most  devout  woman.  Mrs.  G.  W.  Hender- 
son, (formerly  Elizabeth  Ann  Tomlinson)  was  confirmed  in 
St.  Luke's,  1835.  The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henderson  open- 
ed wide  its  doors  to  ministers,  and  thus  they  had  the  priv- 
ilege of  giving  cordial  welcome  to  Bishops  Meade,  Johns, 
Whittle,  and  many  clergymen;  and  later,  during  her  widow- 
hood, Mrs.  Henderson  was  cheered  and  strengthened  by  visits 
from  Bishop  Peterkin.  However,  we  do  not  find  that  as  yet 
there  was  any  Episcopal  service  at  Williamstown.  In  the  rec- 
ords of  St.  Luke's  among  the  burials  by  the  Rev.  G.  L.  F. 
Hoensel,  1839;  we  find  within  the  short  space  of  seventeen 
•lays  there  were  laid  to  rest  three  children  of  G.  W.  Hender- 
son, in  Virginia.  A  few  days  later  the  fourth  child  was  bur- 
ied, and  as  a  minister  could  not  be  procured,  on  account  of 
the  heavy  flow  of  ice,  it  became  the  sad  duty  of  the  father  to 
read  the  Burial  Service.  Among  those  present  was  the  one 
child  left  to  him,  who  is  now  Mrs.  Mary  P.  Beeson,  and  who 
tells  of  this  pathetic  incident.  Perhaps  the  first  Episcopal 
service  was  the  burial  of  A.  Henderson  in  1833,  and  except 
on  such  occasions,  we  find  no  record  until  1857,  or  1858.  Mrs. 
G.  W.  Henderson  having  organized  and  equipped  a  Sunday 
school  in  the  school  room,  afterwards  removed  it  to  the  barn. 
At  her  request,  the  Rev.  T.  K.  Coleman  held  occasional  ser- 
vices. Frail  health  made  it  impossible  for  Mrs.  Henderson 
to  continue  in  this  work,  but  her  beautiful  Christian  life  left 
its  impress  on  many. 

In  1850  there  came  to  reside  in  the  village  Mrs.  Hunter. 
This  estimable  lady  was  confirmed  in  Dungloe,  Dunagal 
county,  Ireland,  in  1819,  at  the  age  of  sixteen.  A  churchwo- 
man  of  strong  personality,  who  gave  to  her  children  the  pre- 
cious heritage  of  staunch  Episcopal  principles.  In  1858  there 
came  to  the  village  -I.   \V.  Snodgrass.  a  man  reared  in  the 


762  The  Episcopal  Churcb 

('lunch,  but  not  at  that  time  a  communicant,  however  his 
bride,  Eunice  Hall,  of  Marietta,  had  been  confirmed  in  1854. 
The  children  of  these  three  families  received  baptism,  some 
in  Parkersburg,  others  in  Ohio. 

In  the  Spring  of  1872,  Mr.  D.  McKinney  moved  to  the  vil- 
lage, two  daughters  being  communicants  of  St.  John's,  Pleas- 
ants county.  Fannie  Piatt,  and  Sarah  Caroline  (Sharp)  the 
former  is  at  this  time  the  oldest  communicant  (in  member- 
ship, not  age,)  among  us.  During  the  same  spring  Mr.  E. 
Wilcox  came  here.  His  wife,  as  also  his  mother-in-law  were 
communicants.     Miss  Fannie  McKinney  writes: 

"Through  the  agency  of  Mrs.  Smith  a  devoted  church-work- 
er, the  services  of  Dr.  W.  L.  Hyland,  of  Parkersburg,  were 
occasionally  procured."  "Mrs.  Smith  organized  a  Sunday 
school  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  during  the 
summer  of  1874,  herself  superintending  the  same."  This  fam- 
ily removed  in  1877,  however,  "Grandma  Smith"  left  many 
marks  of  her  earnest,  zealous  work.  As  the  years  passed  on 
there  were  occasional  services  held  by  Messrs.  Hyland.  Tomp- 
kins, Woods,  Brittingham,  Gibson,  Bishop  Whittle  preaching 
once  in  the  summer  of  1874. 

Bishop  Peterkin  first  preached  here  Wednesday,  August  6, 
1879.    First  confirmation  service,  November  11,  1883. 

In  October,  1887,  B.  T.  Beeson,  came  to  reside  here.  Two 
daughters,  Georgia  H.  and  Mary  Winifrede  were  communi- 
cants of  Trinity,  Parkersburg. 

On  May  29,  1888,  Mrs.  E.  A.  Henderson  died,  bequeathing 
to  the  church  one  lot  in  Williamstown  and  $1,000. 

In  the  autumn  of  1889  the  Bishop  arranged  to  give  us 
more  frequent  services.  Rev.  J.  R.  Taylor  coming  for  one 
Sunday  service  each  month.  We  think  he  preached  first  in 
January,  1890.  He  is  especially  remembered  for  his  sympa- 
thy with,  his  kindness  to  the  sick,  and  his  love  for  children. 
Then  in  May,  Rev.  John  Ambler  came ;  (we  believe  he  had  pre- 
viously made  a  visit  in  October,  1899).  He  came  for  some 
months.  We  can  not  speak  too  highly  of  this  noble  old  man 
whom  everyone  loved.     Afterwards,  beginning  in  1891,  Rev. 


in  West  Virginia.  768 

S.  S.  Moore  gave  us  one  sermon  each  month,  when  the  con- 
dition of  the  roads  would  allow  him  to  make  the  drive  be- 
tween morning  and  evening  service  at  Parkersburg,  and  came 
on  other  occasions  for  especial  work  as  he  was  untiring  in 
the  Master's  work.  During  these  years  we  received  much 
kindness  from  both  the  Methodists  and  Baptists.  Worship- 
ping first  in  the  Methodist  Church,  then  in  the  Baptist 
Church. 

In  1892,  it  was  decided  to  build  a  Church.  It  being  deem- 
ed undesirable  to  build  on  the  lot  given  by  Mrs.  Henderson, 
another  was  to  be  secured,  several  of  the  ladies,  especially 
Miss  Fannie  McKinney  and  Mrs.  Beeson,  favored  building  on 
the  hill  above  high  water,  but  the  men  preferred  down  town. 
A  site  on  Ferry  street  was  selected.  The  Rev.  S.  S.  Moore 
in  an  article  about  "Christ  Memorial  Church,  at  Williams- 
town,5'  writes:  ''The  beginning  of  the  fund  with  which  it  was 
built  came  from  a  legacy  of  $1,000  which  together  with  a  lot, 
was  left  by  the  late  Mrs.  Geo.  W.  Henderson,  for  the  purpose. 
The  residue  was  raised  by  the  earnest  exertions  of  the  people 
themselves.  The  building  was  erected  during  the  past  sum- 
mer, the  design  being  furnished  and  its  execution  superintend- 
ed by  Mr.  W.  L.  Davis.  The  total  cost  including  furnishings 
was  about  $2,300.  The  building  is  of  frame  on  a  brick  founda- 
tion, capable  of  seating  in  the  pews  140  persons,  with  floor 
space  for  a  number  beyond  this,  in  case  of  need,  and  it  is 
extremely  pretty  and  attractive.  It  was  consecrated  by  the 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese  on  the  22nd  Sunday  after  Trinity,  No- 
vember 13,  1892.  The  Instrument  of  Donation  was  read  by  Mr. 
H.  C.  Henderson  and  the  sentence  of  consecration  by  myself. 
The  Rev.  John  Boyd,  Rector  of  St.  Luke's,  Marietta,  Ohio, 
assisted  in  the  services.  The  sermon  was  preached  bj'  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Moore.  The  day  was  perfect  and  the  large  attend- 
ance manifested  the  general  interest  in  the  event. 
********* 

Mr.  W.  L.  Davis,  lirst  as  lay  leader,  afterwards  as  Deacon, 
became  an  assistant  to  Dr.  Moore,  and  served  Qhrist  Memori- 


764  The  Episcopal  Church 

al(with  occasional  services  from  Dr.  Moore)  until  March,  1896. 
During  these  years  Mr.  Davis  laid  some  excellent  foundation 
stones,  and  won  esteem  as  well  as  a  wife  while  among  us. 
In  April,  1S96,  the  Rev.  W.  K.  Marshall  came  to  us  as  Dr. 
Moore's  assistant,  a  man  of  ability,  attainments,  and  experi- 
ence, his  stay  was  short  among  us,  and  to  our  deep  regret,  he 
left  us  December,  1897.  Daring  the  severe  sickness  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Marshall  we  were   well  served  in  the  summer  of 

1897,  by  an  earnest,  zealous  student  from  the  Seminary,  H. 
B.  Thomas.  While  with  us  Mr.  Thomas  organized  our  Sun- 
day school,  August,  1897.  In  October,  1897,  the  Bishop  took 
charge  of  Williamstown,  and  some  other  points  which  for  a 
short  time  were  in  charge  of  Rev.  Mr.  Marshall.    In  January, 

1898.  Mr.  J.  A.  Hiatt  became  minister  in  charge.  He  has 
shown  much  energy  and  faithfulness  and  won  many  friends. 

On  July  21st,  1899,  there  was  a  meeting  to  organize  the 
work  into  a  mission  station.  Rev.  S.  S.  Moore,  D.  D.,  presided. 
This  was  not  finally  effected  until  February  17,  1900;  when 
the  Bishop  appointed  J.  W.  Snodgrass,  warden;  H.  C.  Hen- 
derson, registrar;  A.  T.  Henderson,  treasurer.  These  with 
Charles  Hunter  and  G.  R.  Hammatt  form  the  Committee.  In 
March,  1898,  the  water  was  in  the  Church,  being  thirty-eight 
inches  deep  on  the  floor. 

At  this  time  Williamstown  and  St.  Mary's  have  been  sep- 
arated from  the  Parkersburg  work,  and  with  Waverly  united 
in  one  charge,  under  special  care  of  Mr.  George  C.  Shaw,  a 
candidate  for  Holy  Orders.  There  have  been  in  all  thirty-three 
persons  confirmed  in  Williamstown. 

Georgia  H.  Beeson. 

Waverly  Mission,  The  Church  of  the  Advent. — On  the  16th 
of  May,  1886,  the  first  Episcopal  service,  or  service  of  any 
kind,  ever  held  in  the  community  of  Waverly,  Wood  county, 
was  held  by  the  Rev.  Jno.  F.  Woods,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Jno. 
B.  Triplett.  There  being  no  church  building  of  any  kind  ov 
school  house  in  the  place,  at  the  time,  services  were  continued 
at  Mr.  Triplett's  once  a  month  for  four  months,  until  it  be- 


in  West  Virginia.  765 

came  evident  (hat  the  quarters  furnished  by  Mr.  Triplett 
would  not  hold  the  congregation,  more  capacious  room  was 
secured  at  a  hotel  in  the  place,  (kept  by  Mr.  Basil  William- 
son). Kt.  Kev.  G.  W.  Peterkin  made  his  first  visitation  here 
in  the  evening  of  December  7th,  1886,  and  confirmed  one,  Mrs. 
•las.  P.  Sharp.  His  second  visit  was  made  April  24th,  1887. 
Services  were  held  at  Williamson's  hotel  eight  months,  when 
they  were  transferred  to  a  union  hall,  erected  June  and  July 
of  this  year  (1887),  for  the  accommodation  of  a  union  Sunday 
school  and  such  services  as  might  be  held  by  the  Episcopal- 
ians, Presbyterians  and  Methodists,  from  time  to  time.  The 
deed  for  the  lot  on  which  the  hall  stands  was  made  by  Mr. 
James  P.  Sharp,  April  5th,  1887,  to  the  following  Trustees: 
Mr.  Basil  Williamson,  for  the  Methodist,  Mr.  R.  J.  Corbitt, 
for  the  Presbyterian  and  Mr.  Jno.  B.  Triplett  for  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal.  (The  size  of  the  lot:  South  line,  87  feet;  west 
line,  84  feet;  north  line,  71  feet;  east  line,  119  feqt.i  Kev. 
•J.  F.  Woods  began  services  in  this  hall  August,  1887,  and 
continued  them  over  three  years,  when  he  was  followed  by 
Kev.  J.  K.  Taylor,  who  was  in  charge  of  the  mission  about 
six  months,  in  1891.  Mr.  Taylor  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
Grant  Sommerville,  who  resigned  in  the  autumn  of  1894,  af- 
tei  being  in  charge  nearly  three  years.  The  Rev.  J.  F.  Woods, 
for  tiie  second  time,  was  placed  in  charge,  July  1st,  1895,  by 
Bishop  Peterkin.  in  process  of  time  the  Methodists  of  the 
community  as  well  as  the  Presbyterians,  having  erected 
churches  of  their  own,  sold  out  their  respective  interests  in 
the  union  hall,  to  the  Episcopalians,  giving  the  latter  sole 
possession  of  the  building  and  a  home  of  their  own.  After 
the  purchase  of  these  interests,  the  church  building  stood  to 
the  Episcopalians  in  cost  value.  $000.00.  The  monthly  service 
at  this  point  has  been  increased  to  two  services  a  month  on 
different  Sundays.  The  church  officers  are:  Warden,  Mr. 
Jno.  Triplett;  registrar,  Mrs.  C.  P.  Corbetf;  treasurer,  Mrs. 
C.  P.  Corbitt.  Prominent  persons  taking  part  in  this  mis- 
sion in  addition  to  the  above  are:  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jas.  Sharp, 


766  The  Episcopal  Church 

Mrs.  Jno.  Triplett,  Capt.  C.  P.  Ross  and  Mrs.  Bert  Harness. 
An  Episcopal  Sunday  school  is  kept  up  in  this  mission. 

J.  F.  Woods,  in  charge. 

In  the  summer  of  1901  the  church  building  was  greatly  im- 
proved at  a  cost  of  about  $100,  and  Waverly  was  put  under 
charge  of  Mr.  Geo.  C.  Shaw,  residing  at  St.  Mary's,  and  having 
charge  of  that  point  and  also  of  Williamstown. 

Wyoming. 

Wyoming  county  was  formed  from  Logan  in  1850.  Square 
miles,  660.  Population— 1870,  3,171;  1880,  4,322;  1890;  6,232; 
1900,  8,380. 

Bishop  Peterkin,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lacy,  vis- 
ited this  county  in  October,  1882,  and  preached  in  the  court 
house.    They  could  find  no  church  people. 


Appendices. 


APPENDIX  I. 

List  of  Councils.  Churches  and  Chapels  in  use  1878.  Churches 
and  Chapels  built  since  1878.  Churches  extinct.  Consecra- 
tion of  Churches  prior  to  1878.  Churches  consecrated  since 
1878.  Rectories.  Ordinations  and  Confirmations.  Episco- 
pal work  done  in  other  Dioceses. 


Councils. 


In  October,  1877,  the  General  Convention,  meeting  in  Bos- 
ion,  gave  its  consent  to  the  formation  of  the  new  Diocese. 

Primary — Charleston,  December,  1877. 

1st.    Charleston,  February,  1878. 

Special — Martinsburg,  July,  1878. 

2d.    Clarksburg,  June,  1879. 

3d.    Parkersburg,  June,  1S80. 

4th.  Shepherdstown,  June,  1881. 

5th.  Pt.  Pleasant,  June,  1882. 

6th.  Wheeling,  June,  1883. 

7th.  Martinsburg,  June.  1884. 

8th.  Lewisburg,  June,  1885. 

9th.  Charlestown,  June,  1SS0. 
10th.  Weston,  June,  1887. 
11th.  Huntington,  June,  188S. 
12th.  Shepherdstown,  June,  1889. 
13th.  Charleston,  June,  1890. 
14th.  Parkersburg,  June,  1891. 


768  The  Episcopal  Church 

15th.  Martinsburg,  June,  1892. 

16th.  Clarksburg,  June,  1893. 

17th.  Wheeling,  June,  1894. 

18th.  Charles  Town,  June,  1895. 

19th.  Moundsville,  June,  1890. 

20th.    Pt.  Pleasant,  June,  1897. 

21st.    Weston,  June,  1898. 

22d.     Huntington,  June,  1899. 

Special — Clarksburg,  July  20,  1899 — to  elect  the  Bishop 

Coadjutor. 
2.3d.     Shepherdstown,  June,  1900. 
24th.  Charleston  Kanawha,  June,  1901. 

Churches  and  Chapels  in  use  June,  1873. 

Brooke  County,  St.  John's.  Pdrkersburg,  Trinity. 

Bunker  Hill,  Christ.  Point  Pleasant,  Christ.* 

Charleston,  St.  John's.  Ravenswood,  Grace. 

Charleston,  St.  Luke's.*  Ripon,  St.  John's, 

Charlestown.  Zion.*  St.  Albans,  St.  Mark's." 

Clarksburg,  Christ.*  Shepherdstown,  Trinity. 

Fairmont,  Christ.  Union,  All  Saints'.* 

Hedgesville,  Mt.  Zion.*  Volcano,  Emmanuel. 

Leetown,  St.  Bartholomew's.*  Weston,  St.  Paul's. 

Martinsburg,  Trinity.  Wellsburg,  Christ. 
Mercer's  Bottom,  Bruce  Chapel.*    Wheeling,  St.  Matthew's.* 

Middleway,  Grace.*  Wheeling,  St.  Luke's  Chapel. 

Moundsville,  Trinity .  Willow  Island.  St.  John's. 
In  all— 26. 

In  the  above  list  those  printed  in  Italics  (10)  have  been  re- 
placed by  entirely  new  buildings,  those  marked  with  a  star 
(11)  have  been  either  finished  or  greatly  repaired  and  im- 
proved. Emmanuel,  Volcano,  has  been  taken  down  and  re- 
moved to  Kenova,  where  now  in  greatly  improved  condition 
ii  is  Grace  Church,  and  the  remaining  four  have  undergone 
the  usual  repairs  to  be  expected  during  such  a  term  of  years. 

In  June,  1878,  the  old  church  in  Parkersburg  had  been  torn 
down  preparatory  to  building  the  new,    and  the  church  in 


ST.    JOHN  W,    RIPLEY. 


GOOD    SHEPHERD,    DUFFIELDS. 


in  West  Virginia. 


7G9 


Fairmont  had  been  pronounced  unsafe,    as  appears  above, 
they  have  both  been  replaced  by  entirely  new  buildings. 

Churches  and  Chapels  built  since  June,  1878. 

In  thus  are  included  the  ten  given  in  the  former  list  as  en- 
tirely new  buildings,  which  number  of  course  must  be  de- 
ducted in  arriving  at  'the  total  number  of  churches  now  in 
the  Diocese.  It  will  be  found  to  be  as  follows:  number 
brought  over  from  time  prior  to  June,  1S7S,  is  16. 
Number  of  old  churches  entirely  replaced  by  new  buildings 
10;  number  added  since  June,  1878,  has  been  50;  making  the 
total  number  now  81,  the  church  at  Volcano  having  been  re- 
moved. 

The  list  is  as  follows: 
Alderson,  the  Messiah.  Morgantown,  Trinity. 

Ansted,  the  Redeemer.  Jfoundsville,  Trinity. 

Berkeley  Springs,  St.  Mark's.Mountain,  The,  St.  Andrew's. 
Bluefield,  Christ.  New  Martinsville,  St.  Anne's. 

Blue  Ridge,  Christ.  North  River,  Zion. 

Bramwell,  Holy  Trinity.        North  Mew,  St.  Thomas'. 
Buckhannon,  Transfiguration Okonoko,  Epiphany. 
Charleston,  St.  John's.  Parkersburg,  Trinity. 

Charleston,  SI.  Matthew's.     Parkersburg,  Si.  Stephens'. 

Parkersburg,  Good  Shepherd. 

Parkersburg,  Lighl    House. 

Powellton,  St.  David's  Church. 

Princeton,  Heavenly  Rest. 

Kavenswood,  Grace. 

Ripley,  St.  John's. 

Ripon,  St.  John's. 

Romney,  Si.  Stephen's. 

Ronceverte,  Incarnation. 

Scary,  Si.  .John's. 

Short  <  Jreek,  <  !hrist. 

Sistersville,  Si.  Paul's. 

Spruce  Run,  Spruce  <  !hurch. 

St.  Mary's,  Grace. 


Charlestown,  St.  Philip's. 
Clover  Lick,  <  Irace. 

<  Jresaps'  Grace. 
Davis.  St.  Barnabas. 
Davis  Creek,  St.  Andrew's. 
Duftield's,  Good  Shepherd. 
Eckman,  Grace. 

Elkins,  <  J  race. 

Elm  <  irove.  St.  Paul's. 

Fairmont,  Christ. 

<  rlencoe,  Epiphany. 
Glen  Jean.  (J race. 
Grafton,  St.  Matthias". 
Harper's  Perry,  St.  John's. 


t  To  The  Episcopal  Church 

Ilinion.  Ascension.  Sunimil   Point,  Holy  Spirit. 

Huntington,  Trinity.  Sutton,  St.  John's. 

Kenova,  Grace.  Tavernersville,  Grace. 

Lewisburg,  St.  James'.  Waverley,  the  Advent. 

Liverpool,  Whittle  Church.  Wellsburg,  Christ. 

Mannington,  St.  Andrew's.  Weston,  St.  Paul's. 

Martinsburg,  Trinity.  Wheeling,  St.  Andrew's. 

Mason.  Our  Saviour.  Wheeling,  St.  Luke's. 

Montgomery,  Calvary.  White  Sulphur,  St.  Thomas'. 

Mooretield,  Emmanuel.  Williamstown,  Christ  Memorial. 

On  the  above  list,  the  names  in  Italics  indicate  new- 
church  buildings,  which  have  taken  the  place  of  the  old,  ten 
in  number. 

The  (Impel  at  Glencoe  is  private  property.  The  church  at 
Harper's  Ferry  is  a  new  building  on  a  new  site,  taking  the 
place  of  that  which  was  restored  on  the  ruins  of  the  old  one 
in  1881.  The  new  Ascension  Church  at  Hinton  takes  the 
place  of  that  which  was  built  in  1881,  but  destroyed  by  a 
cyclone  in  1897.  The  chapels  called  the  Light  House,  Park- 
ersburg,  and  St.  David's,  Powellton,  are  rooms  in  buildings 
used  for  various  purposes.  St.  Andrew's,  Mannington,  is  at 
1  his  lime  (1901)  involved  in  such  complicate  difficulties  that 
its  loss  to  the  Diocese  is  probable.  The  churches  at  Ripley 
and  Moorefield  were  in  a  condition  far  on  to  completion  in 
L878.  In  addition  to  the  above  buildings,  the  church  has  a 
fourth  interest  in  a  Union  Church  at  Long  Reach,  Pleasants 
county.  It  deserves,  also,  to  be  mentioned  that  the  founda- 
tion of  the  church  at  Ronceverte,  upon  which  Mr.  Ben  Hurx- 
thal  builded  with  great  liberality,  was  the  share  received 
from  the  sale  of  a  Union  Church,  which  he  had  also  been 
instrumental  in  starting.  The  church  at  North  River  (or 
near  Slanesville),  Hampshire  county,  is  perhaps  eighty  years 
old,  but  it  had  for  a  long  time  passed  out  of  our  hands,  and 
even  out  of  our  knowledge,  until  Mi-.  Gibbons  revived  and  es- 
tablished our  claim  in  1X1)4.  so  thai  now  it  may  be  considered 
)>i-;ici  ically  a  new  church. 


i\  West  Virginia.  771 

Churches  Extinct. 

The  following  churches  have  ;ii  various  times  become  ex- 
tinct. Two.  however,  as  mention  is  made,  have  been  re- 
vived: 

Back  Greek,  Berkeley  county,  Calvary. 

Belleville,  Wood  county. 

Frankfort,  Hampshire  couuty. 

Jefferson  county,  St.  George's.  The  present  Zion  Church, 
Gharlestown,  may  be  considered  as  the  revival  of  the  Old  St. 
i  teorge's. 

New  Martinsville,  Wetzel  county,  St.  Paul's.  This  has  been 
revived  in  Hie  present  St.  Anne's. 

Salines.  Kanawha  county,  St.  Luke's. 

Teays'  Valley,  Putnam  county,  St.  Paul's. 

Wheeling,  St.  -John's.  This  has  been  revived  in  St.  An- 
drew's, more  than  a  mile  lower  down  the  city. 

W  infield.  Putnam  county.  St.  Paul's. 

Consecration  of  Churches  prior  to  1878. 

Belleville,  Wood  county,  name  of  church  not  given.  Pall 
of  L851,  Bishop  Meade. 

Bruce  Chapel,  Mercer's  Bottom.  October  27th,  1843. 
Bishop  Johns. 

Back  Creek,  Berkeley  county.  Calvary.  November,  1840. 
Bishop  Meade. 

Bunker  Hill.  Christ  Church  (stone).  May.  L818.  Bishop 
Moore. 

Bunker  Hill,  Christ  Church  (brick).  August,  1852.  Bishop 
Meade. 

Boone  county,  St.  John's.    October  31,  L849.    Bishop  Johns. 
Coalsmouth,  Bangor  Church.     May,  L830.    Bishop  Meade. 
Charleston,     St.  John's.     November     LOth,     1837.     Bishop 
Meade. 
Charlestown,  Zion.     September,  L848.     Bishop  Meade. 
Gharlestown,  Zion.    December  6th,  1851.    Bishop  Meade. 
Clarksburg,  Christ.     April  20th,  1856.     Bishop  Johns. 
Fairmont,  Christ.    October,  L854.    Bishop  Meade. 


772  The  Episcopal  Church 

Harper's  Ferry,  St.  John's.    1853. 

Leetown,  St.  Bartholomew's.  November  (5th,  1849.  Bishop 
Meade. 

New  Martinsville,  St.  Paul's.  November,  1851.  Bishop 
Meade. 

Moundsville,  Trinity.    November,  1855.    Bishop  Meade. 

Parkersburg,  Trinity.     October  27th,  1851.     Bishop  Johns. 

Pleasants  county,  St.  Johns.  April  30th,  1853.  Bishop 
Johns. 

Ravenswood,   Grace.     November,   1851.     Bishop   Johns. 

Salines.  St.  Luke's.    October  20th,  1844.    Bishop  Johns. 

Shepherdstown,  Trinity.    April  5th,  1859.    Bishop  Johns. 

Smithfield,  Grace.    November,  1852.    Bishop  Meade. 

St.  Albans  (Coalsmouth),  St.  Mark's.  June  24th,  1847. 
Bishop  Johns. 

Union,  All  Saints.     September  3d,  1876.     Bishop  Whittle. 

Weston,  St.  Paul's.    Fall  of  1851.    Bishop  Meade. 

Wheeling,  St.  John's.    November  1st,  1851.    Bishop  Johns. 

Wheeling,  St.  Matthew's.    October,  1837.    Bishop  Meade. 

Wellsburg,  Christ.    April,  1841.    Bishop  Meade. 

Churches  Consecrated  since  June,  1878. 

Alderson,  Church  of  the  Messiah,  Monday,  May  4th,  1894. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 

Ansted,  Church  of  the  Redeemer.  Tuesday,  October  11th, 
1881.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Berkeley  Springs,  St.  Mark's  Church.  Thursday,  August 
20th,  1880.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

Blue  Ridge,  Christ  Church.  May  18th,  1890.  Bishop  Peter- 
kin. 

Bramwell,  Holy  Trinity.  Sunday,  September  5th,  1879. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 

Charleston,  SI.  John's.  Sunday,  June  10th,  1901.  Bishop 
Peterkin. 

Charlestown,  St.  Philip  Chapel.  Wednesday,  May  30th, 
L900.    Bishop  Gravatt. 


in  West  Virginia.  773 

("lover  Lick,  Immanuel  Church  (Grace).  Sunday,  August 
21st,  1892.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Duffields.  Chapel  of  the  Good  Shepherd.  Tuesday,  May  31st, 
1892.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Elkiiis,  Grace  Church.     April  7,  1891.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

Fairmont,  Church  Church.  Wednesday,  April  15th,  1896. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 

Harpers  Ferry  St.  John's  (restored).  Friday,  December  1, 
1882.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Harper's  Ferry,  St.  John's,  (new).  March  19th,  1899.  Bish- 
op Peterkin. 

Hinton,  Ascension  Church.  Sunday,  October  8th,  1882. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 

Kenova,  Grace  Church.    June  11th,  1899.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Leroy,  Whittle  Chapel.    July  29th,  1894.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Lewisburg,  St.  James.  Sunday,  August  19th,  1883.  Bishop 
Peterkin. 

Martinsburg,  Trinity.  Sunday,  March  18th,  18S8.  Bishop 
Peterkin. 

Moundsville,  Trinity.  Monday,  June  8th,  1891.  Bishop 
Peterkin. 

Mooreneld,  Emmanuel  Church.  Sunday,  June  19th,  1881. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 

Morgantown,  Trinity  Church.  Thursday,  June  12th,  1890. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 

New  Martinsville,  St.  Anne's  Church.  Wednesday,  July 
26th,  1882.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Okonoko,  Epiphany  Church.  Thursday,  June  13th,  1889. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 

Parkersburg,  Trinity.  Sunday,  May  4th,  1879.  Bishop 
Peterkin. 

Princeton,  Church  of  the  Heavenly  Rest.  Sunday,  August 
Kith.  1896.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Point  Pleasant,  Christ  Church.  Wednesday,  June  7th,  1882. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 


774  The  Episcopal  Church 

Ripley,  St.  John's.  Thursday,  April  21st,  1887.  Bishop 
Peterkin. 

Romney,  St.  Stephen's.  Sunday,  November  13th,  1887. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 

Ronceverte,  Church  of  the  Incarnation.  Sunday,  May  6th, 
1883.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Sistersville,  St.  Paul's.  Thursday,  September  24th  1885. 
Hishop  Peterkin. 

Spruce  Run,  Spruce  Run  Chapel.  Sunday,  July  11th.  1897. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 

Summit  Point,  Church  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Thursday,  Sep- 
tember 24th,  1885.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Wellsburg,  Christ.  Monday,  October  31st,  1898.  Bishop 
Peterkin. 

Weston,  St.  Paul's.    September  13th,  1900.  Bishop  Gravatt. 

Wheeling,  St.  Matthew's.  Thursday,  November  lst;  1888. 
Bishop  Peterkin. 

Wheeling,  St.  Luke's.  Sunday,  June  10th,  1883.  Bishop 
Peterkin. 

Williamstown,  Christ  Memorial  Church.  Sunday,  Novem- 
ber L3th,  1892.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

I.     Rectories  in  use  June,    1878. 

Charleston  (St.  John's).  Parkersburg  (Trinity). 

Charlestown  (Zion).  Shepherdstown. 

Fairmont.  St.  Albans. 

Middle  way.  Union. 

Martinsburg.  Weston. 
Ripon. 

Eleven  in  all.     Of  these  rectories,  that  in  Charleston  has 

been  replaced  by  a  new  and  in  every  way  a  better  one,  and 

more  eligibly  located;  that  in  Fairmont  has  been  lost  to  the 

congregation,  having  been  swallowed  up  in  the  debt  of  the 

Church.    Those  in  Middleway,  Martinsburg,  Parkersburg  and 

St.  Albans  have  been  very  much  enlarged  and  improved. 


i.\  West  Virginia.  77f> 

II.     Rectories  built  since  June,  1878. 

Berkeley  Springs.  Montgomery. 

Bluefield.  Moorefield. 

Bramwell.  Moundsville. 

Charleston  (St.  Luke's).       New  Martinsville. 

Oharlestown  (St.  Philip's).  Point  Pleasant. 

<  Clarksburg.  Ravenswood. 

Elkins.  Ronceverte. 

Grafton.  Romney. 

Earper's  Perry.  Sistersville. 

Hedgesville.  St.  Mary's. 

Hinton.  Wellsburg. 

Huntington.  Wheeling  (St.  Matthew's). 

Lewisburg.  Wheeling  (St.  Luke's). 

Twenty-six  in  all.  Of  these  rectories,  that  in  Clarksburg 
is  the  second  owned  by  the  Church  within  this  time,  and  that 
in  Montgomery  was  destroyed  by  fire  some  years  ago,  but  the 
insurance  money,  $1,200,  is  held  for  the  erection  of  another. 

Whole  number  of  rectories  now  in  the  Diocese,  thirty-six. 

Ordinations   in  West  Virginia,  from  June,    1878,  to  date. 

J.  D.  Ferguson  ordered  Priest  in  Zion  Church,  Chrales- 
Tuesday,  December  21st,  18S0.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

J.  II.  W.  Blake  ordered  Priest  in  Zion  Church,  Charlestown, 
Tuesday,  December  21st,  1880.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Jacob  Brittingham  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Chapel  of  the 
Seminary,  Friday,  June  24th,  1881.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

Jacob  Brittingham  ordered  Priest  in  Trinity  Church,  Park- 
ersburg,  Tuesday,  June  12th,  1882.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Francis  K.  Leavell  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Chapel  of  the 
Seminary,  on   Friday.  June  23d,  1882.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

Francis  K.  Leavell  ordered  Priest  in  Si.  Matthew's  Church, 
Wheeling,  on  Wednesday.  .June  6th,  L883.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

R.  <i rat  Ian  Xoland  ordered  Deacon  in  Trinity  Church,  Mar- 
tinsburg,  on  Wednesday.  June  4ih.  L884.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

R.  Oral  tan   Noland   ordered    Priest    in   Si.  James'  Church, 


770  The  Episcopal  Church 

Lewisburg,  on  Wednesday,  June  3d,  1885.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

J.  B.  Fitzpatrick  ordered  Deacon  in  St.  James'  Church, 
Lewisburg,  on  Wednesday,  June  3d,  1885.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Henry  T.  Wirgman  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Chapel  of  the 
Seminary,  on  Friday,  June  26th,  18S5.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

T.  Howard  MacQueary  ordered  Deacon  in  Trinity  Church, 
Parkersburg,  on  Sunday,  July  19th,  1885.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Charles  M.  Campbell  ordered  Deacon  in  St.  John's  Church, 
Charleston,  on  Monday,  May  17th,  1886.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Henry  T.  Wirgman  ordered  Priest  in  Zion  Church,  Charles- 
town,  on  Wednesday,  June  2d,  1886.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

J.  B.  Fitzpatrick  ordered  Priest  in  Zion  Church,  Charles- 
town,  on  Wednesday,  June  2d,  1886.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

T.  Howard  MacQueary  ordered  Priest  in  Trinity  Church, 
Parkersburg,  on  Thursday,  August  2d,  1888.  Bishop  Peterkin. 

Jefferson  R.  Taylor  ordered  Deacon  in  St.  James'  Church, 
Lewisburg,  on  Sunday,  August  19th,  1888.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Walter  L.  Burwell  ordered  Priest  in  St.  Philip's  Chapel, 
Charlestown,  on  Friday,  April  26th,  1889.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

R.  Austin  Rodrick  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Chapel  of  the 
Seminary,  Friday,  June  28th,  1889.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

Jefferson  R.  Taylor  ordered  Priest  in  Trinity  Church.  Park- 
ersburg, on  Wednesday,  September  18th,  1889.  Bishop  Peter- 
kin. 

William  Hullihen  Burkhardt  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Semi- 
nary Chapel,  on  Friday,  June  27th,  1890.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Grant  Paul  Sommerville  ordered  Deacon  in  St.  John's 
Church,  Charleston,  on  Wednesday,  August  6th,  1890.  Bishop 
Peterkin. 

R.  Austin  Rodrick  ordered  Priest  in  Trinity  Church,  Mar- 
tinsburg,  on  Thursday,  September  11th,  1890.  Bishop  Peter- 
kin. 

William  Hullihen  Burkhardt  ordered  Priest  in  the  Semi- 
nary Chapel,  on  Friday,  June  26th,  1891.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

Grant  Paul  Sommerville  ordered  Priest  in  Christ  Church, 


REV.    CHARLES    W.    I5ARTLETT. 


REV.    R.    GRATTAN   NOLAND. 


REV.    JOHN   MONCURE,   D.    D. 


in  West  Virginia.  777 

Clarksburg,  on  Wednesday,  June  7th,  189:1    Bishop  Peterkin, 

John  Smith  Lightbourne  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Seminary 
Chapel,  on  Friday,  June  23d,  1893.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

John  Smith  Lightbourne  ordered  Priest  in  Trinity  Church, 
Huntington,  on  Sunday,  June  17th,  1894.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Wilson  Page  Chrisman  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Seminary 
Chapel,  on  Friday,  June  29th,  1894.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Arthur  Kirkby  Fenton  ordered  Priest  in  St.  John's  Church, 
Charleston,  on  Thursday,  November  15th,  1891.  Bishop  Pet- 
erkin. 

William  Lawrence  Davis  ordered  Deacon  in  Trinity  Church, 
Parkersburg,  on  Wednesday,  May  29th,  1895.  Bishop  Peter- 
kin. 

Wilson  Page  Chrisman  ordered  Priest  in  the  Seminary 
Chapel,  on  Friday,  June  28th,  1895.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Clayton  Alexander  Chrisman  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Semi- 
nary Chapel,  on  Friday,  June  28th,  1895.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

Isaac  A.  Canfield  ordered  Deacon  by  the  Bishop  of  North 
Carolina.  December  21st,  1895. 

John  Tiiton  Marley  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Seminary  Chapel, 
on  Friday,  June  26th,  1896.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Clayton  Alexander  Chrisman  ordered  Priest  in  the  Semi- 
nary Chapel,  on  Friday,  June  26th,  1896.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

William  K.  Marshall  ordered  Deacon  in  Trinity  Church, 
Parkersburg,  on  Friday,  November  20th,  1896.  Bishop  Peter- 
kin. 

John  Tiiton  Marley  ordered  Priest  in  St.  John's  Church, 
Charleston,  on  Thursday,  August  12th,  1897.  Bishop  Peterkin. 

William  K.  Marshall  ordered  Priest  in  Trinity  Church, 
Parkersburg,  on  Friday,  November  26th,  1897.  Bishop  Peter- 
kin. 

Charles  E.  Shaw  ordered  Deacon  in  Zion  Church,  Charles- 
town,  on  Sunday,  May  14th,  L898.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Harris  Bush  Thomas  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Seminary 
Chapel,  on  Friday.  June  23d,  L899.    Bishop  Peterkin. 


778  The  Episcopal  Church 

•lames  N.  Deaver  ordered  Priest,  in  Si.  Philip's  Chapel, 
Charlestown,  on  Saturday,  November  11,  1890.  Bishop  Pe- 
lerkin. 

Thomas  E.  Swan  ordered  Deacon  in  Christ  Church,  Wells- 
burg,  Thursday,  April  5th,  1900.    Bishop  Gravatt. 

diaries  E.  Shaw  ordered  Priest  ai  St.  John's  Church,  Har- 
per's Ferry.  Sunday,  .May  27th,  1900.     Bishop  Gravatt. 

Edmund  Jennings  Lee  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Seminary 
Chapel,  on  Friday.  June  22d,  1900.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

Harris  Bush  Thomas  ordered  Priest  in  the  Seminary  Chap- 
el, on  Friday.  June  22d,  1901.    Bishop  Gravatt. 

James  L.  Fish,  ordered  Deacon  in  St.  Matthias*  Church, 
Grafton,  Friday,  September  14th,  1900.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

•Jacob  A.  Iliatt  ordered  Deacon  in  Trinity  Church,  Park- 
ersburg,  Tuesday.  May  28th,  1900.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Guy  H.  (Took  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Seminary  Chapel,  Fri- 
day, June  20th,  1901.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

Arthur  M.  Lewis  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Seminary  Chapel, 
Friday,  dune  20th,  1901.    Bishop  Peterkin. 

Edmund  Jennings  Lee  ordered  Priest  in  Trinity  Church, 
Shepherdstown.  Sunday.  September  L5th,  1901.  Bishop  Peter- 
kin. 

Ordinations  in  Brazil. 

Vicente  Brande  ordered  Deacon  in  the  Chapel  of  Our  Sav- 
ior. Bio  Grande  do  Sul,  on  Monday,  August  28th.  189a.  Bish- 
op Peterkin. 

Antonio  Praga  ordered  Deacon  in  Chapel  of  the  Redeemer, 
1 '(dot as.    on  Friday.  September  1st,  1893.     Bishop  Peterkin. 

A.  V.  Cabral  ordered  Deacon,  in  Chapel  of  Good  Shepherd, 
Porto  Alegre,  on  Tuesday.  September  12th,  1893.  Bishop 
Peterkin. 

Boaventura  Oliveira  ordered  Deacon  in  Calvary  Chapel,  at 
Contracto,  on  Thursday,  September  11th,  1893.  Bishop  Peter- 
kin. 


in  West  Virginia.  i  7  \ » 

Confirmations. 

Number  oc-  Number  oon- 

casions.  firaxd. 

Alderson 0  24 

Ansted    17  54 

A  thens    1  8 

Bayard    2  4 

Berkley    1  1 

Berkeley  Springs  9  22 

Black  Band   2  11 

Bluefield 14  39 

Blii''    Kidge    7  25 

Boone   County    2  7 

Bramwell   11  82 

Brooke    County    1U  27 

Bruce  Chapel  (Mercer's  Bottom   10  21 

Buekhannon !*  24 

Bunker  Hill !t  18 

Burnsville 1  1 

Caperton    :'>  4 

<  'harleston,  St.  John's   27  205 

( 'harleston,  St.  James' .        2  2 

Charleston,  St.  Matthew's   6  35 

<  'harleston,  St.  Luke's   4  28 

<  'liarles  Town,  Zion    35  308 

<  'harles  Town,   St.   Phillips    14  70 

(  larksburg   ., 18  102 

ClarkS'burg,  North  View  Mission   2  31 

Clover   Lick    7  10 

<  Jresaps 11  :n 

<  'oalburg 2  6 

Davis   3  4 

Davis  Creek,  St.  Andrew's 5  22 

I  >a vis  ( 'reek,  St.  Peter's   1  11 

I  >ry  Branch  1  2 

I  >ry  ( 'reek    1  2 

I  Kibree   ::  4 


780  The  Episcopal  Church 

Number  oc-  Number  con- 

casions.  Armed. 

Duffields 5  18 

Eckman    3  7 

Elkins 4  10 

Elkhorn    2  4 

Elizabeth 1  4 

Elm  Grove 7  18 

Fairmont 24  126 

Fayetteville 1  1 

Fort  Spring 5  9 

Glencoe 1  2 

Grafton 20  71 

Glen  Jean 1  13 

Harper's  Ferry 17  54 

Hartford 3  17 

Hedgesville   21  89 

Hernshaw 2  3 

Hillsboro 1  1 

Hinton 21  45 

Howard's  Creek  .' 3  8 

Huntington 30  193 

Huntersville 2  3 

Kanawha  City 1  8 

Keeney's  Creek 1  2 

Keeney's  Mountain   4  16 

Kenova 5  7 

Keyser    3  $ 

Leetown   16  39 

Leroy 2  7 

Lewisburg 17  37 

Lorentz 3  9 

Long  Reach   1  1 

Mannington   6  10 

Martinsburg 37  235 

Mason 5  9 

Middleway   23  77 


in  West  Virginia.  781 

Number  oc-  Number  cou- 

casious.  firmed. 

Milton   2  7 

Montgomery  (Coal  Valley)   19  57 

Moorefield 12  14 

Morgantown    1G  72 

Morris  Creek    2  1 

Moundsville 28  151 

Moundsville  Prison 3  46 

Mountain,  The 1  20 

Mt.  Carbon 1  2 

Newark,    5  9 

Xew  Martinsville 20  G!t 

Xuttall    1  3 

Okonoko 0  17 

Parkersburg,  Trinity    34  280 

Parkersburg,  Chapel 2  6 

Parkersburg,  St.   Stephen's    1  10 

Paw  Paw  l  '■> 

Poca 1  1 

Pt.  Pleasant 24  99 

Powellton S  35 

Princeton 11  27 

Ravenswood    6  1G 

Ripley   9  41 

Ripon    14  35 

Romney 14  28 

Ronceverte 6  9 

Rush  Run 1  1 

Shaw 3  5 

Shepherdstown 24  175 

Sistersville    16  45 

Smithtown    2 

Spencer    3  4 

SpiiJinan 6  17 

St.  Albans   20  71 

Si .  Andrew's  on  the  Mountain   1  1 

St.  Mary's   6  11 


782  The  Episcopal  Chukoh 

Number  oc-  Number  eon- 

casions.  tiroied. 

Summit  Point 14  52 

button    6  15 

Tavennersville    1  3 

Terra  Alta 1  1 

Union 6  18 

Waverly 2  3 

Welch   1  1 

Wellsburg    18  71 

Weston    38  168 

West  Columbia 3  7 

Wheeling,  St.  Matthew's 35  503 

Wheeling,  St.  Luke's   24  280 

Wheeling,  St.  Andrew's   8  63 

White  Sulphur 10  22 

Whittle  Mission  2  5 

WTilliamstown 13  29 

Willow  Island 7  14 

Winfield 2  3 


Totals    1076       5078 

Episcopal  Work  done  in  other  Dioceses. 

Acting  by  the  request  of  the  ecclesiastical  authorities,  the 
Bishop  has  in  the  last  few  years  made  visitations  in  the  neigh- 
boring Dioceses,  on  which  occasions  there  have  been  the  fol 
lowing  services  rendered: 

Ordinations. 

Ordinations  in  Ohio,  one  Deacon. 

"  "   Virginia,  !)  Priests,  on  2  occasions. 

Southern  Ohio,  2  Priests,  on  2  occasions. 
Southern  Ohio,  2  Priests. 
Southern  Ohio,  4  1  Jeacons. 
Brazil,  4  Deacons. 
Kentucky,   1    Deacon. 


( tonfirinal  ions 


Total 


i.\  West  Vikcima. 

Confirmations. 
n   Virginia,  287  on  56  occasions. 


783 


Pennsylvania,  58  on  5  occasions. 
East  on.  50  on  10  occasions. 
Maryland,  KIT  on  11  occasions. 
Pittsburg,  20  on  1  occasion. 

Ohio.  52  on  1   occasion. 
Southern  Ohio.  *>4 1  on  74  occasions. 
Brazil.  142  on  13  occasions. 
Porto  Rico,  19  on  -\  occasions. 
onfirmations,  1,376;  occasions,  174. 


784  The  Episcopal  Church 


APPENDIX  II. 

Contract  between  the  Rev.  Joseph  Doddridge  and   his  several 
Congregations  in  1800. 


The  following  is  taken  from  an  old  manuscript  marked 
"Rev.  Dr.  Doddridge's  Subscription  Book,  1800."  It  will  be  of 
interest  to  our  people  to-day,  showing  as  it  does  the  "con- 
tract" between  pastor  and  congregation  one  hundred  years 
ago.  Dr.  Doddridge  ministered  to  four  country  Churcnes 
and  received  as  a  salary  from  all  $246.25  "in  cash  or  mer- 
chantable." 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Doddridge  hereby  obligates  himself  to 
preach  the  Gospel  on  every  third  Sabbath  at  West  Liberty, 
in  Ohio  county,  to  baptize  and  catechize  children,  to  preach 
funeral  sermons,  and  read  the  funeral  service,  in  and  for  said 
congregation,  and  to  administer  the  Holy  Sacrament  at  least 
twice  in  every  year  at  said  place.  And  we,  whose  names  are 
hereto  subscribed,  do  promise  to  the  said  Joseph  Doddridge, 
his  heirs,  and  executors,  administrators,  or  assigns,  the  sums 
to  our  names  respectively  annexed,  well  and  truly,  to  pay  as 
a  compensation  for  his  said  services  either  in  cash  or  mer- 
chantable, which  delivered  into  some  merchant  mill,  at 
market  price.,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  December,  in  the 
present  year,  1.300,  and  the  like  sum  on  the  first  day  of  the 
same  month  on  each  and  every  year  hereafter,  so  long  as  we 
shall  think  proper  to  employ  him,  and  he  to  continue  his  ser- 
vices in  said  place,  reserving  to  ourselves,  however,  the  lib- 
erty of  withdrawing  our  names  at  the  expiration  of  each,  all 
accounts  being  paid.  Signed  by  Moses  Chapline,  Benjamin 
Biggs,  Andrew  Foul,  John  Hedges,  sou  of  Joseph;  Nicholas 
Rogers,    Samuel    Beck,   Nathan    Harding,   J.    Stephen,   John 


REV.    JOHN    T.    FOSTER. 


ST.    MATTHIAS,    GRAFTON. 


in  West  Virginia.  785 

Francis,  William  Demont,  Zaccheus  Biggs,  Benajah  Demont, 
John  Wilson,  Walter  Skinner,  Elzy  Swearingen,  William 
Griffith,  John  Kirk,  Charles  Febergheim,  Abraham  Bolin, 
Thomas  Decherform,  Christian  Foster,  Simon  Fouts,  Thomas 
Beck,  Thomas  Wirgman,  himself  and  family;  John  Willis, 
William  Willis,  Jacob  Foil,  Isaac  Taylor,  William  Cnlly,  John 
Cully,  James  Wilson,  Guy  Cooper,  John  Abrahams,  George 
<i.  Dement.     Subscribing  in  all  $78. 

A  similar  contract  was  made  with  St.  Paul's  Church,  Brooke 
county,  for  the  third  Sabbath,  and  signed  by  Aaron  Robinson, 
Israel  Robinson,  James  Robinson,  Peter  Moss,  William  Hand- 
ling for  himself  and  family.  Peter  Mooney,  who  subscribed  in 
all  $19. 

He  also  agreed  to  serve  St.  John's  Church,  Brooke  county, 
specifying  the  same  duties  to  be  performed  for  them  and 
giving  them  a  service  on  the  third  Sabbath  also.  This  con- 
tract  is  signed  by Adkerson, Wells,  Archibald  Elli- 
son. —  Adkerson,  George  Davis,  Aseh  Owings,  Charles  El- 
liot, Andrew  Manneally,  Thomas  Nicholasson,  John  Mires, 
Simon  Elliot,  George  Richardson.  Andrew  Lackey.  Hew  Lin- 
gin.  Charles  McHey,  William  Ackerson,  John  Strong,  John 
Foster,  Abel  Johnson,  William  Baester,  William  Adams.  John 
Hendricks,  Richard  Turner  Ellson, Ellson, Swearin- 
gen, William  Elliott,  John  Swearingen,  Richard  Ellson,  Wil- 
liam Davis.  George  Wells.  George  Mahan,  Daniel  Swearingen, 
George  Swearingen,  James  White,  James  Brine.  Anthony 
\\  ilcoxon,  Alexander  Monroe,  Thomas  Crawford,  John  Craw- 
ford, Andrew  Morehead,  George  Elliot,  Simon  Elliot,  Jr., 
Jane  .Morrow,  Peter  Hay.  William  Lowther,  all  of  whom 
agreed  to  pay  f 97.50. 

lie  also  '"engaged"  to  preach  ami  perform  such  other  proper 
services  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  on  every  other 
Sunday  evening  in  Brooke  Academy,  or  any  other  place 
agreed  upon  by  the  subscribers  in  Charlestown  (now  Wells- 
burg),  in  the  following  order:  From  the  twentieth  of  Au- 
gust to  the  twentieth  of  April,  Divine  Service  is  to  begin  at 


786  The  Episcopal  Church 

seven  o'clock,  and  during  the  remainder  of  the  year,  between 
three  and  four  in  the  afternoon.  Also,  to  preach  in  the  said 
place  on  the  festival  of  Christmas  and  the  fast  of  Ash  Wed- 
nesday.*' 

The  other  duties  were  specified  as  for  West  Liberty.  To 
this  paper  P.  Doddridge,  Nicholas  Tillinghast  for  himself  and 
family,  William  McConnell,  John  Caswell,  James  Clark,  Silas 
Bent,  Alexander  Caldwell,  William  Thorp,  Josiah  Neeves, 
Robert  H.  Johnston,  Oliver  Brown,  John  Bly,  Nicholas  Mur- 
ray, Robert  A.  Moore,  Samuel  Tallman,  Sabastian  Derr,  James 
Darrow,  Thomas  Grain,  Henry  Prather  signed  their  names, 
agreeing  to  pay  $51.75. 


ix  West  Virginia.  787 


APPENDIX  III. 

Constitution  of  the  Episcopal  Society  of  the  Valley,  organized 

1819. 


Constitution  of  the  Episcopal  Society  of  the  Valley. 

ARTICLE  I. 

The  object  of  this  (Society  shall  be  the  promotion  and  dis- 
semination of  Christian  knowledge,  especially  in  that  district 
of  country  west  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  in  Virginia  and  Maryland, 
by  sending  forth  missionaries,  the  distribution  of  tracts  and 
by  such  other  means  as  the  managers,  from  time  to  time, 
shall  deem  most  expedient. 

ARTICLE  II. 

The  officers  of  this  Society  shall  be  a  President,  two  Vice- 
Presidents,  a  Secretary,  a  Treasurer  and  a  Board  of  Man- 
agers, to  be  chosen  annually.  The  President,  Vice-Presidents, 
Secretary  and  Treasurer  shall  be  elected  by  the  members  of 
the  Society  generally.  The  Board  of  Managers  shall  consist 
of  the  clergyman  and  two  laymen  from  each  vestry,  the  cler- 
gyman to  be  a  member  ex-officio,  and  the  lay-managers  to  be 
elected  by  their  vestries  respectively. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Every  person  contributing  annually  the  sum  of  one  dollar 
or  more  shall  be  a  member  of  this  Society,  and  those  who 
shall  contribute  the  sum  of  twenty  dollars  or  more  at  any  one 
time,  shall  be  members  for  life. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Any  Episcopal  Clergyman  not  residing  in  the  district  em- 
braced  by  this  Society,  upon  the  request  of  his  vestry,  and 


788  The  Episcopal  Church 

their  electing  two  members  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  shall 
be  received  into  this  Society,  and_ become  entitled,  in  com- 
mon with  the  district  before  designated,  to  all  the  privileges 
and  all  the  benefits  which,  may  result  from  the  same. 

article  v. 

It  shall  be  deemed  the  duty  of  each  clergyman  who  shall 
be  a  member  of  this  Society  to  use  his  utmost  endeavors  to 
raise  funds  in  aid  of  the  views  thereof,  either  by  public  col- 
lections, establishing  within  his  parish  auxiliary  Societies,  ob- 
taining annual  and  life  contributions,  or  such  other  means  as 
to  his  judgment  may  seem  most  advisable. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

There  shall  be  a  meeting  of  this  Society  annually  at  Win- 
chester, on  the  third  Thursday  of  November,  at  which  a  re- 
port of  the  proceedings  of  the  past  year  shall  be  presented 
by  the  Board  of  Managers,  the  officers  for  the  ensuing  year 
elected,  a  sermon  preached  appropriate  to  the  occasion  by 
such  clergyman  as  the  President  shall  designate,  a  collection 
taken  up  in  aid  of  its  funds,  and,  in  general,  all  things  trans- 
acted of  a  nature  interesting  to  its  affairs. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

The  President  or  either  of  the  Vice-Presidents  shall  have 
the  power  of  calling  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Managers 
whenever,  and  wherever,  in  his  judgment,  the  same  may  be 
necessary  to  the  interests  of  the  Society,  any  five  members 
of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of 
business. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

Il  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  upon  I  he  ap- 
pointment of  a  Missionary,  to  furnish  him  with  a  letter  of  in- 
structions, designating  the  place.  &c,  in  which  he  will  be  ex- 
pected to  labor. 


in  West  Virginia.  789 

article  ix. 

Xo  part  of  this  constitution  shall  be  altered  or  amended 
except  at  an  annual  meeting  of  the  members  of  the  Society, 
and  with  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  those  present. 

Officers  of  the  Society  for  the  present  year  (1819):  Rev. 
Alexander  Balmaine,  D.  D.,  President;  Rev.  Daniel  Stephens 
and  Rev.  Enoch  M.  Lowe,  Vice-Presidents;  Rev.  Benjamin 
Alien,  Secretary;  Obed  Waite,  Esq.,  Treasurer. 

Letter  subjoined,  is  to  Rev.  John  Doddridge,  Wellsburg, 
Brooke  county.  Virginia.: 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir — The  Managers  of  this  Society  are 
expected  to  meet  at  Winchester  on  Tuesday,  the  fourth  of 
January.  Any  information  you  may  be  able  to  forward  us 
concerning  the  counties  of  Virginia,  near  you,  would  aid  us 
essentially  in  making  our  arrangements.  Properly  speaking, 
you  are  one  of  our  Board,  and  we  should  be  glad  to  see  you, 
if  practicable.  However  that  may  be,  we  hope  the  beneficial 
influence  of  our  Society  will  be  felt  even  on  the  banks  of  the 
Ohio. 

Affectionately,  you  brother  in  the  Gospel, 

B.  Allen. 


790  The  Episcopal  Church 


APPENDIX    IV. 

Circular   letter    issued    by    the   Episcopal    Society   of   the   Valley 
December  2nd,  1819. 


Sir —  We  address  3011  upon  a  subject  which  must  commend 
itself  to  your  affections  as  a  philanthropist  and  a  Christian. 
It  is  well  known  that  there  are  many  districts  of  our  country, 
west  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  destitute  of  the  stated  ministrations 
of  the  Gospel;  there  are  many  cottagers  among  the  moun- 
tains without  any  to  break  unto  them  the  bread  of  life;  there 
are  many  inhabitants  of  the  valleys,  who,  on  the  return  of 
each  hallowed  day,  have  no  one  to  tell  them  of  the  Saviour 
and  point  them  the  road  to  Heaven.  Their  children  are  grow- 
ing up  without  being  instructed  in  the  things  that  belong  to 
their  eA'erlasting  peace,  without  being  taught  that  sacred 
system  which  is  the  foundation  of  good  order,  of  morality, 
and  of  comfort  in  this  world,  and  of  glory  in  the  world  to 
come. 

Christians  generally  are  engaged  in  spreading  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  Redeemer  from  one  end  of  the  earth  to  the  other; 
they  are  translating  the  Scriptures,  distributing  tracts,  send- 
ing forth  Missionaries,  educating  young  men  for  the  ministry, 
and  by  every  other  means  which  enlightened  piety  can  de- 
vise seeking  to  reclaim  the  dark  corners  of  the  earth  from 
the  dominion  of  Satan.  It  becomes  us  not  to  be  idle.  We 
have  an  immense  field  of  labor  at  our  very  door,  a  tract  of 
country  equal  in  extent  to  a  European  kingdom,  calling  on 
us  for  help;  we  have  wealth  in  abundance;  let  us,  then,  no 
longer  remain  inactive;  let  us  unite  our  means;  let  us  send 
forth  Missionaries  to  every  vacant  county;  let  us  rain  tracts 
upon  every  habitation;  let  us  take  by  the  hand  such  pious 
young  men  as  our  funds  may  allow,  and  prepare  them  for  pro- 


in  West  Virginia.  791 

claiming  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Gospel;  let  us  consecrate  of 
our  ability  to  the  service  of  Him  who  has  given  us  all.  Then 
shall  the  blessing  of  them  who  are  ready  to  perish  come  upon 
us;  then  shall  we  be  pioneers  of  the  latter-day  glory;  then, 
perhaps,  shall  we  meet  many  iu  future  life, — many  in  the 
Paradise  of  Rest, — who  will  thank  us  for  our  labor  of  love. 
The  people  of  New  England  have  been  sending  Missionaries 
to  the  very  held  we  propose  to  occupy,  a  field  lying  at  our 
very  door;  let  us  not  suffer  this  reproach  to  continue  longer 
upon  us.  While  we  are  providing  for  our  families,  let  us  pro- 
vide for  the  souls  of  our  fellows  and  hand  down  to  posterity 
the  knowledge  of  our  God  and  an  example  of  usefulness. 

By  uniting  our  exertions,  we  can  accomplish  much  more 
than  by  acting  separately,  and,  through  the  medium  of  our 
Society,  we  may  supply,  in  some  degree,  those  vacant  parishes, 
which,  though  willing  to  support  clergymen,  are  unable  im- 
mediately to  procure  them. 

We  ask  your  assistance  in  carrying  into  operation  the  plan 
subjoined,  by  procuring  donations,  annual  or  life  contribu- 
tions, the  formation  of  auxiliary  societies,  or  by  such  other 
means  as  to  your  judgment  may  appear  most  expedient. 

Praying  that  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High  may  attend  our 
united  exertions  for  the  good  of  our  fellow-creatures,  and 
that  you  may  experience  the  fulfilment  of  that  precious  prom- 
ise, "The  liberal  soul  shall  be  made  fat,  and  he  that  icatereth 
■slm  1 1  be  watered  also  himself,"  we  subscribe  ourselves  affec- 
i  innately, 

Your  brethren  in  the  Gospel, 

By  order  of  the  Society, 

B.  Allen,  Secretary. 
Christ  Church,  Berkeley  County,  Virginia,  December  2d,  1819. 


792  The  Episcopal  Church 


APPENDIX  V. 
Records  of  the  Northwestern  Convocation,  1850-1877. 


On  the  occasion  of  the  opening  of  Trinity  Church,  Parkers- 
burg,  on  May  12th,  1850,  the  Convocation  of  Northwestern 
Virginia  was  organized,  embracing  the  parishes  of  Wells- 
burg,  Wheeling,  Grave  Creek,  (Marietta,  Ohio,)  Parkersburg, 
Weston,  Coalsmouth  and  Kanawha.  There  were  present  Rev. 
Messrs.  J.  D.  McCabe,  of  Wheeling;  E.  T.  Perkins,  of  Parkers- 
burg. and  D.  W.  To! ford,  of  Marietta,  Ohio.  The  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Armstrong,  of  Wheeling,  was  elected  President;  the  Rev. 
D.  W.  Tolford,  Treasurer,  and  the  Rev.  E.  T.  Perkins,  Secre- 
tary. 

The  next  meeting  was  appointed  for  Weston,  on  July  27th, 
but  on  account  of  the  anticipated  prevalence  of  cholera  in 
Wheeling,  which  might  prevent  the  clergy  leaving  their  par- 
ishes, the  day  was  changed  to  August  10th.  There  were  pres- 
ent the  Rev.  Messrs.  Armstrong,  McCabe,  Perkins  and  Hy- 
land;  also  Bishop  Johns,  on  his  visitation. 

Mr.  Tolford  of  Marietta,  having  resigned  his  parish,  it  was 
left  off  the  list. 

It  was  resolved  that  the  interests  of  the  Church  in  North- 
western Virginia  would  be  greatly  advanced  by  the  establish- 
ment of  a  Literary  Institution,  under  its  direction  and  patron- 
age, and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  see  what  could  be 
done. 

Also  resolved  that  this  Convocation  most  affectionately 
and  respectfully  represent  to  our  beloved  Bishops,  that  the 
interests  of  the  Church  will  be  greatly  advanced  by  the  resi- 
dence of  one  of  them  in  the  western  part  of  the  Diocese. 

The  following  assignments  for  Missionary  work  were  made: 

Rev.  Mr.  Hyland,  to  St.  John's,  Brooke  county. 


in  West  Virginia.  793 

Rev.  Messrs.  Armstrong  and  McCabe,  To  Fish  Creek,  Mar- 
tinsville Sistersville  and  Middlebonrne. 

Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  to  Ravenswood. 

Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  to  Point  Pleasant  and  Mercer's  Bottom. 

Rev.  Mr.  Brown,  to  Buffalo. 

Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins,  to  Morgantown,  Fairmont.  Clarksburg 
and  Buckhannon. 

The  Convocation  pledged  itself  for  $100  for  Mr.  Tompkins' 
salary,  provided  the  Diocesan  Missionary  Society  would  give 
$200.  This,  on  account  of  the  destitution  of  points  named 
above. 

Wheeling,  Koveruber  2d,  1850. 

Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  reported  two  services  in  Clarksburg  and 
one  in  Fairmont;  at  the  latter  place  he  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  six  persons  and  baptized  two  children.  He 
also  visited  Morgantown,  with  Bishop  Johns,  and  put  him- 
self in  communication  with  persons  interested  in  the  Church, 
where  there  are  six  communicants  anxious  for  the  services 
of  t  lit-  Church. 

Mr.  Hyland  reported  that  he  visited  St.  John's  Church, 
Brooke  county,  with  Bishop  Johns.  The  church  was  conse- 
crated and  seven  persons  confirmed. 

The  Secretary  reported  that  the  Diocesan  Missionary  So- 
ciety of  Virginia  could  not  increase  the  appropriation  to  Mr. 
Tompkins  from  one  to  two  hundred  dollars,  as  requested. 
Also,  that  he  had  received  no  response  from  Bishop  Meade 
to  the  request  that  one  of  the  Bishops  should  reside  west  of 
t  he  mountains. 

It  was  resolved  not  to  meet  in  parishes,  the  Rectors  of 
which  did  not  attend  the  Convocation. 

It  was  resolved  to  establish  in  Parkersburg  an  institution 
of  learning,  to  be  known  as  the  Meade  Institute,  and  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  secure  incorporation  from  the  Leg- 
islature. 

Rev.  Mr.  McCabe  reported  a  visit  to  New  Martinsville,  in 
company  with  several  other  of  the  clergy,  on  January  14th. 


794  The  Episcopal  Church 

1851.  Several  services  were  held  and  Wetzel  Parish  was  or- 
ganized. Robert  Cox,  Esq.,  gave  a  lot  and  subscriptions  re- 
ceived within  $200  of  the  amount  needed  to  erect  a  church. 
Mr.  McCabe  and  Mr.  Hyland  have  arranged  to  make  a  weekly 
visit  to  New  Martinsville,  giving  services  on  Tuesday  even- 
ings and  Wednesday  mornings.  At  this  time  there  was  no 
church  building  of  any  name  in  the  entire  county. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins  reported  a  visit  to  Ravenswood  and 
Point  Pleasant;  the  Church-people  at  these  places  pledge  |300 
and  board,  with  a  horse,  to  a  young  minister  who  will  take 
charge. 

Wellsburg,  April  25th,  1851. 

This  was  the  fourth  quarterly  meeting  of  Convocation.  A 
committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  an  address  to  be  laid 
before  the  Diocesan  Convention  of  1853,  presenting  in  detail 
the  condition  of  the  Church,  &c,  with  a  view  to  urging  the  re- 
moval of  one  of  our  Bishops  west  of  the  Alleghany  Moun- 
tains. 

Rev.  Mr.  McCabe  reported  that  the  Church  at  New  Mar- 
tinsville would  be  completed  by  July  1st,  at  a  cost  of  $800. 

Ravenswood.  July  26th,  1851. 

Rev.  R.  T.  Brown,  of  Charleston,  reports  encouraging  ser- 
vices at  Guyandotte,  Point  Pleasant  and  Mercer's  Bottom. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  there  was  no  hope  of  securing  the 
residence  of  one  of  the  Bishops  west  of  the  mountains,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  look  into  the  question  of  the  ability 
of  this  part  of  the  Diocese  to  sustain  a  Bishop  of  its  own. 

It  was  resolved  that  the  causes  existing  in  1821  to  render 
a  division  of  the  Diocese  necessary,  and  which  were  set  forth 
at  a  meeting  of  the  clergy  and  laity,  held  in  the  town  of  Win- 
chester on  the  first  of  January  of  that  year,  at  present  exist 
in  an  eminent  degree  and  with  combined  intensity,  and  that 
the  proceedings  of  said  meeting  be  published. 

Monday,  July  28th,  1851,  the  Convocation  met  with  the 
citizens  of  Ravenswood,  and  assisted  in  the  formation  of  a 
new  parish,  to  be  called  Ravenswood  Parish. 


in  West  Virginia.  795 

Charleston,  November  1st,  1851. 
The  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency 
and  feasibility  of  forming-  a  new  Diocese  made  a  long-  and  ex- 
haustive report,  which  it  is  impossible  to  reproduce  here.  It 
may  be  found  in  full  in  the  Conventional  Record.  The  com- 
mittee estimates  the  number  of  communicants  in  Western 
Virginia  at  500.  They  report  the  following  organized  par- 
ishes: Coalsmouth,  Charleston,  Kanawha  Salines,  Ravens- 
wood,  Parkersburg,  Wetzel,  Grave  ('reek,  St.  Matthew's  and 
St.  John's,  Wheeling,  Wellsburg,  St.  John's,  Brooke  county. 
They  also  report  services  at  Cow  Creek,  Belleville.  Point 
Pleasant,  Morgantown,  Fairmont,  Clarksburg,  Buckhannon 
and  Guyandotte,  and  several  other  places  (names  not  given). 
They  report  nineteen  missionaries  sustained  in  whole  or  in 
part  by  the  Virginia  Diocesan  Missionary  Society,  at  an  ex- 
penditure of  $2,254.17.  Of  this  amount  f  150  was  appropriated 
to  four  men  west  of  the  mountains.  The  committee  also  ex- 
presses the  belief  that  the  resources  of  the  Church  in  the 
West  are  fully  adequate  to  the  comfortable  support  of  a 
Bishop,  and,  in  conclusion,  they  offer  resolutions  looking  to- 
wards a  division  of  the  Diocese  by  canonical  process. 

Rev.  R.  T.  Brown  reports  services  at  Scary,  Buffalo  and 
Winfield. 

Mr.  Hyland  reports  services  at  McMechen's  Creek,  Mar- 
shall county. 

On  Sunday,  November  2d,  the  Bishop  confirmed  seven  at 
3  p.  m.  in  St.  Luke's  Salines.  The  Bishop  confirmed  nine  in 
St.  John's  Church,  Wheeling,  February  19th,  1852. 

Rev.  Mr.  McCabe  reports  St.  Paul's  Church,  New  Martins- 
ville, consecrated  and  seven  confirmed. 

Rev.  Mr.  Perkins  reports  consecration  of  Church  at  Belle- 
ville and  two  confirmed. 

On  motion,  the  members  of  Convocation  were  requested  to 
avoid  as  far  as  practicable  in  their  public  discourses  the  dis- 
cussion of  doctrines  about  which  there  are  essential  differ- 
ences of  opinion  in  the  Church. 


796  The  Episcopal  Chuijch 

Wellsburg,  January  3d,  1853. 

Rev.  K.  A.  Castleman  reports  $1,000  raised  for  erection  of 
a  church  in  Clarksburg,  and  on  July  8th,  at  the  meeting  in 
Clarksburg,  he  reports  $800  additional. 

The  minute  book  records  meetings  in  Farkersburg  Sep- 
tember 8th,  1853,  in  Moundsville  September  18th,  1856  and  in 
Weston  December  19th,  1850.  The  next  meeting  after  this 
recorded,  is  Clarksburg  June  27th,  18GT,  when  the  Convoca- 
tion seems  to  have  been  reorganized  as  the  Convocation  of 
West  Virginia.  There  were  jn'esent  Rev.  Messrs.  Hyland, 
Woods.  Curtis  and  Greer. 

The  record  says:  Scattering  remarks  were  made  on  the 
state  of  the  Church  in  West  Virginia,  different  points  where 
the  Church  may  be  established,  and  the  probability  of  induc- 
ing young  men  in  the  ministry  to  come  here  and  settle. 

Rev.  Mr.  Woods  was  requested  to  report  at  the  next  meet- 
ing on  female  education. 

Weston,  October  16th,  1867. 

A  school  was  reported  at  Moundsville,  with  four  teachers 
and  twenty-two  pupils,  designed  to  be  a  Diocesan  Seminary, 
and  at  the  next  meeting,  January,  1868,  at  Fairmont,  the 
Moundsville  Female  Seminary  was  cordially  recommended 
as  deserving  the  hearty  support  of  all  Episcopalians  having 
daughters  to  educate. 

Alter  this  the  meetings  of  the  Convocation  were  semi- 
annual, instead  of  quarterly,  and  two  clerical  associations 
were  formed  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Convocation,  the 
Upper  Ohio  Association  and  the  Kanawha  Association,  both 
to  be  holden  between  the  semi-annual  meeting  of  Convoca- 
tion. 

Charleston.  November  13th,  1872,  . 
Major  A.  T.  Laidley  was  appointed  to  correspond  with  the 
vestries,  asking  their  co-operation  in  a  movement  looking  to 
a  division  of  the  Diocese.  Report  was  made  of  this  corre- 
spondence at  the  meeting  in  Volcano,  April  23d,  1873,  to  the 
effect,  that  of  the  twenty  parishes  ;n  West  Virginia,  replies 


in  West  Virginia.  707 

Had  been  received  from  twelve,  of  which  nine  were  in  the 
affirmative  and  three  in  the  negative,  of  which  only  one  dis- 
seating  parish  west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains.  &c.  This 
was  referred  to  the  Bishop,  asking  his  advice  and  consent  for 
a  reference  of  the  whole  question  to  a  committee  at  the  ap- 
proaching Council. 

Huntington.  November  6,  1S7:J. 
Rev.  Mr.  Woods  reports  services  at  Mannington  and  Graf- 
ton.   Rev.  Mr.  Callaway  reports  prospect  of  building  a  chapel 
in  North  Charleston,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Latane  gives  encourag- 
ing report  of  work  on  Wheeling  Island. 

Clarksburg,  April  9,  1S74. 
Services  were  reported  as  follows:    By  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins 
at  Cairo  and  Eaton  Station. 

By  Rev.  Mr.  Lacy  at  West  Columbia  and  other  points. 
By  Rev.  Mr.  Page  at  Cottageville  and  Sandyville.,, 
By  Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  at  Wllliamstown. 

Ravenswood,  November  5,  1S74. 

Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  reported  services  at  Huntersville  and 
Union. 

Rev.  T.  H.  Lacy  reported  services  at  West  Columbia,  Ma- 
son City  and  Clifton. 

Rev.  Mr.  Page  reported  services  at  Ripley  and  at  Whittle 
Mission,  near  Leroy. 

Rev.  Mr.  Tompkins  reported  services  at  Oak  Grove. 

Point  Pleasant,  November  10,  1875. 
The  chief  question  up  for  discussion  was  the  languishing 
condition  of  the  Church  in  West  Virginia,  and  tin-  causes  of 
it.  Resolutions  were  adopted  which  assigned  as  the  chief 
difficulty,  the  lack  of  Episcopal  supervision.  These  were  final- 
ly laid  on  the  table. 

April  20,  1876. 
The  question  of  a  division  of  the  Diocese  was  again  up  for 
discussion.     Some  favoring  a  missionary  jurisdiction,  which 
was  finally  agreed  upon;  ayes  4  clergy,  4  laity:  noes  :">  clergy. 


798  The  IOpiscopal  Church 

It  was  afterwards  determined  to  express  preference  for  a 
Diocese  if  possible. 

Revs.  R.  H.  Mason  and  R.  A.  Cobbs  were  appointed  to  hold 
an  association  at  Hinton. 

At  all  these  meetings  of  convocation,  the  different  mem- 
bers made  detailed  reports  of  mission  work.  In  the  abstract 
no  mention  is  made  of  these  reports  except  when  some  new 
name  occurs. 

Christ  Church,  Fairmont,  April  11,  1877. 
Rev.  R.  H.  Mason  reports  services  at  the  White  Sulphur 
Springs,  and  at  Dry  Creek. 
Here  the  record  closes. 


in  West  Virginia.  799 


APPENDIX  VI. 

Letter  from   Bishop    Meade  appointing   Lay  readers  for    Parkers- 
burg— 1834. 


Marietta,  June  9,  1834. 
To  the  Members  and  Friends  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in 
Parkersburg : 
Whereas,  it  has  been  found  conducive  to  the  prosperity 
of  the  Church  in  places  where  no  minister  resides  or  reg- 
ularly officiates  each  Sabbath,  that  the  service  and  a  sermon 
should  be  read  by  some  pious  layman  on  those  days  when 
the  minister  is  absent,  and  whereas  such  is  the  condition  of 
the  Church  in  Parkersburg,  therefore,  I,  William  Meade.  As- 
sistant Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  do  hereby  appoint 
Mr.  J.  J.  Jackson  and  in  his  absence,  Mr.  John  Taylor  as  Lav 
Readers,  and  do  advise  and  request  our  good  friends  in 
Parkersburg  to  meet  them  at  such  times  and  places  as  shall 
seem  must  convenient,  to  offer  up  their  united  prayers  to  the 
Throne  of  Grace  in  the  holy  and  venerable  forms  set  forth 
in  The  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  to  listen  devoutly  to  the 
lessons  appointed  to  be  read  out  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  and 
also  to  such  pious  homilies  or  sermons  as  the  above  men- 
tioned persons  may  select.  And  I  do  most  earnestly  pray  that 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church  may  be  ever  with  them  to  bless 
them  in  this  good  undertaking  and  make  it  a  means  of  holy 
edification  to  them  and  their  beloved  children. 

Wm.  Meade,  D.  D.. 
Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia. 


800  The  Episcopal  Church 


APPENDIX  VII. 

Address  of  Bishop   Meade  to  the  Episcopalians  of  Western   Vir- 
ginia on  a  Proposition  to  Divide  the  Diocese — 1851. 

Address. 

Dear  Brethren  and  Friends  : 

You  are  aware  that  the  clergy  of  Western  Virginia, 
amounting  to  seven  in  number,  have  formed  themselves  into 
a  convocation,  for  their  own  edification,  and  that  of  the  peo- 
ple committed  to  their  charge.  During  the  last  summer  one 
of  its  meetings  was  appointed  to  be  held  at  Ravenswood. 
Only  three  out  of  the  seven  were  present.  The  sub- 
ject of  dividing  the  diocese  was  considered,  and  the 
same  recommended.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  inquire 
into  the  ability  of  that  portion  of  Virginia  hung  west  of  the 
Alleghany  to  support  a  bishop,  and  the  expediency  of  apply- 
ing for  a  division  of  the  same,  to  report  to  the  next  convo- 
cation, which  was  to  be  held  at  Charleston,  Kenawha,  and 
which  was  held  on  the  1st  of  November,  at  the  time  of  my  re- 
cent visitation. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong,  the  Rev.  Mr.  McCabe,  and  Mr. 
Tall  ant  were  appointed  the  committee.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Arm- 
strong, of  Wheeling,  declined  acting,  being  opposed  to  the 
measure.  The  laity  from  all  parts  of  Western  Virginia  were, 
by  a  resolution  of  the  convocation,  invited  to  meet  on  the  sub- 
ject, at  the  time  and  place  above  mentioned.  The  resolutions 
were  sent  to  the  Bishops,  and  concluded  with  "an  earnest  de- 
sire to  be  guided  by  their  council  and  advice."  Bishop  Johns 
referred  the  matter,  as  being  a  very  grave  one,  to  myself.  In 
my  reply  I  stated  that  there  were  sundry  difficulties  in  the 
way  of  the  object  in  view,  and  that  as  one  of  them  was  in- 
superable, I  need  only  mention  that,  viz:  that  whereas  the 


in  West  Virginia.  801 

constitution  of  the  church  required  thirty  presbyters  in  order 
to  a  division,  there  were  only  seven  in  Western  Virginia.  I 
reserved  all  further  communications  until  we  should  meet  in 
the  fall,  should  they  be  required.  I  had  reason  to  believe  that 
all  four  of  the  other  ministers  were  opposed  to  the  proposi- 
tion. On  my  way  to  Kenawha,  in  October,  I  was  confirmed  in 
this  belief  by  personal  intercourse  with  them.  I  was  satis- 
fied, also,  from  conversation  I  had  with  some  of  the  laity,  that 
it  would  find  little  favor  with  the  great  body  of  them.  Three 
out  of  four  of  the  dissenting  clergy  did  not  attend  the  meet- 
ing at  Charleston,  believing,  as  they  said  to  me,  that  the 
measure  would  not  be  brought  forward  again,  or  if  it  were, 
would  be  referred  to  a  full  meeting  of  all  the  clergy  and  many 
of  the  laity,  at  the  time  of  my  visit  to  Wheeling,  immediate- 
ly after,  when  a  very  interesting  subject,  the  decision  of  the 
location  of  a  literary  institution,  was  to  be  considered.  I 
had  myself  often  expressed  the  conviction  that  those  who 
proposed  the  measure  would  not  renew  its  consideration,  be- 
ing satisfied  of  their  mistake.  On  reaching  Charleston  I 
heard  not  a  word  of  it;  nothing  of  lay  delegates  coming  from 
a  distance  to  advocate  it,  (though  it  seems  one  did  come;) 
nothing  of  the  advice  expected  from  me  on  the  occasion.  I 
was,  indeed,  invited  to  attend  the  convocation,  but  its  first 
meeting  was  held  at  a  time  when  I  was  otherwise  engaged, 
and  I  remarked  that  there  was  nothing  to  be  done  at  it  re- 
quiring my  presence;  to  which  remark,  made  to  one  who  took 
a  leading  part,  no  reply  correcting  my  mistake  was  made. 
The  second  meeting  was  held  at  the  close  of  evening  services, 
but  no  intimation  was  given  me  that  the  subject  was  under 
consideration.  It  was  not  until  the  next  day  (the  Sabbath) 
that  I  learned  to  my  surprise  that  the  resolutions  passed  at 
Ravenswood  were  adopted,  with  some  modification.  But  it 
was  not  until  some  days  after  that  I  learned  the  character 
and  length  of  the  accompanying  report.  I  endeavored  to 
obtain  a  copy  of  it,  and  arrest  its  publication,  until  we  should 
all  meet  in  Wheeling,  when  I  hoped  to  persuade  to  the  re- 
consideration and  reversal  of  what  was  done  at  Charleston. 


802  The  Episcopal  Church 

In  this,  however,  I  was,  but  should  not  have  been,  unsuccess- 
ful; and  the  first  sight  I  had  of  the  resolutions  was  in  a  sec- 
ular paper  in  Wheeling.  They  are  now  in  another  form  in 
circulation  amongst  those  to  whom  I  am  addressing  myself. 
I  state  the  above  because  it  is  necessary  to  justify  myself  for 
this  mode  of  declaring  my  sentiments  on  the  subject.  As  I 
am  known  to  have  been  in  Charleston  where  the  convocation 
met  for  the  declared  purpose  of  having  my  advice,  silence  in 
me  could  not  be  otherwise  than  construed  into  consent  and 
approbation.  As  I  conceive  the  report  which  has  been  put 
forth  is  calculated  to  mislead,  by  false  reasonings  and  too 
sanguine  calculations,  it  is  my  duty  to  endeavor  to  guard  you 
against  them.  Should  I  permit  you  to  involve  yourselves, 
and  those  coming  after  you,  in  serious  difficulties  and  embar- 
rassments for  want  of  that  information  which  my  age,  ex- 
perience and  station  enable  me  to  give,  you  might  justly  con- 
demn me  for  it. 

I  proceed,  therefore,  to  point  out  what  seems  to  me  errors 
in  the  report  now  circulating  amongst  you.  I  have  said  that 
the  resolutions  finally  adopted  were  modified  from  those  first 
put  forth  at  Ravens  wood.  Whereas  they  looked  to  immediate 
action,  seemingly  unaware  that  thirty  presbyters  must  be 
settled  in  Western  Virginia  in  order  to  a  division,  these  post- 
pone action  until  there  shall  be  thirty  presbyters,  or  until 
the  General  Convention  shall  remove  such  restriction,  which, 
it  is  confidently  believed  by  the  reporters,  will  be  done  two 
years  hence,  as  a  proposition  to  that  effect  is  before  the 
church.  It  is  surely  unnecessary  to  say  that  personal  consid- 
erations could  not  influence  the  Bishops  of  Virginia  against 
the  proposed  division.  Were  they  to  consult  their  own  com- 
fort and  convenience  of  body;  were  they  desirous  to  relieve 
their  minds  from  a  painful  weight  of  responsibility;  to  free 
themselves  from  the  suspicion  of  partiality  to  a  particular 
portion  of  the  State,  they  would,  though  unwilling  to  part 
with  many  kind  friends  in  Western  Virginia,  gladly  avail 
themselves  of  the  earliest  opportunity  of  diminishing  their 
labors  and  responsibilities.    That  portion  of  the  State  which 


ix  West  Virginia.  803 

would  be  left  to  thein,  even  now  almost  entirely  and  most 
abundantly  supplies  all  their  wants.  The  funds  and  the  min- 
isters, also  now  liberally  divided  with  their  western  friends, 
are  all  inadequate  to  meet  the  pressing  demands  of  Eastern 
Virginia;  but,  at  the  solemn  hour  of  our  consecration,  we 
gave  ourselves  to  the  service  of  the  whole  State  of  Virginia, 
and  until  it  can  be  made  manifest  that  a  portion  of  it  can  be 
better  served  than  by  our  imperfect  labors,  we  shall,  as  in 
duty  bound,  be  willing  to  undergo  whatever  toil  of  body  or 
anxiety  of  mind  may  be  required  of  us. 

1st.  The  first  objectionable  feature  in  the  transaction,  as 
set  forth  in  the  report,  is  the  fact,  that  only  three  out  of  the 
seven  clergymen  of  Western  Virginia  sustained  the  resolu- 
tions in  favor  of  division.*  One  of  the  four  present  being 
against  it,  and  the  three  absent,  as  I  have  said,  opposed.  As 
to  the  laity,  although  they  were  by  the  previous  action  of 
the  convocation  invited  to  attend  from  all  parts  of  Western 
Virginia,  only  one  came,  except  those  on  the  spot,  who  be- 
longed 10  Charleston  and  the  Salines.  Six  parishes,  however, 
were  represented;  three  of  them  by  proxies.  Now,  accord- 
ing to  the  report,  there  are  thirteen  organized  parishes,  be- 
sides nine  or  ten  congregations,  in  Western  Virginia.  To 
these  may  be  added  two  or  three  others,  not  recorded  by  the 
committee,  making  about  25  congregations,  the  most  of  them 
very  small,  which  are  tended  with  more  or  less  care  by  the 
Bishops  and  other  ministers.  That  there  should  have  been 
none  to  represent  three-fourths  of  all  these  does  not  show 
a  strong  desire  for  the  measure.  It  should  be  stated  that  al- 
most all  the  unrepresented  places  are,  either  entirely  or  par- 
tially under  the  care  of  the  four  ministers  who  were  opposed 
to  the  measure.  It  is  as  probable  that  these  congregations 
would  side  with  their  ministers  as  the  others  side  with  those 
in  favor  of  it. 

It  was  an  error,  we  think,  that  such  a  minority  should  have 
gone  so  far  in  agitating  this  serious  matter,  without  the  ex- 


*  These  having  been  but  a  short  time  in  Western  Virginia  were  more  liable  to  err 
in  the  estimate  of  its  condition,  prospects,  and  capabilities. 


804  The  Episcopal  Church 

pressed  or  well  ascertained  consent  of  the  majority.  If  there 
be  500  communicants  in  Western  Virginia  I  will  venture  the 
opinion  that  the  ministers  favoring  this  measure  did  not  have 
under  their  care  more  than  one-third  of  them;  and  that  but 
very  few  even  of  these  had  considered  the  subject  with  such 
knowledge  of  facts  as  to  make  them  competent  judges;  and, 
indeed,  but  few  who  have  expressed  or  formed  any  opinion 
at  all. 

2nd.  The  second  objection  I  have  to  make  is  to  that  part 
of  the  report  which  speaks  of  the  cause  and  cure  of  the  great 
want  of  ministers  to  meet  the  large  demands  of  those  who 
are  said  not  only  to  be  anxious  for  them,  but  able  and  willing 
to  support  them.  After  stating  the  population  of  Western 
Virginia  to  be  nearly  four  hundred  thousand  souls,  who  have 
"only  seven  ministers  to  break  to  them  the  bread  of  life,"* 
it  says,  ''that  there  must  be  some  cause  producing  this  state 
of  things  is  obvious;  the  sooner  it  is  discovered  the  better." 


*  This  expression,  "and  yet  there  are  in  all  this  region  but  seven  ministers  to 
give  to  this  multitude  of  nearly  400,000  souls  the  bread  of  life,"  taken  in  connex- 
ion with  other  passsges,  and  with  the  fact  that  there  is  no  recognition  of  any 
bread  of  life  being  given  to  any  portion  of  these  400,000  souls  by  other  than 
these  seven  ministers,  deserves  a  passing  notice;  for  although  the  authors  of  the 
report  disclaimed  any  intention  of  denying  that  there  wrere  other  ministers  who 
preached  the  gospel  in  Western  Virginia,  those  who  read  the  whole  report  will  be 
apt  to  understan  it.  especially  when  taken  in  counsxion  with  other  passa^i  a 
being  in  the  highest  degree  exclusive,  and  confining  the  gospel  ministrations  to  thes 
seven  Episcopal  ministers,  none  other  deserving  the  name  except  these.  Let  me 
introduce  here  a  few  quotations  from  the  Pastoral  Letters  of  the  House  of  Bish- 
ops, showing  how  differently  they  speak  on  the  subject.  In  the  Pastoral  of  1808. 
they  urge  Episcopalians  to  take  "their  share  of  the  work  of  extending  Christianity 
to  the  western  brethren,  especially  to  those  of  our  communoin,"  speaking  of  it  as  a 
work  deeply  interesting  to  us  "as  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  of  the 
Catholic  Church  at  large."  In  the  Pastoral  of  1823,  they  exhort  us,  while  care- 
fully attending  to  our  peculiarities,  "to  put  the  most  favorable  construction  on 
the  acts  of  other  denominations,  to  rejoice  in  any  good  resulting  from  them,  and 
scrupulously  to  avoid  whatever  may  have  a  tendency  to  excite  angry  passions 
both  in  them  and  in  ourselves."  The  Pastoral  of  1832,  exhorts  to  peace  with 
other  denominations  in  order  to  oppose  the  common  foe  of  infidelity,  and  on  that 
account  also,  it  says,  of  the  good  effected  by  others,  we  are  warranted  to  rejoice 
by  that  saying  of  St.  Paul,  "notwithstanding,  every  way  Christ  is  preached,  and 
herein  I  do  rejoice,  yea,  and  will  rejoice."  I  would  have  my  brethren  and  friends 
n  Western  Virginia,  while  actively  endeavoring  to  build  up  Episcopal  congrega- 
tions, thus  to  regard  those  of  other  denominations,  who  in  greater  numbers  have 
here  entered  before  us  on  the  field  of  Western  Virginia,  and  without  whose  efforts 
thousands  would  have  been  in  a  far  moredeplorable  condition  than  they  now  are 


ix  West  Virginia.  805 

That  cause  is  supposed  to  be  the  want  of  a  separate  diocese 
and  resident  bishop,  which  it  is  said  was  felt  thirty  years  ago 
by  myself  and  others,  when  we  proposed  a  similar  measure 
in  the  Valley  of  Virginia.*  The  report  falls  into  an  error, 
often  done  by  those  who  are  accounting  for  some  evil,  or 
recommending  some  remedy,  viz.,  ascribing  the  evil  to  a 
wrong  cause,  or  to  one  cause  where  there  are  many,  and  ex- 
pecting either  an  entire  or  very  great  cure  from  some  favor- 
ite prescription,  whereas  many  things  must  contribute  to 
the  same.  Those  who  would  see  the  main  causes  of  the  fee- 
ble condition  of  the  Episcopal  church  in  Western  Virginia, 
and  of  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  its  speedy  progress,  un- 
der any  helps  that  can  be  brought  to  bear  upon  it,  must  con- 
sider the  history  of  Western  Virginia,  and  the  peculiarity 
of  her  condition,  by  comparison  with  other  portions  of  our 
land,  similar  as  to  soil  and  position.  Take,  for  instance,  Ohio 
and  Western  Pennsylvania,  lying  on  two  sides  of  Western 
Virginia.    While  the  latter,  Western  Virginia,  is  more  hilly 


*  The  transaction  here  alluded  to  was  as  follows:  In  the  year  1822  I  was,  in 
the  service  of  the  Colonization  society,  collecting  funds  and  selecting  the  first  col- 
onists. During  one  of  my  long  absences  the  plnn  of  proposing  a  division  ofjthe  Dio- 
cese was  conceived.  Several  of  the  clergy  and  laity  living  in  the  Valley  met  together 
on  the  subject  In  Winchester,  a  report  having  been  previously  prepared  in  favor  of 
division.  I  returned  home,  perhaps  only  the  day  before  the  meeting,  not  having  heard 
of  it,  I  think,  before.  On  going  to  the  meeting  I  expressed  doubts  and  difficulties 
on  the  subject,  having  indeed  some  years  before  opposed  a  measure  somewhat  of 
the  same  kind.  1  however  consented  to  the  report  on  one  condition,  viz:  that 
Bishop  Moore  be  consulted,  and  nothing  done  without  his  approbation.  This 
was  agreed  to,  and  his  approbation  being  withheld,  nothing  more  was  done. 
The  second  meeting  which  Tvas  appointed  never  took  plaee.  There  was, 
however,  a  great  difference  between  that  case  and  the  one  now  before 
us,  although  the  latter  is  said  in  the  report  to  be  stronger  in  favor  of 
division.  There  was  then  but  one  Bishop  in  the  Diocese,  and  he  much  confined  to  a 
congregation  in  Richmond,  from  which  he  derived  his  support.  He  had  never  crossed 
the  Allegany  mountains,  and  never  intended  to  do  it,  and  but  seldom  the  Blue 
Ridge.  Moreover,  the  contemplated  division  included  the  Valley  as  well  as  Western 
Virginia,  and  also  some  counties  east  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  at  least  one  half  of  the 
State,  and  fully  half  of  the  clergy  then  in  Virginia.  Let  any  one  compare  the 
present  proposition  with  that,  and  a  great  difference  will  be  seen  between  them 
I  have  to  complan  that,  after  having  made  this  explanation  to  the  authors  of 
the  report  now  examined,  when  they  introduced  it  into  their  first  resolution,  they 
should  have  again  brought  it  forward,  and  evidently  to  show  that  if  I  objected  to 
their  proposition  I  should  now  oppose  as  Bishop  what  I  then  ndvocated  as  Presby- 
ter, whereas  my  conduct  as  to  both  is  perfectly  consistent. 


806  The  Episcopal  Church 

and  mountainous,  and  less  attractive  on  that  account  to  the 
emigrant,  she  has  also  had  other  obstacles  to  settlement  and 
improvement,  which  have  left  her  far  behind  the  former  two. 
In  the  first  place,  the  unsettled  condition  of  her  land  titles 
continues  to  this  day  to  present  most  serious  difficulties  in 
the  way  of  sale  to  those  who  would  form  such  materials  as 
might  be  moulded  into  Episcopal  congregations.     Another 
obstacle  to  the  settlement  of  Western  Virginia  is  the  fact 
of  its  being  part  of  a  slaveholding  State.    This  has  prevent- 
ed immense  numbers  from  the  north  from  choosing  this  as 
their  home;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the  fact  of  the  contig- 
uity of  Western  Virginia  to  the  free  States,  furnishing  a  fa- 
cility for  the  escape  of  slaves,  has  prevented  Eastern  Virgin- 
ians from  settling  there.    Episcopal  families  for  a  long  period 
of  time  have  in  great  numbers  been  passing  by  or  through 
Western  Virginia,  and  have  formed  the  basis  of  churches  in 
the  south  or  southwest.    Comparatively  few  have  settled  in 
Western  Virginia.    These  few  are  indeed  the  chief  materials 
out  of  which  our  churches  are  composed.    The  causes  above 
mentioned  have  mainly  produced  the  immense  difference  be- 
tween the  present  condition  of  Ohio,  Western  Pennsylvania, 
and  Western  Virginia.    While  the  two  former  have  their  for- 
ests cleared,  their  lands  well  cultivated  and  covered  with 
comfortable  dwellings  and  farm  houses,  while  they  abound  in 
flourishing  villages  and  even  large  towns,  and  churches,  and 
schools,  and  colleges,  it  is  quite  otherwise  with  the  latter. 
A  large  proportion  of  her  high  hills  and  mountains  are  still 
covered  with  dense  forests.    Her  villages  and  towns  are  few 
and  small — some  not  increasing  at  all,  other  but  slowly.    Im- 
mense bodies  of  her  lands  are  owned  by  non-residents,  being 
only  inhabited  by  those  who  have  no  inducements  to  improve 
them,  and  who  only  seek  to  gain,  during  their  uncertain  res- 
idence, just  what  is  necessary  for  the  sustenance  of  life.    On 
my  recent  visit,  I  passed  through  four  tracts  of  50.000  acres 
each,  owned  by  four  different  individuals,  who  were  non-res- 
idents.   These,  I  am  told,  are  only  a.  few  of  many  large  unim- 
proved tracts;  hundreds  of  thousands  of  acres  can  be  bought 


in  West  Virginia.  807 

at  the  low  price  of  from  twenty-five  cents  (perhaps  less)  to 
ouu  dollar  per  acre,  and  of  good  land,  too,  which  will  one 
day,  though  a  distant  one,  be  covered  with  flocks  and  herds. 
Of  course,  as  villages  and  towns  in  the  interior  are  for  the 
most  part  sustained  by  the  surrounding  country,  if  this  be 
uncultivated,  or  does  not  flourish,  those  cannot  increase 
greatly.  That  Western  Virginia  has,  on  her  surface  and  with- 
in her  bosom,  the  materials  of  great  wealth  and  improvement, 
none  can  doubt.  I  have  ever  believed  and  said  that,  at  some 
future  day,  she  will  be  one  of  the  most  interesting  and  desir- 
able portions  of  our  country.  The  improvements  in  the  roads, 
already  made  from  Winchester,  Staunton,  and  other  places, 
to  the  Ohio  river,  have  done  something  for  the  comfort  of 
the  traveller  and  the  improvement  of  the  country;  but  it  is 
only  necessary  to  travel  these  roads  in  order  to  see  in  how 
wild  and  uncultivated  a  condition  large  portions  of  Western 
Virginia  still  are;  while  those  who  traverse  it  on  horseback, 
by  the  cross  routes,  will  see  a  far  more  rugged  state  of  things. 
The  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad  will  do  much  for  certain 
portions  of  Western  Virginia,  and  the  Central  railroad,  if 
pursued,  as  we  trust  it  may,  will  do  much  for  some  other 
portions.  There  will  also  be  a  general,  though  it  cannot  be  a 
rapid,  improvement  throughout  the  greater  part  of  this  re- 
gion. Still,  however,  the  causes  mentioned  above  will  con- 
tinue for  a  long  time  to  operate.  The  slaveholder  from  East- 
ern Virginia  and  elsewhere  will  not  choose  this  increasingly 
unsafe  position  for  his  slave  property.  The  northern  man, 
who  still  cherishes  strong  opposition  to  slavery,  will  not  come 
where  it  exists,  nor  would  he  be  welcomed  there,  for  in  no 
part  of  Virginia  is  the  opposition  stronger  to  anything  sav- 
oring of  abolition.  Still  it  is  our  duty,  as  I  have  often  said 
privately,  publicly,  and  officially,  not  only  diligently  to  cul- 
tivate the  places  already  opened  to  us,  tend  the  little  tlocks 
already  gathered,  search  for  wandering  sheep  among  the  hills 
and  mountains,  but  be  ever  ready  to  occupy  any  new  posi- 
tions, such  as  Fairmount  and  Fellowsville,  which  shall  from 
time  to  time  present  themselves.    If  we  cannot  do  all  that  we 


808  The  Episcopal  Church 

would,  let  us  do  all  that  we  can.  But  it  is  best  to  think  sob- 
erly, and  not  deceive  ourselves  with  false  calculations.  Even 
Western  Pennsylvania,  though  having  more  ministers  and 
churches  than  Western  Virginia,  has  but  few  by  comparison 
with  her  agricultural  and  other  improvements,  and  by 
comparison  with  Ohio  and  other  parts  of  the  coun- 
try. The  cause  of  this  may  be  found  chiefly  in  the 
character  of  the  population  which  first  took  possession 
of  it,  and  still  holds  possession,  and  which  was  and  is  averse 
to  the  Episcopal  church.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  pop- 
ulation of  Western  Virginia.  Though  for  the  most  part  of  a 
different  kind  from  that  which  first  established  itself  in 
Western  Pennsylvania,  it  was  not  and  it  is  not  favorable  ma- 
terial for  the  Episcopal  church,  as  past  experience  has  shown. 
Western  Virginia  was  doubtless  settled  chiefly  from  Eastern 
Virginia.  Those  who  moved  from  the  valley  were  not  Epis- 
copalians, for  it  is  well  known  that  the  Germans  and  Scotch 
Irish  took  possession  of  the  valley  at  an  early  period,  and 
that  the  Episcopal  Church  had  scarcely  an  existence  there 
until  a  very  late  period.  Those  who  emigrated  from  Eastern 
Virginia  were  chiefly  of  that  class  who  had  deserted  the  Epis- 
copal church,  and  been  engaged  in  a  violent  hostility  to  it, 
and  carried  with  them,  and  transmitted  to  their  children, 
nothing  but  prejudice  against  it;  which  prejudice  has  been 
cherished  ever  since  by  their  religious  teachers.  But,  even 
if  such  prejudice  had  not  been,  so  many  generations  have 
since  grown  up  in  utter  ignorance  of  our  church,  that  in  the 
great  body  of  the  people  of  Western  Virginia  there  has  no 
tendency  to  it,  but  the  reverse.  That  the  service  of  our 
church  is  most  admirably  adapted  to  the  edification  of 
the  poor  and  laboring  man,  I  firmly  believe,  and  often  delight 
to  affirm;  but  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  getting  such  to 
make  trial  of  it  are  so  great,  by  reason  of  their  partiality  to 
other  denominations,  and  various  other  circumstances,  that 
hitherto  all  the  efforts  to  induce  them  so  to  do,  whether  in 
Virginia  or  elsewhere,  have  been  of  little  avail.  While  it  is 
our  duty  still  to  do  our  part  in  preaching  to  the  poor,  we 


in  West  Virginia.  809 

must  not  make  too  sanguine  calculations  of  success,  or  adopt 
expensive  plans,  founded  on  the  certainty  of  such  calculation. 
Had  we  an  abundance  of  zealous  and  laborious  ministers,  and 
of  funds  for  their  support,  neither  of  which  have  we,  or  are 
likely  to  have  for  a  long  time  to  come,  so  that  we  might  serve 
the  poor  of  Western  Virginia  gratuitously,  there  are  doubt- 
less many  places  where  we  might  do  good  to  souls,  by  going 
among  the  highways  and  hedges  as  the  itinerants  of  the 
Methodist  communion,  who  are  comfortably  supported  out 
of  a  common  fund. 

3dly.  I  must  call  your  attention  to  that  part  of  the  re- 
port which  relates  to  the  ability  of  Western  Virginia  to  sup- 
port a  Bishop.  It  affirms  that  there  is  not  only  full  ability 
to  do  this,  but  also  to  support  more  missionaries  than  it 
now  has.  if  all  help  from  Eastern  Virginia  were  withdrawn, 
and  that  the  loss  of  such  help  would  be  a  gain.  It  says,  "the 
inquiries  made  have  been  sufficient  to  satisfy  of  the  entire 
ability  of  the  region  of  country  indicated  to  adequately  sup- 
port a  Bishop."  Again,  "entirely  satisfy  us  that  we  can  sup- 
port a  Bishop  with  comfort  and  competency."  Again,  "we 
doubt  not  that  we  shall  be  sustained  in  this  our  judgment 
by  the  almost  unanimous  suffrage  of  the  clergy  and  laity  of 
the  district  concerned."  The  committee,  however,  say,  "they 
will  not  weary  with  the  details  of  inquiries  and  calculations," 
but  only  that  the  results  are  sufficient  to  satisfy  them  of 
this  ability.  Now,  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance,  in  all  mat- 
ters where  pecuniary  means  are  required  in  order  to  effect  an 
object,  not  only  to  make  accurate  estimates  based  on  solid 
facts,  but  that  those  who  are  called  on  to  embark  in  them 
should  be  furnished  with  these  estimates.  The  Scripture  ad- 
monishes us  when  entering  on  any  great  work  to  count  the 
cost,  lest  having  entered  we  be  unable  to  accomplish  it.  Such 
estimate  of  cost  and  ability  can  only  be  properly  made  by  ref- 
erence  to  well  established  facts  in  the  history  of  past  and 
similar  undertakings.  The  committee  only  affirm  that  there 
are,  as  far  as  they  have  been  able  to  ascertain,  500  communi- 
cants   in   Western  Virginia  registered,  and  doubt  not  but 


810  The  Episcopal  Church 

there  are  many  others  scattered  through  it.  ''That  among 
these  communicants  there  are  numbers  who  would  contrib- 
ute largely  and  liberally  to  the  support  of  a  Bishop;  if  he 
would  for  a  year  or  two  take  charge  of  a  small  parish  which 
can  be  provided,  the  rapid  growth  of  the  church  would  in 
a  few  years  place  the  matter  beyond  contingency."  Now  let 
it  be  remembered  that  there  aire  only  three  self-supporting 
congregations  in  Western  Virginia,  the  two  in  Wheeling,  and 
the  one  in  Charleston.  What  these  three  are  able  and  willing 
to  give,  over  and  above  the  comfortable  support  of  their 
ministers,  they  and  their  ministers  best  know.  As  to  all 
the  others,  it  is  well  known  that  the  ministers  who  serve 
them,  and  have  served  them  for  years,  even  from  the  first, 
have  been  supported  in  part  by  the  missionary  society,  with- 
out whose  aid  they  could  not  have  labored  where  they  are. 
The  rule  of  the  missionary  society  is  to  contribute  only  so 
much  as  to  make  with  the  aid  of  the  congregation  the  sal- 
ary of  a  married  man  $500,  of  an  unmarried  man  $400.  Be- 
fore, however,  anything  is  allowed,  the  missionary  commit- 
tee must  receive  a  conscientious  statement  from  the  vestry, 
or  other  persons,  of  what  the  congregations  aided  will  give, 
and  that  they  are  unable  to  give  more.  Now,  after  such  a 
declaration,  where  are  to  be  found  those  many  communi- 
cants, who  will  give  largely  and  liberally  to  the  support  of 
a  Bishop,  and  whence  will  come  the  means  of  supporting 
so  many  more  missionaries  when  all  help  from  the  east  is 
cut  off?  It  is  believed  that  the  seven  ministers  in  Western 
Virginia  do  not  receive  more  than  $4,000  in  all,  the  aid  of 
the  missionary  society  included,  and  that  they  are  often  much 
embarrassed  in  consequence  of  their  slender  support.  How 
can  their  congregations  feel  at  liberty  to  send  liberal  con- 
tributions to  their  Bishop  for  one  visit  per  annum,  or  even 
two,  when  their  ministers  who  are  serving  them  continual- 
ly are  in  want  of  support,  and  perhaps  about  to  leave  them 
on  that  account?  A  minister  having  a  family  dependent  on 
him  for  support  will  consider  well  before  he  accepts  the 
Episcopal  office  in  such  a  region  relying  on  such  calculations. 


in  West  Virginia.  811 

But  it  is  said  that  the  rapid  increase  of  all  the  congrega- 
tions in  Western  Virginia,  and  the  establishment  of  new 
ones,  will  soon  place  the  support  of  a  Bishop  beyond  con- 
tingency. Having  travelled  through  Western  Virginia  re- 
peatedly for  the  last  35  years,  and  visited  it  eight  times  as 
Bishop  within  the  last  22  years,  I  think  I  can  form  a  judg- 
ment on  this  point  which  ought  not  to  be  despised.  I  had 
chiefly  at  my  disposal  more  than  thirty  years  ago  about 
$500,  raised  in  the  Valley  for  the  benefit  of  Western  Vir- 
ginia. Some  of  it  was  expended  in  the  county  of  Hampshire, 
all  the  rest  on  several  ministers  who  explored  Western  Vir- 
ginia, and  on  one  or  two  who  settled  in  it  for  a  time.  I 
have  had  something  to  do  with  the  appointment  and  support 
of  those  who  for  the  last  twenty  years  have  been  laboring 
in  Western  Virginia  as  missionaries.  They  have  labored 
with  more  or  less  of  frequency  and  regularity  at  Morgan- 
town,  Smithtown,  Clarksburg,  Weston,  Buckhannon.  Coals- 
mouth,  and  places  lower  down  on  the  Kanawha;  also  at  Mer- 
cer's Bottom,  Point  Pleasant,  Ravenswood,  Parkersburg, 
Wellsburg,  and  St.  John's  on  the  Ohio,  and  a  few  other 
places  more  recently.  As  some  of  these  ministers  have  la- 
bored for  many  years  successively,  some  of  these  ministers 
have  been  far  above  the  average  as  to  talents,  zeal,  and  qual- 
ifications for  usefulness,  and  taken  together  have  been  on 
an  average  as  good  as  those  likely  to  be  gotten  in  future. 
And,  now,  I  ask  our  friends  in  all  the  places  above  mention- 
ed who  shall  read  the  report  here  commented  on,  shall  look 
back  on  the  past,  consider  the  present,  and  look  forward  to 
the  future,  whether,  if  ministers,  and  good  ones  too,  could 
be  gotten  for  all  these  places,  or  for  the  half  of  them,  they 
could  be  supported;  and  whether  there  is  a  sure  prospect  of 
raising  up  such  congregations  that  in  a  few  years  they  would 
be  able  not  only  to  sustain  their  own  ministers  by  their  un- 
aided contributions,  but  even  place  the  comfortable  support 
of  ;i  bishop  "beyond  a  contingency."  I  leave  it  to  them  to 
say  what  protepect  there  is  for  such  an  increase  of  either 
villages,  towns,  or  neighborhoods  as  to  justify  such  an  ex- 


812  The  Episcopal  Church 

pectation  of  raising  up  self-supporting  Episcopal  congrega- 
tions. Let  rue  only  refer  to  two  or  three  of  these  places. 
Charlestown  and  Coalsmouth  have  for  more  than  twenty 
years  enjoyed  the  services  of  such  men  as  Page,  Goodwin, 
Martin,  Craik,  Ward,  Whittle,  Nash  and  Brown.  The  congre- 
gation at  Charlestown  even  aided  by  that  of  the  Salines,  finds 
it  difficult,  if  I  mistake  not,  to  satisfy  the  reasonable  demands 
of  a  minister  with  a  family.  It  is  far  from  being  a  large 
one.  At  Coalsmouth,  where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nash  has  been 
.faithfully  laboring  for  many  j^ears,  and  where  so  many  faith- 
ful ones  had  gone  before  him,  $200  are  required  from  the  mis- 
sionarj^  society  in  order  to  a  salary  of  $500;  and  to  obtain 
this  he  also  officiates  at  several  other  places  besides  Coals- 
mouth, which  contribute  something.  Mercer's  Bottom  and 
Point  Pleasant  had  for  a  number  of  years  a  minister,  who 
besides  all  that  he  received  from  them  was  aided  by  the 
missionary  society  to  a  considerable  amount  in  order  to  make 
it  $400,  and  yet  the  congregations  were  and  are  still  small. 
Wellsburg  and  St.  John's,  also,  above  Wheeling,  have  had 
the  services  of  ministers,  either  partly  or  wholly  devoted  to 
them  for  at  least  fifteen  years,  I  think,  perhaps  more.  They 
have  received  the  aid  of  the  missionary  society  to  the  amount 
of  from  one  to  two  hundred  dollars  per  annum,  and  they 
still  need  it  as  much  as  ever,  not  yet  having  grown  into  self- 
supporting  congregations,  nor  likely  so  to  do.  Even  Park- 
ershurg  with  its  vicinity  still  requires  aid  from  the  mission- 
ary fund.  These  are  the  oldest,  except  that  at  Wheeling, 
of  the  congregations  in  Western  Virginia,  and  have  had 
much  ministerial  service.  As  to  the  probability  of  the 
younger  and  smaller  ones  mentioned  in  the  report  becoming 
independent  in  a  short  time,  let  it  be  judged  of  by  the  fact 
that  a  number  of  them,  at  least  10,  have  only  from  one  to 
seven  communicants,  not  amounting  to  50  in  all. 

4th.  The  report  urges  as  a  reason  in  favor  of  a  separate 
Bishop  and  Diocese,  that  it  would  be  a  means  of  attracting 
ministers  to  it  to  supply  the  destitute  plaices  and  effect  aill 
the  o;ood  hoped  for.     Let  me  caution  you  against  a  snare 


in  West  Virginia.  BIS 

which  this  might  prove  to  be.     Bishops  in  their  anxiety  to 
fill  up  their  dioceses  with  ministers  may  do  what  they  and 
their  people  will  repent  of.     The  Apostle  Paul  warned  one 
of  the  first  Bishops  whom  he  ordained,  to  lay  hands  sud- 
denly on  no  man;  a  warning  most  needful  to  all  Bishops, 
whether  as  to  ordinating  ministers,  or  encouraging  them  to 
come  into  their  dioceses.     There  is  in  our  own,  and  every 
other  denomination  of  christians  in  this  land  and  every  land, 
a  floating  population  of  ministers  which  may  be  had,  such 
as  they  are.     There  are  hundreds  in  our  church  who  have 
mistaken  their  calling.  I  could  have  filled  all     the     vacant 
pieces  in  Virginia  with  such,  and  with  applicants  from  the 
ministries  of  other  denominations,   who   were   entirely  un- 
suitable to  us;  but  my  own  heart  would  have  condemned 
me,  and  the  people  to  whom  they  were  sent  still  more.  There 
are,  I  doubt  not,  those  who  would  be  attracted  to  a  new  small 
diocese  in  the  hojie  of  becoming  somewhat  greater  than  they 
were  before;  having  a  place  in  a  standing  committee,  per- 
haps, or  even  a  seat  in  the  general  convention.     Such,  I 
trust,  you  do  not  wish.    The  Bishops  all  over  our  land  are 
too  much  in  want  of  good  and  true  men  to  let  any  such  go 
from  them,  if  they  can  possibly  prevent  it.     I  well  know 
the  general  want  of  such,  from  the  efforts  continually  making 
to  draw  them  away  from  Virginia.     While  there  are  some 
lazy,  and  worthless,  or  incompetent  ones  all  over  the  land, 
the  number  of  all  kinds,  good  and  bad,  has  been  decreasing 
for  some  years  past,  in  proportion  to  our  rapidly  increasing 
population.    Instead  of  finding  fault  with  Bishops,  as  is  too 
often  the  case  in  all  the  dioceses,  for  not  supplying  more 
ministers,  the  people  should  ask  themselves  whether  they 
have  done  their  part,  by  praying  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to 
scud  forth  ministers  into  the  harvest,  especially,  and  to  call 
their  own  children  to  the  work.    I  earnestly  press  this  duty 
on  the  brethren  and  friends  of  Western  Virginia.     During 
the  forty  years  since  we  have  been  resuscitating  the  church 
in  Virginia,  only  one  from  that  side  of  the  mountain  has 
given  himself  to  the  work,  and  his  early  youth  was  spent 


814  The  Episcopal  Church 

in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  State.  Almost  all  the  minis- 
ters you  have  had,  have  come  either  from  Eastern  Virginia, 
or  through  the  seminary  thereof.  If  you  cut  yourselves  off 
from  these  sources,  where  will  you  go  for  a  supply?  In  proof 
of  what  I  say  as  to  the  scarcity  of  ministers,  I  might  fill  a 
volume  with  the  complaints  of  our  Bishops  and  of  the  min- 
isters of  all  denominations.  Let  the  following,  from  Bishop 
Hopkins,  of  Vermont,  taken  out  of  his  last  report  to  his 
convention,  suffice.  After  complaining  of  his  vacancies,  he 
says:  "Nor  is  this  difficulty  confined  to  this  diocese;  for  I 
perceive,  with  more  sorrow  than  surprise,  that  the  same  com- 
plaint is  becoming  general.  The  growth  of  the  church  is 
greater,  beyond  question,  than  the  increase  of  the  ministry; 
and  this  evil  demands  not  only  a  more  fervent  supplication 
to  the  Lord,  that  he  will  send  forth  more  laborers  into  his 
harvest,  but  a  more  zealous  and  consistent  support  on  the 
part  of  our  laity.  I  do  not  mean  to  say  that  the  diocese  of 
Vermont  is  more  liable  to  this  censure  than  the  other  dio- 
ceses of  this  immense  territory,  because  I  am  well  convinced 
that  this  is  not  the  fact;  but  I  do  mean  to  say,  that  the 
church  in  every  quarter,  except  in  the  large  city  parishes, 
is  groaning  under  this  deficiency."  He  adds,  also,  that  un- 
less there  is  some  change,  "it  needs  no  prophet  to  foretell 
that  a  famine  of  the  word  and  sacraments  must  be  the  mel- 
ancholy consequence,  in  the  course  of  another  generation." 
5th.  But  it  has  been  said  among  you,  that  the  same 
thing  may  be  done  in  Western  Virginia  as  in  some  other  dio- 
ceses, viz.,  an  arrangement  be  made  between  some  large  and 
wealthy  congregation  and  the  diocese,  by  which  the  minister 
of  one  may  be  the  Bishop  of  the  other.  Let  us.  then,  take 
St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling,  much  the  largest  and 
wealthiest,  but  whose  minister,  faithful  and  beloved  as  he 
is,  only  receives  fl,000,  and  asks  no  more.  Let  as  suppose 
him  to  have  closed  his  ministry  by  death,  or  resignation, 
and  that  the  place  is  to  be  supplied.  Either  the  vestry  must 
consent  to  give  up  the  important  privilege  and  office  of 
choosing  a  minister  into  the  hands  of  the  convention,  or  the 


in  West  Virginia.  815 

convention  must  relinquish  its  prerogative  of  choosing  a 
Bishop  to  the  vestry  of  St.  Matthew's.  The  man  whom  the 
vestry  would  prefer  as  a  pastor  might  not  be  the  most  suita- 
ble as  a  Bishop,  and  vice  versa.  The  Bishop's  duties  must, 
more  or  less,  interfere  with  his  duties  as  a  pastor.  The  care 
of  all  the  churches  resting  on  his  soul,  must  interfere  with  the 
care  he  should  have  for  one.  It  takes  me  two  months  to  visit 
Western  Virginia,  not  including  the  southwest,  in  that  rapid 
manner  complained  of  in  the  report.  It  would  take  at  least 
four  months  to  traverse  Western  Virginia,  from  Wheeling 
to  Abington,  from  the  Alleghany  to  the  Ohio,  each  year,  so 
as  to  satisfy.  Would  the  congregation  at  Wheeling  be  wil- 
ling to  gire  up  their  pastor  one-third  of  each  year?  Bishops 
are  by  no  means  always  preferred  as  pastors,  on  this  as  well 
as  other  accounts;  and  then,  .if  dissatisfaction  arises,  and 
the  Bishop  resigns,  he  must  stand  candidate  for  some  other 
parish  able  to  support  him,  and  perhaps  have  for  a  rival  some 
young  presbyter,  or  even  deacon,  of  his  or  some  other  dio- 
cese, who  may  be  preferred  before  him.  While  necessity 
may  sometimes  compel  a  resort  to  this  method  of  supporting 
a  Bishop,  yet  I  doubt  not  there  are  Bishops  who,  from  their 
own  experience,  would  warn  against  it,  if  it  can  be  avoided. 
It  may  be  well  also  to  say  something  as  to  other  modes  of 
sustaining  a  Bishop.  Bishops  may  be  chosen  because  they 
are  rich,  and  will  be  at  no  cost  to  a  diocese.  It  would  be  a 
sad  day  for  the  church,  when  bishopricks  are  to  be  bought 
and  sold  thus.  I  hope  nothing  need  be  said  as  to  the  evils 
of  that  system.  Some  wealthy  dioceses  have  funds  whose 
interest  supports  the  Episcopate.  Western  Virginia,  if  sep- 
a rated,  would  hardly  attempt  that.  The  whole  diocese  of 
Virginia  labored  at  this  for  a  number  of  years,  and  gave  it 
up  in  despair;  though  the  small  sum  thus  raised,  more  than 
thirty  years  ago,  has  accumulated  into  something  very  con- 
siderable, and  will  one  day  suffice  for  the  object  aimed  at. 
Some  of  the  dioceses,  as  Virginia,  Maryland,  North  Carolina, 
Ohio  and  others,  lay  an  annual  tax  on  congregations  and 
communicants,  such  as  the  Convention  thinks  will  be  borne. 


816  The  Episcopal  Church 

Those  Bishops  who  are  thus  supported,  a  portion  of  them,  at 
least,  could  tell  of  some  most  painful  delays,  uncertainties, 
and  short  comings  in  this  method,  which  ought  to  be  known 
by  those  who  propose  to  adopt  it.  They  would  tell  you  that 
Bishops  are  not  exempt  from  the  same  embarrassments  as 
pastors,  in  regard  to  their  salaries;  how  they,  as  well  as  oth- 
er ministers,  have  to  resort  to  some  other  means  of  sup- 
porting their  families,  and  even  think,  at  times,  of  tender- 
ing the  resignation  of  their  charges.  On  account  of  such 
uncertainty,  some  dioceses  have  for  a  long  time  sought  a 
Bishop  in  vain,  that  is,  such  an  one  as  they  are  willing  to 
have.  Some  one,  doubtless,  might  have  been  gotten  without 
difficulty,  but  not  such  as  Paul  describes.  A  minister  with  a 
family,  in  some  place  of  usefulness,  and  where  he  is  sup- 
ported, ought  to  have  some  reasonable  security  of  his  and 
their  support  before  he  enters  on  a  field  of  labor. 

Could  the  ministers  and  vestries  of  Western  Virginia  pre- 
sent such  a  statement,  give  such  a  pledge,  as  would  justify 
a  man  with  a  family  dependent  upon  him  for  support,  to  ac- 
cept the  Episcopate?  They  might,  perhaps,  to  a  single  man, 
who  had  taken  the  vow  of  celibacy;  but  I  hope  they  do  not 
want  such.  I  doubt  whether  even  the  authors  of  the  report, 
after  due  consideration,  would  take  the  responsibility  of  per- 
suading some  worthy  and  well-qualified  brother  to  accept 
the  office,  relying  on  the  accuracy  of  the  calculation  there 
madie,  and  pledging  the  fulfillment  of  the  promise  thereof. 
I  am  sure  they  would  hesitate  and  reconsider.  But  it  is 
said  that  out  of  the  thirty-three  dioceses  in  the  Union,  eigh- 
teen have  less  than  thirty  presbyters,  and  five  of  these  eigh- 
teen less  than  seven;  and  the  inference  intended  must  be, 
why  may  not  Western  Virginia  have  one?  why  may  not  she 
support  a  Bishop  and  an  independent  diocese  also?  It 
should  be  remembered,  also,  that  less  than  thirty  may  be  a 
much  larger  number  than  seven;  many  of  these  eighteen 
have  between  20  and  30  ministers — some  nearly  30.  But 
it  must  be  told  to  our  friends  in  Western  Virginia  that  all 
these  eighteen  dioceses  were,  for  a  long  time,  either  visited 


in  West  Virginia.  817 

by  neighboring  Bishops,  or  superintended  by  missionary 
Bishops  at  a  salary  of  2,000  or  1,500  dollars  per  annum,  drawn 
from  the  general  missionary  society  of  our  church,  and  that 
some  of  thriii  arc  so  to  this  day,  without  any  expense  to 
themiselves.  Some  of  them  aire  even  now  on  the  same  foot- 
ing with  Western  Virginia,  only  that  she  has  two  diocesan 
Bishops,  instead  of  one  missionary  Bishop  to  visit  her,  and 
with  very  little  expense  to  herself.  Only  two  missionary 
Bishops  no!w  remain  in  the  held,  and  it  is  well  understood 
when  the  dioceses  they  superintend  shall  be  supplied,  no 
more  fields  will  be  laid  off  for  missionary  Bishops,  no  more 
salaries  be  raised  for  their  support;  or,  at  any  rate,  thait  no 
small  dioceses  be  divided  off  from  them. 

6thlv.    The  foregoing  topic  leads  me  to  another,  viz:  The 
question,  whether  the  General  Convention  will  consent  to  the 
division  of  dioceses,   so  as  to  admit  a  district  of  so  small  a 
number  of  ministers  as  are  now,  or  may  be  in  a  few  years, 
in  Western  Virginia,  to  be  separated  into  a   distinct  dio- 
cese.    Jn  my  opinion  the  restriction,  as  to  number,  will  not 
be  removed  when  duly  considered,  or,  even  if  it  should,  such 
a  division  would  not  be  consented  to  if  application  were 
made.     When  the  Bishops  shall  see,  from  the  case  under 
consideration,  what  may  be  done  in  the  way  of  agitation 
by  a  few  individuals,   however  honest   their  zeal   may  be, 
and  how  delicate  the  situation  of  Bishops  as  to  the  exercise 
of  veto  power  entrusted  to  them,  how  numerous  might  be 
the  schemes  for  the  subdivision  of  dioceses,  what  jealousy 
and  suspicion  might  be  awakened  by  them,  I  think  they  will 
prefer  having  a  certain  number  of  presbyters  necessary  to 
a  division,  even  though  the  number  be  reduced.    Some  years 
ago,  when  it  was  proposed  in  the  house  of  Bishops  to  strike 
out  the  limitation  as  to  square  miles  and  number  of  presby- 
ters, I  remember  it  found  little  favor.    I  was  not  in  the  house 
when  it  was  agreed,  at  the  last  General  Convention,  that 
the  subject  might  be  submitted  for  consideration.    It  may  be 
that  it  was  thought  the  three  vetos  of  the  Bishop,  Diocese, 
and  General  Convention,  were  sufficient  checks,  and  that  if 


818  The  Episcopal  Church 

any  particular  number  were  specified,  it  might  seem  to  com- 
mit the  Church  to  granting  a  division,  whenever  such  num- 
ber should  apply;  and  that  it  was  not  feared  that  a  much 
smaller  one  would  ever  apply.  It  is  argued  in  favor  of  nu- 
merous subdivisions  of  the  larger  old  dioceses,  that  thus 
some  remedy  may  be  provided  for  an  inequality  in  the  Gen- 
eral Convention  now  existing,  and  much  complained  of,  viz., 
that  so  many  very  small  dioceses  should  have  a  full  repre- 
sentation in  both  branches  of  the  General  Convention,  so 
as  to  outweigh  the  greater  number  of  clergy  and  communi- 
cants in  the  larger  ones.  This  is  certainly  an  evil,  but  there 
may  be  a  greater  one.  What  if  only  the  three  Dioceses  of 
New  York,  Western  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  were  thus 
subdivided,  say  each  into  four,  and  thus  had  twelve  addi- 
tional Bishops,  and  forty-eight  additional  clerical,  and  forty- 
eight  additional  lay,  members  in  General  Convention?  Who 
does  not  perceive  the  advantage  given  to  these  central  dio- 
ceses, so  near  to  the  usual  seat  of  the  General  Convention, 
whose  Bishops  and  other  delegates  are  at  hand,  can  remain 
with  convenience  during  a  protracted  Convention;  can  bring 
the  first  talents  of  the  laity  to  their  aid;  while  the  more  dis- 
tant dioceses  find  it  difficult  to  secure  delegates,  or  to  keep 
them  there  during  the  meeting?  Who  does  not  see  what 
undue  influence  these  central  dioceses  would  have  in  all  the 
general  institutions  of  the  Church  whose  location  is  in  their 
midst?  See  how  New  York  now  rules  the  General  Seminary 
at  pleasure.  The  more  distant  Dioceses  would  soon  con- 
clude that  it  was  useless  to  send  delegates  to  a  body  where 
they  would  be  so  overpowered  by  the  central  ones.  Nor  is 
there  any  reason  to  suppose  that  the  smaller  but  more  nu- 
merous Dioceses  would  relinquish  a  right  they  now  have, 
growing  out  of  the  original  compact  entered  into  at  the 
time  of  our  confederation,  and  without  which  there  would 
have  been  no  confederation.  By  the  original  compact  of 
our  civil  confederation,  it  was  agreed  that  there  should  be 
an  equal  representation  of  all  the  States,  small  and  great, 
in  one  branch  of  Congress — its  Senate.    In  our  ecclesiastical 


in  West  Virginia.  819 

convention  it  was  determined  that  it  should  be  the  same  in 
both  branches.  Congress,  while  bound  to  admit  new  States 
on  the  same  principle  as  that  settled  for  the  old  ones,  would 
not  consent  to  divide  and  subdivide  old  States  at  their  pleas- 
ure, allowing  each  subdivision  to  have  a  full  representation 
in  the  Senate;  nor  will  our  General  Convention  allow  small 
subdivisions  of  old  dioceses  to  come  into  the  General  Con- 
vention with  a  full  delegation  to  both  branches  of  it.  Un- 
equal as  is  the  present  representation,  and  evil  in  some  re- 
spects as  it  is,  yet  the  irregularity  and  the  evil  will  be  con- 
tinually diminishing,  since  the  new  States,  for  the  most  part 
rich  in  soil,  and  large  in  territory,  and  increasing  in  popula- 
tion, will  also,  as  time  advances,  be  increasing  in  ministers 
and  members  more  rapidly  than  the  old  ones. 

And  here  it  may  be  well  to  notice  an  argument  used  in 
the  report  in  favor  of  very  small  dioceses,  viz.,  that  they 
would  be  a  return  to  primitive  usage,  and  would  remove 
much  temptation  to  clerical  ambition.  The  multiplication 
of  dioceses  would  indeed  reduce  salaries  and  the  influence 
of  some  of  the  Bishops,  and  diminish  their  painful  respon- 
sibilities, but  at  the  same  time  would  increase  the  number 
of  aspirants,  and  tempt  the  lust  of  office  more,  so  that  it  is 
doubtful  whether  clerical  ambition  would  not  be  in  amount 
greater  on  the  proposed  plan  than  as  it  is  now.  There  is 
no  rule  given  in  God's  word  as  to  the  extent  of  dioceses  and 
number  of  the  clergy  to  be  placed  under  one  Bishop.  They 
have  varied  in  different  ages  and  countries,  from  the  first,  ac- 
cording to  circumstances.  It  is  one  of  those  things  which 
must  be  determined  by  expediency.  Where  new  countries  are 
to  be  supplied,  and  ministers  and  members  are  scattered  far 
and  wide,  amongst  the  Heathen,  or  as  in  our  land,  amongst 
Christians  of  other  denominations,  the  extent  of  territory 
must  needs  be  larger.  Let  me  aot,  however,  be  mistaken. 
I  am,  and  ever  have  been  in  favor  of  small  dioceses,  as  small 
as  may  consist  with  the  comfortable  support  of  the  Bishops, 
and  with  the  sufficient  employment  of  their  time  and  talents. 
There     arc     dioceses     which     ought     to     be     divided,     and 


820  The  Episcopal  Church 

will  be  divided,  1  believe,  before  many  years  have 
rolled  away.  Virginia  is  one  of  them.  She  is  able 
to  support  two  Bishops  and  give  employment  to  two. 
She  does  (so  at  this  time.  At  my  death,  or  resignation 
through  inability  to  discharge  the  duties  of  the  Episcopate, 
unless  the  present  assistant  Bishop,  if  alive,  can  plead  age 
and  infirmities  to  justify  a  call  for  an  Assistant,  and  that 
plan  be  preferred,  there  will  be  no  doubt  a  division.  But 
as  their  faithful  friend  and  Bishop,  who  has  labored  much, 
and  cared  still  more  for  them,  I  would  caution  our  western 
friends  how  they  now  seek  a  division  of  Virginia,  which  will 
be  so  much  less  advantageous  to  them,  than  one  which  they 
may  then  have.  From  Eastern  Virginia  and  the  Seminary 
they  have  hitherto  received  almost  all  their  ministers  at 
little  expense  to  themselves.  If  cut  off,  as  is  proposed,  they 
can  have  no  claim  on  that  Seminary,  and  the  ministers  issu- 
ing therefrom  are  insufficient  to  supply  the  wants  of  Eastern 
Virginia.  The  missionary  society,  also  which  has  so  long- 
aided  them,  has  more  than  it  can  do  in  the  work  before  it 
in  Eastern  Virginia.  Virginia  has  also  her  Bishop's  fund 
which  is  rapidly  increasing,  and  her  fund  for  the  widows 
and  orphans  of  deceased  clergymen  is  of  considerable 
amount.  By  a  division  of  the  diocese  at  a  proper  time,  and 
in  such  a  way  as  to  connect  a  portion  of  Eastern  with  West- 
ern Virginia,  the  latter  may  still  reap  important  advantages 
from  the  above  mentioned  institutions,  besides  the  great  aid 
afforded  in  the  support  of  a  Bishop. 

At  some  future  period,  and  I  wish  I  could  think  it  very 
near,  another  division  may  be  proper,  which  will  accord  with 
the  wishes  of  those  who  have  thus,  as  I  think,  prematurely 
proposed  it,  and  Virginia,  west  of  the  Alleghany,  be  a  sepa- 
rate diocese. 

7th.  It  may  be  well  to  follow  and  confirm  what  has  been 
said  as  to  assistance  received  from  Eastern  Virginia  by  a 
statistical  account.  Some  passages  in  the  report  seem  to 
call  for  it.  It  is  there  stated,  that  by  reason  of  the  residence 
of  the  Bishops  in  Eastern  Virginia,  their  attention  is  neces- 


in  West  Virginia.  821 

sarily  given  to  it  in  undue  proportion  to  that  given  to  the 
West;  that  their  visits  in  the  west  are  few  and  hurried. 
Now,  whoever  will  examine  the  journals  of  our  conventions, 
will  see  that  our  visits  are  the  same  in  number  and  duration 
to  all,  being  triennial;  being  one  and  two  days  at  a  time,  to 
about  two  hundred  congregations.  The  few  larger  towns, 
being  thoroughfares  through  which  we  must  pass,  are  nec- 
essarily sometimes  visited  oftener  than  other  places.,  and  as 
there  the  great  body  of  our  people  dwell,  there  surely  it 
might  be  well  for  the  Bishops  to  be  more  frequently.  As  to 
the  congregations  in  the  country  and  in  the  villages  of  East- 
ern Virginia,  they  have  the  same  cause  of  complaint  with 
those  of  Western  Virginia,  and  often  do  complain  of  the 
rapid  passage  of  the  Bishops  through  them.  The  Bishops 
are  quite  used  to  such  complaints — all  over  the  church,  I 
suppose, — for  on  looking  over  the  journals  of  other  dioceses, 
of  small,  as  well  as  large,  we  read  of  two  or  three  visits  to 
different  congregations  in  the  same  day,  and  we  are  sure 
that  the  Episcopal  visits  in  Western  Virginia,  though  far 
from  being  as  long  as  we  could  wish,  would  compare  as  to 
time  with  three-fourths  of  the  Episcopal  visits  in  the  United 
States.  As  each  of  us  pays  a  triennial  visit,  there  are  of 
course  two  visits  in  three  years.  The  visits  of  our  Bishops 
are  either  annual,  biennial,  or  triennial,  so  that  Virginia 
has  her  average  number. 

Something  will  now  be  said  as  to  the  aid  afforded  the  west 
by  the  Diocesan  missionary  society.  It  is  stated  in  the  re- 
port now  commented  on,  that  during  the  last  year  there 
were  nineteen  ministers  in  all  Virginia  aided  by  it  only 
four  of  whom  were  in  the  west;  that  the  aggregate  amount 
expended  by  the  society  was  $2,254.17,  only  $450  of  which 
was  appropriated  to  the  west.  It  should  be  remembered 
that  there  are  only  four  in  the  west  who  needed  and  applied 
for  it,  the  other  three  being  in  self-supporting  congregations. 
In  order  to  present  this  subject  in  a  just  light  before  the 
public,  1  have  obtained  from  the  secretary  of  the  missionary 
society  a  statement  of  its  disbursements,  not  for  one  year 


822  The  Episcopal  Chdrcb 

only,  but  from  the  time  of  its  formation,  in  1836  to  1851. 
From  that  I  find  that  they  have  been  as  follows:  To  Eastern 
Virginia,  $9,595.67;  to  the  Valley,  $2,550;  to  Western  Vir- 
ginia. $5,376.  To  this  may  be  added  at  least  $300  spent  many 
years  before  on  Western  Virginia  by  a  society  in  the  valley. 
It  would  appear  that  nearly  one-third  of  all  the  missionary 
funds  of  Virginia  have  been  spent  in  the  West,  though  near- 
ly all  of  them  were  raised  in  the  East.  It  appears,  also,  from 
the  statement  sent  me,  that  in  some  years  a  larger  amount 
was  expended  on  Western  Virginia  than  on  all  the  rest  of 
the  State.  The  expenditures  have  varied  according  to  cir- 
cumstances. 

As  to  the  appropriation  of  Deacons  from  our  Seminary, 
though  I  have  not  the  means  at  hand  of  making  an  accurate 
statement,  I  feel  confident  that  a  most  liberal  allowance  has 
been  made  to  the  west,  while  the  expense  of  their  education 
was  almost  entirely  by  the  east.  At  the  last  ordination,  at 
the  close  of  our  Seminary,  I  had  only  two  at  my  disposal, 
and  these  were  both  earnestly  solicited  for  Western  Virginia. 
One  of  them,  through  peculiar  circumstances,  was  lost  to 
Virginia,  and  the  other  was  assigned  to  one  of  at  least  ten 
applicants  from  Eastern  Virginia.  It  may  here  be  well  to 
correct  a  mistake  which  prevails,  at  least  in  the  authors  of 
the  report,  as  to  the  supply  of  Eastern  Virginia.  The  build- 
ing of  churches  and  collecting  of  very  small  congregations 
has  always  been  far  in  advance  of  the  supply  of  ministers  in 
Eastern  as  well  as  Western  Virginia.  Some  ministers  have 
to  attend  from  two  to  five  places  in  order  to  keep  alive  the 
smaller  congregations  in  Eastern  Virginia.  There  are  about 
175  congregations  in  Eastern  Virginia,  75  of  which  would 
answer  to  some  of  those  in  WTestern  Virginia,  of  which  we 
have  been  speaking.  They  are  neither  self-supporting  now, 
nor  likely  to  be  for  a  long  time  to  come,  even  if  they  all  had 
ministers  preaching  to  them  every  Sabbath.  Both  in  the 
east  and  the  west  such  must  be  tended  by  some  who  have 
self-supporting  congregations,  or  who  are  aided  by  the  mis- 


ix  West  Virginia.  823 

sionary  society.*  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Bishops  to  endeavor 
in  all  respects  to  do  justice  to  both.  There  are  other  dis- 
tricts of  Virginia,  beside  that  of  Western  Virginia,  which 
might  in  like  manner  and  with  equal  justice  complain  of 
neglect — of  infrequent  and  rapid  Episcopal  visits — of  vacant 
congregations — and  where  ministers  might  meet  in  convoca- 
tion and  pass  resolves  in  favor  of  division,  and  believe  that 
they  could  easily  support  a  Bishop  and  more  missionaries, 
and  attract  abundance  of  pastors  from  elsewhere.  And  there 
are  numerous  portions  of  other  dioceses  in  the  land  which 
might  do  the  same,  but  agitation  would  be  the  only  result. 
8th.  I  have  now  a  few  words  to  say  to  those  of  my  breth- 
ren and  friends  who,  though  opposed  to  the  division  of  the 
diocese,  are  very  anxious  to  secure  the  residence  of  one  of 
the  Bishops  in  Western  Virginia,  and  seem  to  think  it  a 
reasonable  request.  I  doubt  not  the  sincerity  of  their  belief, 
and  if  it  were  a  reasonable  thing,  I  trust  there  would  be  a 
conscientious  compliance  with  it.  As  to  myself,  age  and  in- 
firmities make  me  not  worth  contending  for;  and  if  I  were, 
let  me  beg  them  to  cast  only  a  glance  at  the  map  of  Virginia, 
and  they  will  perceive  that  residing  where  I  do,  in  the  valley 
of  Virginia,  I  am  quite  as  near  to  all  Western  as  I  am  to 
all  Eastern  Virginia,  and  that  in  a  few  months,  by  means  of 
railroad.  I  can  in  twelve  or  fifteen  hours  be  in  the  heart  of 
Western  Virginia.  The  question,  therefore,  can  only  be  as 
to  the  Assistant  Bishop.  Setting  aside  all  regard  to  be  paid 
to  his  peculiar  occupation  at  the  college  of  William  and 
Mary  just  at  this  time,  to  the  disposition  of  his  family  in  re- 
spect to  a  change,  and  to  the  reasonable  wishes  and  claims 
of  all  Southern  Virginia  to  a  resident  Bishop,  I  will  suppose 
him  settled  at  Wheeling,  the  northwest  corner  of  the  State, 
with  twenty-five  congregations  west  of  the  Alleghany,  and 
one  hundred  and  seventv-five  east  of  it.  to  be  visited  once 


•It  is  stated  in  the  report  that  109  out  117  of  the  clergy  of  Virginia  have  their 
fields  of  labor  in  the  east.  It  is  proper  to  correct  an  error  here.  When  we  deduct 
our  missionaries  in  foreign  lands,  professors,  teachers,  and  those  who  are  unable 
to  perform  duty,  there  remains  only  about  SO  to  tend  17."  places. 


824  The  Episcopal  Chuhch 

in  three  years,  as  at  present — seven-eighths  on  one  side,  and 
one-eighth  on  the  other.  Would  our  friends  in  Western  Vir- 
ginia have  him  take  these  long  journeys  for  visitation  and  at- 
tending conventions  two  or  three  times  every  year,  when 
by  residing  in  the  east,  where  seven-eights  of  the  congrega- 
tions live,  and  the  conventions  meet,  one  visit  over  the 
mountains  in  each  three  years  would  suffice?  for,  remember, 
there  must  be  an  equal  distribution  of  his  services  according 
to  numbers.  I  am  confident  they  would  be  the  first  to  say 
we  cannot  expect  so  much  labor,  time,  and  cost  to  be  ex- 
pended on  us.  They  will  look  over  all  our  dioceses,  and  see 
that  the  places  chosen  by  Bishops  for  their  residence  are 
those  from  which  with  most  convenience  they  can  visit  their 
diocese,  and  which  combine  most  advantages  for  the  dis- 
charge of  their  duties. 

9th.  In  drawing  these  remarks  to  a  close,  let  me  briefly 
advert  to  another  objection  to  this  measure  felt  by  myself 
and  many  true  lovers  of  the  church  and  State.  It  has  deep- 
ly grieved  the  hearts  of  many  of  our  citizens  and  fellow- 
Christians  to  perceive  that  for  some  years  past  there  has 
been  growing  up  an  unhappy  jealousy  between  Eastern  and 
Western  Virginia,  each  charging  the  other  with  a  desire  to 
claim  too  much,  and  sometimes  even  threatening  disunion. 
In  my  travels  through  each  portion,  I  have  not  only  avoided 
all  participation  in  the  strife,  but  have  earnestly  endeavored 
to  heal  the  same.  Some  years  since,  when  I  perceived,  as 
I  thought,  a  disposition  to  irritate  different  portions  of  the 
church  in  Virginia  against  each  other,  I  felt  it  my  duty  pub- 
licly to  rebuke  it.  I  fear  something  of  the  kind  from  the 
measure  proposed,  and  the  report  commending  it.  I  wish 
our  church  to  be  a  bond  of  union  between  Eastern  and  West- 
ern Virginia.  Statesmen  have  praised  the  Episcopal  church 
in  the  United  States  as  being  the  only  ecclesiastical  bond 
of  union  between  North  and  South,  because,  while  all  other 
denominations  have  had  unhappy  sectional  differences  and 
separations,  ours  has  thus  far  been  united.  So  let  it  be  with 
our  church  in  Virginia.     Let  the  Alleghany  and  all  other 


in  West  Virginia.  825 

mountains  be  forgotten  or  sink  into  a  plain,  when  we  speak 
of  our  church. 

When  the  proper  time  for  division  comes,  may  all  political 
strifes  be  over,  and  railroads,  canals,  and  turnpikes,  connect 
every  town,  village,  and  county  together.  The  great  highway 
which  is  now  rapidly  drawing  towards  the  city  of  Wheeling 
will  doubtless,  ere  long  facilitate  and  insure  that  which  our 
western  friends  have  so  long  desired.  A  convention  of  the 
diocese  will  meet  in  that  place  and  receive  its  hospitality, 
and  our  ministers  and  members  will  assure  its  citizens,  and 
all  who  shall  come  to  the  assembly,  that  however  long  the 
roads  and  high  the  mountains  which  separate  them,  Virginia 
Episcopalians  have  but  one  heart,  and  that  heart  devoted 
to  the  welfare  of  the  church  of  our  fathers,  and  of  the  noble 
reformers  who  shed  their  blood  for  its  establishment. 

Meanwhile,  let  the  convocation,  keeping  within  its  proper 
sphere,  do  its  duty  faithfully.  Let  the  brethren  meet  to- 
gether in  each  others'  parishes,  and  in  the  feebler  congrega- 
tions, and  preach  the  word  of  God  with  all  zeal  and  fidelity. 
Let  them  exhort  the  people,  one  and  all,  to  do  their  duty; 
to  contribute  of  their  means  to  the  support  of  missionaries; 
and  especially  that  they  give  their  sons  to  the  Lord  for  the 
service  of  the  sanctuary.  Let  them  promote  schools  and  col- 
leges for  the  education  of  the  youth  of  Western  Virginia. 
Let  them  in  all  these  ways  hasten  on  the  time  when  they 
may,  without  tempting  God  by  bold  adventures,  propose  that 
measure  which  I  have  endeavored  to  show  is  now  premature 
and  imprudent.  It  has  done  good  heretofore  by  the  efforts 
which  it  has  made.  The  encouraging  prospects  at  Kavens- 
wood,  Graves'  Creek  and  Martinsville,  and  the  increasing 
zeal  and  hope,  which  is  at  work  in  other  places,  are  doubt- 
less, in  a  measure,  the  result  of  its  labors.  May  God  add  his 
blessing  to  this  and  every  other  instrumentality  employed 
for  the  benefit  of  our  Church  in  Western  Virginia,  is  the 
prayer  of  your  friend  and  brother, 

W.  Meade, 

Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia. 


826  The  Episcopal  Church 

Postscript. — Since  the  foregoing  was  sent  to  press,  the  fol- 
lowing letter  has  been  received.  It  was  also  stated  that  the 
Vestry  of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling,  had  adopted  a 
resolution  in  opposition  to  the  action  of  the  Convention,  and 
designed  to  state  more  fully  their  reasons  for  so  doing: 
To  the  Bight  Reverend  William  Meade,  D.  D.: 

Right  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir — As  the  Convocation  of  North- 
Western  Virginia,  at  a  recent  meeting  held  in  Charleston, 
Kanawha  county,  adopted  and  published  a  report  and  resolu- 
tions, which  contemplate  the  formation  of  a  diocese  west  of 
the  Alleghany  Mountains,  we,  the  undersigned  Presbyters, 
beg  leave  to  express  to  you  our  entire  dissent  to  the  report 
and  resolutions,  and  inoist  earnestly  request  that  you  with- 
hold your  assent  to  the  object  contemplated  in  said  report 
and  resolutions. 

William  Armstrong, 
Rector  of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Wheeling. 

E.  T.  Perkins, 
Rector  of  Trinity  Parish,  Parkersburg. 

Samuel  D.  Tompkins. 
Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Weston,  Va., 

and  Missionary  in  Western  Virginia. 

December  10th,  1S51. 


in  West  Virginia.  82' 


APPENDIX  VIII. 

Letter  from  Bishop  Johns  to  the  officiating  Clergy  and  Vestries  in 
the  western  part  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia. 


Shepherdstown,  July  28th,  1865. 
Having  received  from  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Addison,  Jacobs 
and  Woods,  representations  as  to  the  desire  of  many  of  our 
good  people  west  of  the  Alleghanies,  that  that  part  of  the 
Diocese  of  Virginia  ishould  be  organized  as  a  separate  Dio- 
cese, and  wishing  to  be  more  fully  informed,  that  I  may  take 
such  action  as  the  case  may  require,  I  hereby  request  the 
different  vestries,  by  representation,  and  the  officiating 
clergy,  in  person,  to  meet  in  the  church  at  Clarksburg  on  the 
24th  day  of  August  next  at  9  a.  m.,  to  confer  concerning  the 
matter,  and  request  them  to  communicate  to  me  the  result  of 
such  measures,  as,  under  God's  blessing,  may  conduce  to  His 
glory  and  promote  the  best  interest  of  His  Church. 

J.  Johns, 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia. 


828  The  Episcopal  Church 


APPENDIX  IX. 

Extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  Rev.  W.  T.  Leavell. 

"In  May,  1866,  I  attended  the  Council  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  held  in  Alexandria,  Va.,  the  first  that  had 
assembled  as  representing  the  entire  State  since  the  begin- 
ning of  the  war,  although  the  clergy  at  "Richmond  and  the 
South  Side,"  I  believe,  had  assembled  annually  and  appointed 
also  delegates  to  a  General  Council  of  the  Southern  Dioceses, 
held  in  some  of  the  Southern  States.  It  was  in  this  Council 
of  Virginia  that  ice  resolved  to  resume  our  relations  with 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States.  The 
example  was  soon  followed  by  all  the  Southern  Dioceses,  and 
we  were  saved  the  division  of  the  Church. 

I  remember  I  was  taking  tea  at  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Smith's,  (an 
old  friend  whom  I  assisted  in  his  school  at  "Clarens"  the  last 
year  of  my  seminary  course),  with  several  of  the  clergy,  when 
I  was  asked  by  one  of  them,  "What  does  the  Valley  Convoca- 
tion think  of  doing  in  regard  to  the  question  of  union  with 
the  Church  in  the  Northern  States?*'  I  replied,  that  "We 
had  not  discussed  it  at  all,  that  I  knew  of;  but  I  thought 
there  was  but  one  feeling  and  sentiment  with  us  on  that 
subject.  We  thought  there  was,  but  one  thing  to  be  done,  and 
that  was  to  preserve  the  unity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  these  United  States."  There  were  such  expres- 
sions of  astonishment  and  surprise  by  all  present,  that  "I 
thought,  perhaps,  I  had  spoken  rashly  and  would  find  my 
opinions  very  unpopular,  and  perhaps  in  a  very  small  minor- 
ity." But  "I  asked  what  shall  we  have  in  the  future, — the 
bitter  contentions  we  see  in  the  other  Churches,  which  have 
their  divisions?  or,  shall  we  have  peace  and  concord,  as  the- 


in  West  Virginia.  829 

General  Canons  secure  them  to  the  parishes  and  the  dio- 
ceses?"' Here  they  seemed  puzzled  for  a  reply.  And  I  added, 
"We  need  the  protection  of  the  Canons  of  the  General 
Church."'  But  all  were  in  favor,  and  seemed  determined  to 
stand  out  for  separate  organization. 

Next  day  the  Council  was  opened,  and  Bishop  Johns  read 
his  report,  and  advised  returning  to  union  with  the  Church 
in  the  United  States.  On  that  part  of  his  address,  a  stormy 
debate  arose, — very  stormy  for  a  Virginia  Council.  How 
would  it  end?  Bishop  Meade  was  dead,  and  Bishop  Johns 
had  not  had  time  and  opportunity  to  get  hold  upon  the  lead- 
ing spirits  of  the  State,  and  had  opposed  some  of  them  in 
their  wishes  in  Council  in  Richmond  in  regard  to  the  memo- 
rial to  the  General  Government,  in  behalf  of  President  Davis, 
then  a  prisoner  at  Fortress  Monroe,  and  cruelly  treated.  The 
Bishop  objected  to  the  ••Council,"  as  such,  taking  the  step, 
and  advised  that,  as  individuals,  he  would  heartily  co-operate 
with  them  in  their  efforts  to  mitigate  his  confinement,  or  re- 
lieve him  from  imprisonment.  (The  Bishop  had  told  me  all 
the  particulars,  the  fall  before.)  I  could  see  there  was  per- 
sonal opposition,  almost  amounting  to  disrespect  to  him,  as 
presiding  officer.  He  called  the  members  to  order;  they 
would  not  yield  without  appealing  to  the  house.  But  the 
most  violent  clergyman  was  Rev.  Thompson  Maury,  who 
afterwards  withdrew  from  the  ministry.  The  Bishop  ruled 
that  he  was  out  of  order. 

"I  am  not  out  of  order."' 

Bishop — "Take  your  seat,  Mr.  Maury." 

Mr.  Maury — "I  am  not  out  of  order,  and  1  will  hold  the 
floor.    I  appeal  to  the  house  to  say  if  I  am  out  of  order." 

The  house  sustained  the  Bishop,  and  Mr.  Maury  reluctant- 
ly and,  muttering  something,  took  his  seat.  The  debate  con- 
tinued, the  Unionists  gaining  ground  by  their  good  temper, 
as  well  as  by  their  arguments. 

One  after  another  concluded  it  was  expedient  to  go  back, 
and  not  attempt  to  stand  simply  as  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia.     At  last,  Major  Page,  of  Hanover,  (the 


830  The  Episcopal  Church 

father  of  the  present  author,  Thomas  Nelson  Page,  of  Rich- 
mond), got  the  floor,  and  said,  in  his  characteristic  droll  way: 

"Mr.  President,  I  am  converted,— at  least,  I  think  so, — but 
I  do  not  feel  sure  about  it.  I  will  tell  you  how  I  feel,  and 
may  be  you  and  the  brethren  can  judge  for  me.  I  feel  like  the 
man  who  had  been  a  long  time  at  variance  with  his  neighbor, 
and  neither  would  speak  to  the  other,  but  always  try  to 
avoid  a  meeting.  At  last,  one  of  them  attended  a  protracted 
meeting,  and  professed  conversion.  Shortly  after,  he  met  his 
adversary,  who  attempted  to  avoid  a  meeting,  and  said  to 
him,  'See  here,  Tom,  old  fellow,  I  want  to  speak  to  you.  Fve 
been  to  that  meeting  and  got  religion, — at  least,  I  hope  so; 
for  I  feel  so  humble  that  I  am  willing  to  shake  hands  with  a 
dog,'  at  the  same  time  extending  his  hand." 

This  anecdote  had  the  happiest  effect.  After  a  good,  hearty 
laugh,  in  which  all  seemed  to  join,  the  Major  continued: 

"I  came  here  altogether  opposed  to  union  with  the  Church 
at  the  North;  but  I  have  listened  closely  to  all  the  arguments, 
and  I  am  converted  and  will  vote  for  the  resolution  to  re- 
sume union  with  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the 
United  States.'' 

When  the  vote  was  taken,  soon  after,  it  showed  quite  a 
large  majority  sustaining  the  recommendation  of  the  Bishop. 
This,  I  suppose,  was  the  heaviest  strain  ever  put  upon  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  and  the  severest 
trial  of  Bishop  Johns'  life,  during  his  episcopate.  But  he  had 
a  clear  head,  and  a  wise  head,  too,  in  dealing  with  questions 
of  nice  distinctions.  It  was  he  who  proposed  the  resolution 
in  the  House  of  Bishops,  by  which  the  term  "regeneration," 
as  used  in  the  baptismal  office,  was  declared  not  to  determine 
a  moral  change.  Thisi  agreed  upon,  has  seemed  to  settle  that 
question  in  the  minds  of  many  who  wished  it  dropped  from 
the  office  altogether.  The  last  time  I  met  him,  in  Shepherds- 
town,  he  seemed  to  wish  me  to  know  that  he  appreciated  my 
uniform  kindness  and  courtesy  to  him  ever  since  he  had  come 
to  the  Diocese,  adding,  "on  this  visit  to  your  part  of  the 
State,  you  have  been  especially  kind  and  considerate  to  me." 


in  West  Virginia.  831 

I  replied  that  "I  had  always  tried  to  do  my  duty  and  honor 
my  Bishop.  In  your  case  I  had  the  pleasure  of  voting-  for  you 
as  Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia,  thinking  you  eminently  qual- 
ified for  the  office;  and  you  have  never  disappointed  any  of 
my  expectations,  except  when,  during  the  war,  I  wished  to 
get  some  new  clothes  for  you  from  Baltimore,  which  I 
thought  you  needed,  and  you  refused,  saying:  "I  will  ask  no 
favor  of  them."  W.  T.  L. 


832  The  Episcopal  Church 


APPENDIX  X. 

Selected   Letters  of  Bishop  Peterkin,  from  the  Church  News  relat- 
ing chiefly  to  visitations  made  in  the  early  years  of  his  work. 


August  23d,  1880. 

I  spent  Sunday,  August  8th,  with  Mr.  Powers,  at  Weston, 
preaching  for  him  Saturday  night  and  Sunday  morning  and 
evening  (confirming  isix  in  the  morning),  and  at  the  Insane 
Asylum  in  the  afternoon. 

On  Tuesday,  the  10th,  Mr.  Dame  having  joined  us,  we  start- 
ed for  Jacksonville,  sixteen  miles  distant.  We  had  service 
there  at  night,  and  I  preached  to  a  good  congregation.  Be- 
tween Weston  and  Jacksonville  are  three  families  of  our 
Church-people,  and  at  the  latter  place,  one. 

On  Wednesday,  the  11th,  we  rode  twenty-eight  miles  to 
Sutton,  Braxton  Court-House.  Here  we  had  two  services, 
and  at  both,  large  congregations.  I  preached  Wednesaay 
night,  and  Mr.  Powers  Thursday  night.  We  found  one  fam- 
ily of  Episcopalians  in  Sutton,  and  Mr.  Powers  baptized  four 
children  on  Friday,  August  13th.  We  rode  up  Elk  River  to 
Addison,  (Webster  Court-House).  The  route  was  by  bridle 
path  all  the  way,  and  very  rough.  The  distance  is  said  to  be 
thirty-eight  miles,  but,  as  once  or  twice  we  lost  the  way  for 
a  time,  we  had  a  ride  of  about  forty-two  miles.  However,  ais 
we  found  a  large  congregation  expecting  services,  we  would 
not  disappoint  them,  and  Mr.  Powers  preached.  On  Sunday 
morning,  August  15th,  I  preached  to  a  very  large  congrega- 
tion, the  Methodist  ministers,  conducting  the  quarterly  con- 
ference meeting,  very  kindly  giving  way  to  us.  At  Addison, 
as  elsewhere  during  our  entire  trip,  with  the  help  of  about 
thirty  mission  service  books,  which  we  carried  with  us,  we 


i.\  West  Virginia.  833 

were  able  to  have1  the  full  Service,  as  we  believe,  to  the  satis- 
faction and  edification  of  the  people.  We  had  more  applica- 
tions for  prayer  books  llian  we  could  supply  at  the  time. 

On  Monday.  August  Kith,  we  rode  twelve  miles  to  Bergoo 
Creek,  and  camped  out  some  three  or  four  miles  from  its 
mouth,  occupying  the  late  evening  and  early  morning  in  fish- 
ing for  trout,  of  which  delightful  fisli  we  obtained  enough  to 
supply  the  demand  of  our  sharpened  appetites. 

On  Tuesday.  August  17th.  we  went  on  to.  Mingo  Flats,  a 
distance  of  about  twenty-five  miles,  by  the  road  which  we 
took.  The  main  road,  which  we  entered  near  Mingo,  (which 
is  the  lower  part  of  Randolph  county),  was  the  first  road 
other  than  a  bridle  path  we  had  seen  since  leaving  Sutton. 
At  Mingo  I  preached  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  to  a  large 
congregation. 

On  Wednesday.  August  lsth.  we  rode  to  Dr.  LigonV.  at 
Clover  Lick,  a  distance  of  about  fifteen  miles.  Here  I 
preached  on  Thursday,  the  19th,  and  baptized  a  child.  On 
Thursday  evening  I  rode  over  to  Greenbank,  twelve  miles, 
and  preached  at  night  in  the  Methodist  Church  to  a  large 
congregation.  The  few  communicants  we  have  in  Pocahon- 
tas county  are  so  very  much  scattered,  that  after  you  reach 
Uie  county  you  have  to  make  quite  an  extended  circuit  to 
visit  them. 

On  Friday.  August  20th,  1  rode  five  miles  to  Glenmore  and 
preached  in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  On  Saturday,  I  rode 
thirty  miles  to  Hillsboro  and  preached  in  the  Methodist 
Church.  I  preached  in  the  same  place  Sunday  morning,  and 
in  the  afternoon  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Huntersville  and 
preached  in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Sunday  night  I  spent 
in  the  country  about  three  miles  from  town,  at  the  house  of 
one  of  our  most  zealous  Church-people.  Monday  morning  I 
rode  into  Huntersville  and  baptized  three  children,  and  then 
went  on  fifteen  miles  further  to  Clover  Lick.  Providence  per- 
mitting, we  go  on  to-morrow  to  Mingo,  fifteen  miles,  where 
I  expect  to  preach,  and  thence  to  Buckhannon,  thirty  miles. 


834  The  Episcopal  Church 

where  I  expect  to  preach  Thursday  night.  On  Friday,  a  ride 
of  fifteen  miles  will  bring  ns  to  the  railroad,  and  our  pleasant 
trip  will  be  at  an  end. 

November  10th,  18S2. 

On  Monday,  October  2d,  I  rode  twenty  miles  to  Front  Hill, 
(Wayne  Court-House),  and  had  service  at  night.  That  was 
my  first  visit  to  Wayne,  and,  as  far  as  I  know,  the  first  time 
any  Episcopal  minister  had  visited  the  county.  I  found  no 
members  of  our  Church,  although  I  have  since  heard  of  one, 
who  failed  to  make  herself  known  to  me.  On  Tuesday,  Octo- 
ber 3d,  I  came  back  to  Huntington,  and  took  the  train  for 
Milton,  where  I  preached  to  a  large  congregation.  The  time 
must  come  soon  when  we  shall  have  a  resident  minister  at 
Huntington,  and  still  one  at  St.  Albans,  who  will  have  regu- 
lar services  at  Hurricane  and  Milton.  From  Milton.  I  rode 
twenty  miles  to  Hamlin  (Lincoln  Court-House),  where  I 
found  the  Court  in  session,  and  this  helped  to  secure  me  a 
good  congregation  at  night.  I  found  the  Mission  Service 
Books,  with  their  large  print,  of  great  use.  Although  there 
never  before  had  been  a  Service  of  our  Church  at  Hamlin, 
yet  the  responses  might  have  put  many  old  and  languid  con- 
gregation to  shame.  When  I  went  to  gather  up  the  books 
after  service,  one  old  lady,  who  had  sat  in  the  Amen  corner 
and  been  a  devout  listener,  refused  to  give  up  her  book,  say- 
ing that  she  had  not  read  it  yet.  On  Thursday  morning,  I 
returned  to  Milton  in  time  to  take  the  east-bound  train.  I 
was  riding  on  this  trip  a  remarkably  rough  old  horse;  of  this 
fact  I  could  not  but  be  fully  aware,  yet  I  was  much  amused 
when  a  countryman,  to  whom  I  was  speaking  for  a  moment 
on  the  road,  said  to  me,  "Stranger,  I  think  you  must  be  rid- 
ing Squire 's  old  Sam,  and  he's  a  mighty  rough  old 

horse!"    I  told  him  that  I  quite  agreed  with  him. 

At  Coalburgh,  where  I  preached  on  Thursday,  1  found  that 
a  political  meeting  was  announced  for  the  same  evening. 
There  was,  however,  no  conflict,  for  we  had  a  house  full,  and 
several  of  the  speakers  of  the  evening  attended  service. 


in  West  Virginia.  835 

At  Coal  Valley,  where  I  preached  on  Friday  night  and  con- 
firmed three  persons  in  Calvary  Church,  I  found  all  arrange- 
ments made  to  put  up  a  school-building  on  the  Church  lot, 
and  1  regard  this  as  -a  very  important  work.  The  public- 
school  is  in  session  only  four  months,  and  many  will  be  glad 
to  avail  themselves  of  the  advantages  our  Church-school  will 
afford  them.  It  will  be  the  means  of  bringing  to  bear  upon 
the  children  of  Coal  Valley  that  greatest  of  all  earthly 
powers,  thf  influence  of  a  good  Christian  woman. 

(Hinton. — Consecration  of  Ascension  Church  described 
elsewhere.) 

*:•        *       *       *       * 

On  Monday,  Mr.  Lacy  and  myself  made  an  early  start  for 
Princeton,  Mercer  county,  distant  about  thirty  miles  from 
Hinton.  In  going  along  the  narrow  parts  of  New  River,  on 
the  railway,  I  have  often  wondered  how  all  the  water  that 
filled  the  broad  channel  near  Hinton  could  force  its  way 
through  so  narrow  a  passage,  and  my  wonder  was  increased 
on  this  trip,  when,  after  fording  the  Greenbrier,  just  above 
Hinton,  and  finding  it  a  good,  broad  stream,  we  came  to  ford 
the  New  River  some  distance  above  the  point  where  the 
Greenbrier  joins  it.  We  found  the  river  to  be  about  four 
hundred  yards  wide,  and  in  some  places  in  depth  up  to  the 
saddle  girth.  Mr.  Lacy  proved  to  be  a  good  pilot,  and  we 
passed  safely  through. 

On  our  way  to  Princeton  we  paid  several  visits,  stopping 
among  other  places,  at  Concord,  and  going  into  the  Normal 
School,  which  is  in  charge  of  Captain  French.  Towards  the 
close  of  the  day  my  horse  began  to  show  unmistakable  signs 
of  fatigue,  of  which  more  hereafter. 

At  Princeton,  I  preached  in  the  L'niou  Church  and  con- 
firmed five  persons.  The  next  morning  (Tuesday,  the  10th,)  I 
preached  again  in  i  he  same  place,  administered  the  Commun- 
ion and  continued  one  person.  During  our  stay  in  Princeton. 
I  baptized  an  infant  and  an  adult,  and  Mr.  Lacy  baptized  an 
adult.  Although  we  have  so  few  services  in  Princeton,  the 
two  previous  visits  of  Mr.  Lacy,  during  the  last  year  being 


S36  Thi:  Episcopal  Church 

(lie  onlv  visit  from  an  Episcopal  minister  to  the  town  before 
our  joint  visit,  yet  we  deemed  it  expedient  to  organize  a  mis- 
sion. And  so  we  have  added  Prince  ton  Mission  to  our  num- 
ber, with  eleven  communicants,  and  the  Church  in  the  future 
to  be  called  the  Church  of  the  Heavenly  Rest. 

On  Tuesday,  the  10th,  we  rode  about  twenty  miles  and 
stopped  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  new  mining  town  of  Poca- 
hontas; we  expected  to  preach  there,  although  it  is  over  the 
line  in  Virginia,  but  we  were  delayed  in  our  day's  travel  by 
the  dullness  of  my  horse,  and  we  found  also  upon  our  ar- 
rival, that  a  few  days  before  the  floor  had  been  taken  up  in 
tin-  only  building  available  for  the  purpose  of  service  AW 
had  a  cordial  reception  at  Pocahontas  from  Captain  Miller 
and  Colonel  Norborne  Berkeley;  the  latter  we  found  was  an 
old  school-mate  of  Bishop  Whittle's,  and  he  asked  particu- 
larly after  him.  I  have  rarely,  if  ever,  seen  a  more  busy 
place  than  Pocanhontas,  what,  with  six  openings  for  coal, 
which  they  are  working  vigorously,  piling  up  the  coal  in 
great  stacks,  and  the  building  of  many  houses  in  the  town, 
and  preparing  the  bed  for  the  railway,  and  building  coke 
ovens,  and  straightening  the  course  of  a  troublesome  run, 
and  driving  a  tunnel  for  the  railroad,  and  other  things  going 
on,  they  seem  about  as  busy  in  Pocahontas  as  people  ever 
get. 

From  Pocahontas,  we  came  on  through  the  upper  corner 
of  Tazewell  county,  Virginia,  going  by  the  mouth  of  the 
mimes,  and  up  Flat  Top  Mountain  till  we  came  to  the  ''peeled 
chestnuts,"  When  our  route  was  henceforth  by  bridle  paths; 
in  about  thirty  miles  we  came  to  Cartwright's,  where  we 
spent  Wednesday  night,  October  11th.  When  Mr.  Lacy  rode 
up  to  Mr.  Cartwright  and  asked  him  if  he  could  take  care  of 
us  for  the  night,  he  replied,  in  his  characteristic  way,  "If  yon 
can  stand  me,  I  reckon  I  can  stand  you." 

By  the  time  we  reached  the  point,  which  on  the  map  re- 
joices in  the  name  of  Snake-Koot,  my  horse  seemed  complete- 
ly fagged.  Mr.  Cartwright  came  in  the  morning  with  the 
cheering  intelligence  that  he  did  not  think  I  would  ever  get 


in  West  Virginia.  837 

him  bark  to  the  stable  from  which  he  started.  As  we  were 
eighty  miles  from  our  base  of  supplies,  and  had  upwards  of 
two  hundred  miles  of  rough  mountain  road  still  before  us, 
the  effect  of  this  may  be  imagined;  after  full  consultation, 
we  determined  to  leave  behind  most  of  our  baggage  and  the 
jaded  beast,  which  we  called  Gilbert,  and  press  on  in  two 
columns,  consisting  of  equal  numbers  of  cavalry  and  infantry, 
which  we  did  accordingly  on  Thursday  morning.  To  make  a 
fair  division  of  labor,  we  adopted  the  "ride  and  tie''  plan, 
which  I  will,  for  the  benefit  of  the  uninitiated,  explain  to 
mean  that,  one  rides  for  a  given  time,  and  then  ties  the  horse 
by  the  roadside;  when  the  man  on  foot  comes  up  he  takes 
the  horse,  passes  his  fellow  at  the  end  of  a  given  time,  ties 
in  turn,  and  goes  on  until  the  distance  is  accomplished. 

On  this  occasion  we  were  fortunate  enough  to  secure  an- 
other horse,  after  traveling  as  above  about  eight  miles  of  the 
twenty,  and  we  were  also  fortunate  enough  to  dine  at  Mr. 
Beaver's,  who  treated  us  with  great  kindness.  I  can  testify 
to  the  fact  that  Mr.  Lacy  walks  well  and  does  not  get  tired. 
He  was.  however,  greatly  relieved  when  we  secured  the  sec- 
ond horse,  for  he  was  afraid  that,  if  we  entered  Peeryville 
(McDowell  Court-House),  as  we  set  out  from  Cartwright's, 
the  good  people  of  that  metropolis  would  think  the  Episco- 
pal Chnrch  was  a  one-horse  kind  of  affair. 

November.  1882. 

At  Peeryrc -ille.  Judge  Payne  kindly  invited  us  to  supper, 
and  made  all  the  needful  arrangements  for  service  by  light- 
ing the  Court-House;  two  small  kerosene  lamps  sufficing  for 
the  purpose;  and  also  by  ringing  the  bell,  which  was  a  good- 
sized  dinner  bell,  whose  tones  could  be  heard  throughout  tin- 
entire  village,  as  the  Judge  stood  in  the  door  of  the  Court- 
Eouse  and  swung  the  bell  quite  lustily. 

At  the  recent  session  of  the  Court,  Judge  Johnson,  the 
Circuil  .Judge,  had  kindly  given  notice  of  the  appointment, 
and  this  helped  to  secure  a  good  congregation.  Before  reach- 
ing Peeryville,  we  had  taken  the  precaution  to  ask  a  promi- 


83"8  The  Episcopal  Church 

nent  citizen  of  the  county  a.s  to  the  general  religious  condi- 
tion of  the  community,  and  particularly  as  to  what  religious 
services  were  held  in  the  Court-House.  He  told  me  that 
"  they  used  to  follow  preaching  pretty  sharp  up  there,  but 
they  have  quit  it  of  late."  However,  we  found  that  they  had 
not  altogether  "quit  it."  The  ever-active  Methodist  minister 
penetrates  those  wilds  once  a  month,  and  other  ministers  oc- 
casionally. But,  as  an  offset  to  this,  we  heard,  to  our  sur- 
prise and  grief,  that  Mormon  missionaries  have  been  and 
still  are  at  work  in  the  county.  In  eighteen  months  some  six 
persons  have  given  in  adherence  to  their  system.  The  good 
people  of  Peeryville  have  however,  under  the  leadership  of 
our  friend,  Judge  Payne,  informed  the  Mormons  that  their 
services  will  be  dispensed  with  in  that  particular  locality. 

On  Friday,  the  13th,  we  started  for  Oceana  (Wyoming 
Court-House),  having  first  to  return  twenty  miles  to  Cart- 
wright's,  where  I  had  left  my  horse,  ''Gilbert.-'  Mr.  Cart- 
wright  called  us  very  early  to  see  the  "blazing  star"  (pro- 
nounced "stare"),  and  there  it  was  in  all  its  glory,  the  comet 
of  which  we  had  heard  so  much.  It  will  be  noted  that  this, 
our  experience  on  Saturday  morning,  October  14th,  com- 
pletely upsets  the  argument  of  a  late  article  in  the  New 
York  Times.  The  ingenious  writer  of  that  article  contended 
that  this  story  of  a  comet  visible  only  at  an  unearthly  hour  of 
the  morning,  is  all  a  hoax.  He  says,  "The  ingenious  inventor 
of  what  should  be  called  the  cometery  hoax  asserted  that  the 
comet  could  only  be  seen  at  half-past  three  in  the  morning. 
He  knew  that  no  one  except  the  professional  burglar  would 
ever  be  in  a  position  to  see  comets  at  half-past  three  a.  m.. 
and  (hat,  hence,  his  assertion  that  a  splendid  comet  could 
be  seen  at  that  hour  would  probably  escape  contradiction. 
Who  has  seen  the  comet?  If  the  unprejudiced  truthseeker 
will  ask  every  person  in  the  range  of  his  acquaintance,  if  he 
or  she  has  seen  the  comet,  the  answer  will  uniformly  be  "no." 
The  simple  fact  is  that  hardly  any  amount  of  evidence  can 
ever  satisfactorily  establish  the  existence  of  a  comet  visible 
at  only  half-past  three  a.  m." 


in  West  Virginia.  839 

So  says  the  writer  in  the  New  York  Times,  but  I  feel  safe 
in  saying  that  he  never  spent  a  night  with  Moses  Oartwright, 
Esq.,  on  Tug  River,  in  the  county  of  McDowell,  West  Vir- 
ginia, and  had  the  benefit,  as  we  did,  of  his  astronomical  ob- 
servations. One  happy  result  of  our  vision  of  the  "blazing 
stare"  on  that  Saturday  morning,  was  that  we  were  able  to 
make  an  unusually  early  start.  Our  breakfast  this  morning 
consisted  largely  of  bread  prepared  by  grating  the  new  ears 
of  corn  on  what  may  be  called  a  mammoth  nutmeg  grater. 
I  cordially  recommend  the  diet  as  both  wholesome  and  tooth- 
some. 

A  ride  of  thirty  miles  brought  us  to  Wyoming  Court- 
House,  where  we  were  most  kindly  received  and  hospitably 
entertained  by  Mr.  Chambers.  Here  we  had  service  morning 
and  evening,  Sunday,  the  15th,  and  good  congregations.  The 
Valley  of  the  Clear  Fork  of  Guyandotte  River,  in  which  the 
Court-Honse  stands  is  rich  and  beautiful. 

On  Monday,  the  16th,  we  rode  about  thirty  miles  to  Arra- 
coina,  Logan  Court-House,  at  night.  Our  ride  this  day  was 
remarkable  for  the  fact  that  we  rode  down  Huff's  Creek, 
almost  literally  down  the  bed  of  it,  for  fourteen  miles.  For- 
tunately, the  water  was  low,  or  we  could  not  have  gotten 
along  at  all.  Of  course,  we  wrere  not  literally  riding  in  the 
water  all  the  way,  but  we  were  always  where  the  water 
sometimes  runs,  and  as  often  in  as  out  of  it.  Mr.  Lacy  had 
heard  that  we  had  to  cross  a  certain  creek  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  times,  and  so,  after  we  had  ridden  for  some  miles, 
he  thought  Huff's  Creek  must  be  that  particular  one.  He 
concluded  to  count  the  crossings,  or,  rather,  the  number  of 
times  we  were  in  the  water,  but  soon  gave  up  in  despair. 
After  we  had  '•mouthed  it  out"  (i.  e.,  followed  it  out  to  its 
mouth),  he  asked  a  man  we  met  on  the  road,  how  often  we 
had  crossed  it  in  coming  down.  "Only  once,"  was  tin-  reply; 
''you  go  in  at  one  end  of  it  and  come  out  at  the  other."' 

I  made  some  enquiries  as  to  the  origin  of  the  name  "Arra- 
r-oina,"  and  was  (old  that,  according  to  tradition,  this  was 
the  name  of  a  daughter  of  the  old  Indian  Chief  Logan.     I 


840  The  Episcopal  Church 

find  that  in  West  Virginia,  more  than  in  any  other  State  of 
which  I  have  any  knowledge,  the  name  of  the  county  towns 
has  some  connection,  or  association,  with  the  names  of  the 
county,  as  the  following  instances  will  suffice  to  show:  I 
give  the  name  of  the  county  first,  and  then  the  name  of  the 
town  in  italics:  Randolph,  Beverley;  Pocahontas,  Hunters- 
mile;  Lincoln.  Hamlin]  Mercer,  Princeton:  Barbour,  Phil- 
lippi;  Tucker.  St.  George;  Monroe,  Union;  Clay,  Henri/;  Grant, 
Petersburg;  Logan,  Arracoina. 

From  Logan  Court-House,  a  ride  of  twenty-five  miles 
brought  us  to  Madison,  Boone  Court-House.  Here  a  great 
surprise  was  in  store  for  us,  for  our  friend,  Major  Broun,  of 
Charleston,  was  in  attendance  on  the  Court,  then  in  session, 
and,  receiving  us  as  his  guests,  established  us  in  the  hospita- 
ble home  of  Mrs.  Hopkins- 

At  night  we  had  the  Court-House  filled,  with  an  attentive 
congregation,  and,  with  Major  Broun's  help,  we  were  able  to 
render  the  service  with  more  spirit  than  usual.  And  here  I 
may  say  that,  although  in  seven  of  the  eight  large  counties 
which  I  have  visited  on  this  extended  horse-back  tour  of 
about  four  hundred  miles,  there  had  never  been  before,  so 
far  as  I  know,  an  Episcopal  minister;  yet,  with  the  help  of 
our  "large  print"  Misision  Service  Books,  we  have  never  fail- 
ed to  have  the  Service  intact,  nor  did  we  ever  fail  to  have  a 
reasonable  response.  In  four  years'  time,  1  have  had  some 
little  experience  in  new  places,  and  I  am  free  to  say  that,  if 
you  want  people  in  the  country,  who  know  nothing  about  our 
Church  or  her  Services,  to  take  part  in  our  public  worship, 
you  must  have  large  print.  Country  churches,  school-houses 
and  court -houses  are  poorly  lighted;  nor  have  the  people  who 
assemble  in  such  places  any  very  remarkable  facility  in  read- 
ing: therefore,  I  say  again,  have  large  print.  Who  will  head 
a  resolution  in  this  matter,  and  give  us  prayer  books  with 
large  print? 

From  Boone  Court-House  to  Beckley,  Raleigh  Court- 
House,  it  was  a  long  and  weary  road.  We  took  two  days  for 
it,  riding  about  thirty  miles  a  day.     By  the  way,  Mr.  Lacy, 


in  West  Virginia.  841 

who  tl<H\s  more  horse-back  riding;  than  all  the  vest  of  us  put 
together,  earnestly  contends  that,  to  get  at  the  brue  dis- 
tance of  any  place  in  the  mountains,  you  must  add  aboul 
half  a  mile  to  every  alleged  mile  of  the  way.  There  were 
times  in  our  trip  when  1  was  as  fully  convinced  that  he  was 
right  as  I  ever  was  of  anything  in  my  life.  Our  route  during 
these  two  days  of  travel  led  us  through  a  section  of  country 
drained  by  the  Little  and  Big  Coal  Rivers,  and  which  is  re- 
markable as  having  the  largest  deposits  of  cannel  coal  any- 
where in  the  whole  land,  perhaps  in  the  world.  The  time 
cannot  be  far  distant  when  the  railroads  will  make  these  won- 
derful deposits  available  to  the  outside  world. 

i'ersons  have  asked  me  sometimes,  "How  do  you  find  your 
way  through  such  a  rough  country,  where  often  there  are  no 
regular  roads?''  The  easiest  way,  perhaps,  is  to  have  a  good 
woodsman  along.  And,  my  friend,  clergyman  or  layman, 
whosoever  you  be,  who  reads  this  page,  when  you  take  this 
or  a  similar  trip,  you  must  secure  whom  you  can  for  this  deli- 
cate office.  For  myself,  I  shall  stick  to  my  friend,  Mr.  Lacy, 
who  seems  to  know  by  intuition,  just  how  far  it  is  to  any 
place  to  which  you  want  to  go,  and  which  is  the  true  out  of 
many  diverging  paths,  and  also  just  where  you  will  be  when 
you  "mouth  out"  some  creek,  or  "head  it  up,"  which  you 
have  been  wading  through  for  hours. 

After  all,  it  is  not,  however,  quite  so  difficult  a  thing  as 
one  would  imagine  to  find  your  .way  through  such  a  country. 
The  general  direction  is,  "Follow  the  water  courses  up  and 
down.*'  The  directions  we  received  at  Boone  Court-House 
to  guid °  us  to  Raleigh  Court-House  will  illustrate  this:  Go 
1 1 1  >  Little  Coal  River  until  you  come  to  the  Fond  Fork;  then 
up  the  Pond  Fork  to  the  West  Fork;  then  up  West  Fork  to 
Brown's  Creek;  then  up  Brown's  Creek  till  you  can't  go  up 
any  more, — in  short,  to  the  top  of  the  mountain,  the  divide 
betweeD  Little  and  Big  Coal  Rivers;  then  down  Little  Elk 
River,  "mouthing  it  out."  and  such  a  descent!  thence  up  Big 
Coal  River  to  the  junction  of  the  Clear  and  the  Marsh  Fork: 
ili.ii  up  Clear  Fork,  and  so  on  ad  infinitum. 


842  The  Episcopal.  Church 

We   arrived  at   Raleigh   Court-House ,  on    the   evening   of 

Thursday,  the  ll>th,  after  an  all-day  ride  in  the  rain,  but  in 
good  condition,  notwithstanding.  Here  we  had  a  large  con- 
gregation, and  a  most  cordial  reception.  I  propose  to  visit 
Raleigh  again  in  the  spring.  Among  the  most  pleasing  inci- 
dents of  our  visit  here  was  the  meeting  with  General  Beck- 
ley.  He  settled  in  this  county  in  183G,  and,  through  his 
efforts,  the  county  organization  was  secured.  Though  sepa 
rated  from  his  Church  for  so  long  a  time,  I  found  his  affec- 
tion for  it  unabated.  I  trust  his  life  may  be  spared  to  see 
regular  services  in  this  county,  with  whose  history  he  has 
been  for  so  long  a  time  identified. 

On  Friday,  we  rode  about  twenty-five  miles  to  Hinton,  our 
place  of  departure.  The  town  seemed  quite  a  city  to  us,  as 
we  stood  on  the  farther  bank  of  the  New  River;  and  when 
we  touched  the  Hinton  side  of  the  river,  we  could  not  but 
thank  God  for  the  goodness  that  had  brought  us  safely 
through  our  long  trip,  and  take  courage  at  the  thought  of 
the  warm  welcome  our  Church  had  everywhere  received.  We 
trust  to  see  again  the  faces  of  those  among  whom  we  have 
gladly  gone,  preaching  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God. 

December,  1882. 

Because  I  have  no  more  letters  to  write  at  present,  of 
travels  through  the  mountains,  it  must  not  be  inferred  that 
I  have  gone  into  winter  quarters. 

To  speak  accurately,  I  might  say  that  during  the  summer 
and  fall,  my  "■headquarters"  are  "in  the  saddle,''  and  during 
the  winter  and  spring  in  a  railroad  car.  The  State  has  been 
pretty  wTell  canvassed  during  these  four  years  past.  I  have 
been  in  all  the  counties,  save  five,  and  have  held  service  in 
all  save  seven.  Our  masisionaries  now  reach,  with  some  de- 
gree of  regularity,  thirty-one  counties  out  of  the  whole  num- 
ber, fifty-four. 

August.  1S84. 
On  Wednesday,  August  13th,  I  preached  in  a  school-house 
at  Fort  Spring.     Rev.  Dr.  Lacy,  of  Lewisburg,  has  added  to 


i.n  West  Virginia.  $4-3 

his  oilier  labors  that  of  an  occasional  service  at  this  point, 
which  is  on  the  confines  of  his  parish.  He  had  prepared  the 
way  for  this  visit  of  mine  by  preaching  the  Sunday  night  pre- 
vious. It  was  in  regard  to  this  occasion  that  I  saw  stuck  up 
on  a  telegraph  pole  near  the  station  the  following: 

NOTICE! 

•The  Rev.  Dr.  Lacy  will  deliver  Divine  Service  in  the 
School-House  on  Sunday,  August  10th.  at  early  candlelight." 

Although  the  form  of  the  announcement  was  rather  un- 
usual, I  feel  safe  in  assuring  the  readers  of  the  Church  News 
that  Dr.  Lacy  does  not  on  these  occasions  indulge  in  any 
eccentricities  of  Ritual,  or  in  any  novelties  that  disturb  the 
peace. 

October,  1884. 

My  aunual  visit  to  Pocahontas  county  was  made  the  last 
week  in  August.  On  Saturday,  the  30th,  in  company  with 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Lacy,  I  drove  from  the  railroad  to  Hillsboro,  a 
distance  of  about  forty  miles,  having  service  that  night.  A 
young  man,  who  was  travelling  through  the  country  in  the 
interest  of  some  Baltimore  house,  met  us  at  Frankford  and 
tried  to  dissuade  us  from  venturing  further  into  the  interior, 
but  when  he  came  to  know  something  of  our  former  varied 
experience,  and  especially  that  I  had  campaigned  through 
the  country  in  1861,  he  concluded  that  we  knew  more  about 
it  than  he  did. 

On  Sunday,  August  31st,  we  had  service  both  in  Hillsboro 
and  Huntersville,  the  distance  between  them  being  eighteen 
miles.  In  Huntersville  we  hope  soon  to  have  a  lot.  and  then 
go  on  to  the  erection  of  a  church.  On  Monday  we  had  ser- 
vice at  Clover  Lick,  in  Dr.  Ligon's  house,  eighteen  miles  from 
Huntersville,  and  on  Tuesday  at  the  school-house  about  three 
miles  higher  up  the  mountain,  where  I  confirmed  two.  At 
Clover  Lick  we  have  a  beautiful  lot  for  a  church,  and  we 
trust  the  next  year  to  see  it  built. 

That  night  we  pushed  on  to  Hillsboro,  on  our  return,  a  dis- 
tance of  about   twenty-five  miles.     And  the  nexl   day,  Sep- 


844  The  Episcopal  Church 

tember  3d,  Dr.  Lacy  having  left  ine  to  attend  a  wedding,  I 
drove  on  thirty-seven  miles,  to  Mr.  Church's,  where  I  spent 
the  night.  Most  of  our  trip  thus  far  described  was  rendered 
notable  by  our  most  reasonable  anxiety  in  regard  to  our 
buggy,  which,  after  all  the  patching  our  skill  could  devise 
for  it,  still  threatened  to  break  utterly  down.  A  judicious 
exchange  on  this  last  day  relieved  me  of  further  anxiety.  On 
Thursday,  the  4th,  I  had  service  at  Epiphany  Chapel,  Glen- 
roc,  .md  on  Friday  administered  the  Commnaion  in  the  same 
place. 

Sunday,  September  7th,  was  spent  at  Hinton,  where  I 
preached  morning  and  night  and  confirmed  one.  In  the  after- 
noon, I  rode  down  to  Brook  Station,  about  five  miles  distant, 
and  preached  in  a  grove  by  the  roadside.  As  there  was  a  big 
camp-meeting  going  on  near  Hinton,  horses  were  scarce;  in 
fact,  there  were  none  to  be  had.  After  considerable  search, 
a  little  mule  was  found,  on  which  I  made  the  trip,  in  moder- 
ate comfort.  The  ride  would  have  been  more  pleasant  if  the 
day  had  not  been  so  warm,  and  the  mule  had  not  been  so  dull. 
As  I  came  back  to  Hinton,  about  6  p.  m.,  I  afforded  a  good 
deal  of  amusement  to  a  party  of  boys,  who  were  walking  out 
in  the  suburbs  of  the  town.  One  of  them  accosted  me  with, 
"Mister,  will  you  sell  that  mule?"  and  another  with,  ''Mister, 

is  that  a  young  mule?" 

****** 

Sunday,  the  21st,  was  spent  at  Willow  Island  and  at  Wil- 
liamstown.  At  the  latter  place  I  confirmed  one.  The  dis- 
tance between  these  points  wais  made  by  Mr.  Woods  and 
myself  in  a  skiff,  as  we  have  done  several  times  before.  On 
this  occasion,  the  river  was  so  low  that  we  were  once  seri- 
ously stranded,  and  often  had  to  move  very  cautiously  in  the 
shallow  water. 

We  found  the  Ohio  River  Road  a  great  comfort  on  this 
trip,  and  could  not  help  comparing  our  fortune — when  we 
got  home — with  that  of  Mr.  Hammond,  who,  having  no  rail- 
road to  help  him,  had  to  work  his  way  by  water  down  to 
Ravenswood.    He  was  from  Fridav  mid-dav  to  Saturday  mid 


in  West  Virginia.  845 

day  in  getting  started,  and  then,  such  a  start!  Upon  an  old 
barge,  on  which  all  the  passengers  had  to  work  like  deck- 
hands, when  they  came  to  the  shoals,  and  that  was  frequent- 
ly. But  at  last,  when  sixteen  miles  was  made,  it  was  thought 
best  to  give  it  up,  and  he  then  struck  off  through  Ohio,  until 
lie  reached  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Road,  and  reached 
Parkersburg  after  mid-night.  The  result  of  two  days"  work 
was  to  land  just  at  the  point  from  which  he  started.  Mr. 
Hammond  may  be  depended  upon  to  vote  for  a  railroad  down 
i  he  river. 

September,  1885. 

****** 

My  last  service  was  held  in  the  Court-House  at  Elizabeth. 
In  the  jail  which  forms  part  of  the  building,  was  one  who  but 
for  want  of  accommodation,  would  have  been  in  the  Insane 
Asylum  at  Weston.  To  have  such  a  one  begin  preaching 
when  you  do,  and  continue  with  you  through  your  sermon,  is, 
to  say  the  least  of  it,  far  from  helpful. 

January,  1886. 

On  Friday,  December  11th,  I  visited  Shaw  for  the  firsl 
time.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Gibbons  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pearson  had 
each  previously  visited  the  village  and  preached  to  the  peo- 
ple. On  this  occasion  I  was  accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Humphrey,  of  Piedmont.  Mr.  Humphrey  resides  in  Piedmont 
tas  do  most  of  his  congregation),  but  the  church  building 
being  across  the  river,  in  the  town  of  Western  Port,  he  is 
counted  as  belonging  to  Maryland.  J  cannot  but  have  a  spec- 
ial regard  for  the  people  who  live  in  the  liniitis  of  our  Diocese, 
and  feel  as  if  I  must  look  in  upon  them  occasionally  even  if 
they  are  reported  to  another  Council  than  our  own. 

As  Piedmont  is  the  natural  centre  of  Mineral  county,  L 
asked  Mr.  Humphrey  to  go  with  me  to  Shaw,  hoping  to  in- 
terest him  in  the  people  there,  and  I  am  sure  that  whatever 
lie  may  be  able  to  do  for  them  in  time  to  come,  he  will  not 
have  anything  but  pleasant  recollections  of  his  first  visit. 
We  stayed  with  Mr.  J.  Woodward,  whose  wife,  for  some  time 


S46  The  Episcopal  Church 

past,  has  been  teaching  a  Sunday-school  and  trying  in  other 

ways,  to  influence  the  children  and  neighbors  for  good. 

****** 

It  was  interesting  to  me  to  find  that  Mr.  Woodward  is  the 
great-great-grandson  of  Bishop  Seabury.  I  could  not  but  feel 
when  we  came  away  from  Shaw  that  we  had  here  a  most 
important  centre  for  missionary  work.  Among  the  baptisms, 
at  the  services  we  held,  was  that  of  a  little  child,  it  was  as- 
certained to  be  a  distant  cousin  of  David  Livingstone.  Her 
mother  I  old  me  that  she  had  attended  Dr.  McLeod's  Church 
in  (Glasgow.  It  was  interesting  to  find  the  memories  of  such 
men  as  Bishop  Seabury,  David  Livingstone  and  Norman  Mc- 
Leod  cherished  in  the  little  mountain  village. 

In  the  midst  of  the  sermon  which  was  preached  in  the 
school-house,  I  heard  a  gentle  tap  at  the  door,  and  asked 
someone  to  answer  it,  not  knowing  the  occasion  of  the  inter- 
ruption. When  the  door  was  opened,  in  walked  three  little 
boys  (none  of  them  being  higher  than  a  yard-stick).  They 
had  come  late,  and,  not  being  able  to  turn  the  knob,  had  been 
compelled  to  appeal  to  those  inside  by  knocking.  They  were 
so  little,  and  so  grave  in  their  demeanor  as  they  walked  up 
and  took  their  seats  in  the  front  part  of  the  room,  that  few 
could  avoid  smiling  at  them. 

March,  1886. 
While  it  is  our  wisdom  and  pleasure  to  dwell  generally 
upon  the  bright  side  of  our  work,  yet  it  may  not  be  amiss 
sometimes  to  record  experiences  that  are  not  very  helpful  or 
encouraging,  and  so  I  write  now  of  what  may  well  be  called 
an  unsuccessful  trip. 

Encouraged  by  the  good  weather  during  the  latter  part  of 
February,  1  made  an  engagement  to  visit  Hartford  City  and 
Ravenswood  on  the  3d  and  Hh  of  March,  respectively.  As  1 
was  to  return  to  Parkersburg  from  another  trip  on  Tuesday, 
the  2d.  both  Mr.  Wirgman  and  I  thought  it  isafe  to  arrange 
that  I  should  take  the  steamer  Minnie  Bay  on  Wednesday 
morning,  preaching  that  night  at  Hartford  City,  sixty  miles 
distant,  and  coming  back  to  Ravenswood,  twenty-five  miles 


in  West  Virginia.  8-4-7 

nearer  Parkersburg,  hold  service  there  on  Thursday  evening, 
and  return  to  Parkersburg  during  the  night.  When  Wednes- 
day morning  came,  the  river  was  so  full  of  ice  that  the  Min- 
nie Bay,  and,  indeed,  all  other  boats,  were  laid  up,  and  so  I 
look  the  morning  train  to  go  around  through  Ohio,  expect- 
ing to  reach  Pomeroy  in  time  to  cross  the  river  and  drive  up 
lo  Hartford  City  for  evening  service.  But  here  our  troubles 
began.  For  some  cause,  not  known,  the  Ohio  Central  train 
was  hue,  and  I  had  to  wait  a  long  time  in  the  depot  at 
Athens,  and  in  consequence  did  not  get  to  Pomeroy  until 
after  six  o'clock.  Still  T  had  ample  time  to  make  my  appoint- 
ment, but,  alas  for  the  vanity  of  human  expectations!  After 
my  buggy  was  at  the  door,  I  found  that  the  ferryman  was 
unwilling  to  venture  across  the  river  again  on  account  of  the 
heavy  ice,  which  was  running  very  freely.  As  my  offer  of  ad- 
ditional pay  would  not  overcome  his  scruples,  I  was  forced 
very  reluctantly  to  give  up  all  hope  of  reaching  Hartford, 
and  so  the  service  went  by  default;  as  it  turned  out  that  Mr. 
Wirgman,  who  was  in  the  neighborhood,  was  unable  to  get 
ou1  on  account  of  severe  neuralgia. 

The  next  morning,  Thursday,  the  41  li,  I  got  across  the  river 
and  found,  on  driving  up  to  Hartford,  that  Mr.  Wirgman  had 
taken  advantage  of  an  early  stray  boat,  of  which  I  knew 
nothing,  and  had  gone  on  to  Kavenswood,  twenty-five  miles 
up  the  river.  I  found  no  other  opportunity  during  the  day, 
and  as  1  was  obliged  to  be  home  on  Friday,  to  be  ready  to 
start  away  again  on  Saturday,  I  returned  to  Pomeroy  in  the 
early  afternoon,  and  took  the  train  for  Parkersburg,  reach- 
ing home  about  half-past  two  on  Friday  morning,  after  a 
delay  of  live  hours  in  the  depot  at  Ma< Arthur  Junction.  The 
trip  may  thus  be  summed  up:  1  was  away  from  home  about 
thirty-six  hours,  of  which  at  least  thirty  two  were  spent  in 
Ohio,  going  and  coming  and  waiting  at  the  depots  for  delayed 
trains ;  1  missed  both  of  my  appointments  and  invested  about 
ten  dollars  in  the  trip.  I  paid  several  visits  and  gained  some 
experience,  and  now  I  wish  more  earnestly  than  ever  that 


848  The  Episcopal  Church 

the  projected  extension  of  the  Ohio  River  Road  to     Point 
Pleasanl  may  be  consummated  during  the  year. 

September  10th.  1886. 

****** 

Ait  Shaw  I  preached  in  a  little  school  house;  confirmed  three 
persons.  Mr.  Gibbons  had  previously  baptized  six  persons 
and  one  adult.  Our  visit  had  been  announced  some  two  weeks 
previously,  and  the  children  of  the  Sunday-school  were  es- 
pecially interested.  One  little  girl  said  to  Mr.  Woodward, 
"You  ought  not  to  have  told  me  so  long  before:  it  will  seem 
so  long  to  wait/'  T  noticed  a  marked  difference  in  the  re- 
sponses since  my  last  visit. 

At  Davis  I  preached  in  a  large  engine-house,  to  a  full  and 

attentive  congregation. 

*  *  *  *  *  * 

It  is  only  right  to  say  that  we  took  advantage  of  our  short 
stay  in  Davis  to  visit  the  Falls  of  the  Blackwater  and  the 
Dobbin  House,  which  was  for  so  many  years  the  headquar- 
ters of  the  hunters  and  fisher®.  The  Falls  far  exceeded  our 
expectations.  The  half  was  not  told  us.  The  path  by  which 
you  reach  them  is  itself  a  curiosity.  For  about  two  miles  it 
leads  you  by  the  river  bank,  with  a  dtemse  forest  on  one  side, 
tilled  with  the  fallen  and  moss-covered  trunks  of  giant  trees, 
and  grown-up  so  thickly  with  laurel  and  other  undergrowth 
as  to  be,  in  most  places,  "literally  impassible,  and  on  the  other 
side  the  dark,  richly-colored  waters  of  the  river,  dashing  over 
the  rocks  and  constantly  suggestive  to  those  who  handle  the 
rod  and  reel.  The  path  itself  is  ludicrously  rough  and  intri- 
cate, only  less  impassible  than  the  thicket.  Over  a  net-work 
of  laurel  and  other  mighty  roots,  the  debris  of  ages  has  fallen 
and  offers  for  your  tread  a  substance  very  like  a  sponge  in 
its  softness  and  capacity  to  hold  the  water.  Between  the 
roots  and  the  rocks  you  can  run  your  cane  down  indefinitely, 
and  sometimes  a  carelesis  step  will  cause  you  to  realize  that 
you  yourself  are  liable  to  go  down  like  the  cane.  On  this 
walk,  just  before  we  reached  the  Falls,  I  heard  an  exclama- 


in  West  Virginia.  849 

tio]i.  and,  looking  around,  saw  Mr.  Gibbons  pulling  away  at 
Mr.  Pearson  to  extricate  him  from  one  of  these  treacherous 
holes.  The  sheer  fall  of  the  water  is  sixty-three  feet,  and 
that  amid  the  wildest  surroundings.  In  the  unbroken  soli- 
tude of  the  virgin  forest,  and  under  the  towering  crests  of 
the  mountains,  it  is,  next  to  Niagara,  by  far  the  most  impres- 
sive thing  of  the  kind  I  have  ever  seen. 

The  Dobbin  House  boasts  of  a  clearing  of  about  thirty 
acres, — the  only  one  in  all  this  country.  The  house  is  dilapi- 
dated, and  is  occupied  by  a  miner's  family,  who  treated  us 
very  courteously.  The.  bears  come  almost  daily  to  within  a. 
few  yards  of  the  house,  after  blackberries,  which  grow  plen- 
tifully. We  went  through  the  patches,  which  they  had  tram- 
pled down,  and  enjoyed  what  they  had  considerately  spared. 
If  Mr.  Pearson  were  writing  this  article,  he  would  no  doubt 
tell  of  an  encounter  which  Mr.  Gibbons  had  with  a  bear  in 
this  place  several  years  ago.  The  meeting  was  very  unex- 
pected at  a  distance  from  the  house  not  more  than  fifty  yards, 
and  was,  I  understand,  a  great  surprise  to  both  parties.  I 
am  informed  that,  since  the  memorable  evening,  Mr.  Gib- 
bons has  not  been  able  thoroughly  to  enjoy  even  the  tame 
travelling  bears  that  one  sometimes  meets  in  the  country 
which  amuse  the  bystanders  by  performing  an  awkward 
dance  at  the  command  of  their  master.        *  * 

Our  visit  to  Sutton  was  particularly  encouraging.  Three 
persons  were  confirmed,  which  gives  us  nine  communicants, 
where  a  few  years  ago  we  had  but  two.  One  of  our  congrega- 
tion walks  nine  miles  to  service,  and  then  has  to  walk  back 
again.  His  wife  was  to  have  been  confirmed,  and  his  little 
girl  baptized,  but  he  was  unable  to  procure  any  means  of 
conveyance  for  them.  We  trust  that  the  service  was  profita- 
ble to  this  zealous  Churchman;  he  certainly  showed  the  live- 
liest interest  in  all  that  was  said  and  done,  and,  even  if  he 
himself  did  not  receive  much  good,  yet  he  did  good  to  two 
people  at  least;  that  is,  to  the  Bishop  and  Dr.  Lacy.  I  am 
sure  both  of  them  felt  the  stimulus  of  such  an  example,  and 


850  '  The  Episcopal  Ohukch 

are  both  of  fchem  more  than  ever  determined  to  carry  pn  the 
work  they  have  in  hand. 

December  loth,  1886. 

*  ::•  *  ■*-  *  * 

In  regard  to  all  such  (mission)  work,  and  especially  that 
which  the  children  are  prompted  to  do,  the  old  saying  re- 
mains true  that,  where  there  is  a  will,  there  is  a  way  I  was 
talking  to  a  Sunday-school  teacher  the  other  day  in  a  certain 
place,  and  she  was  telling  me  how  the  children  exerted  them- 
selves to  make  money  to  keep  up  their  missionary  offerings. 
She  said  that  a  few  days  before,  when  the  question  was 
raised  in  the  class  as  to  how  the  pennies  were  raised  for  such 
objects,  one  little  boy  spoke  up  and  said,  "I  make  my  pennies 
by  taking  castor  oil."  This  wars  sufficiently  amusing,  but  the 
eliinax  was  reached  when  another  little  boy,  sitting  by,  said. 
'"I  expect  it  does  him  as  much  good  as  it  does  the  Heathen/' 
So  true  it  is  that  what  we  do  for  others  helps  our  own  selves. 

December.  1887. 

I  have  during  the  past  summer  and  early  fall  completed 
iny  round  of  all  the  counties  in  the  State — fifty-four  in  num- 
ber. I  regret  to  say  that  in  twenty-three  counties  we  have 
no  organization  of  any  kind.  In  visiting  two  counties,  Clay 
and  Nicholas,  for  the  first  time  last  August.  I  had  one  of 
the  most  pleasant  rides  I  have  yet  taken  in  the  State.  Af- 
ter preaching  at  Ansted  on  Monday,  August  22,  I  rode  on 
horseback  to  Clay  Court  House,  the  following  day.  The  dis- 
tance  was  about  forty  miles  but  I  wats  well  mounted  and 
thoroughly  enjoyed  the  ride  along  by  the  famous  Hawk's 
Nest  and  then  up  the  beautiful  Gauley.  In  July,  1861,  the 
bridge  over  the  Gauley,  just  where  it  joins  the  New  river  to 
make  the  Kanawha,  was  burned  by  the  retreating  Confed- 
erate forces.  It  has  never  been  rebuilt  and  the  disintegrat- 
ing piers  still  stand,  a  memorial  of  the  desolations  of  war. 

When  I  arrived  at  Clay  Court  House,  I  found  that  my 
horse  had  cast  a  shoe,  and  as  I  had  a  long  rough  ride  for 
the  next  day.  I  was  somewhat  depressed  on  learning  that 


iiN  West  Virginia.  851 

the  only  blacksmith  in  the  little  town  had  gone  away  on  a 
visit,  and  would  not  return  until  Saturday.  Now  1  have 
shod  my  own  horse  on  an  emergency,  but  1  do  not  profess 
to  bo  an  adept  in  the  art,  so  1  determined  to  throw  myself 
for  this  service  on  the  generosity  of  the  people.  Accordingly, 
after  service,  in  which  by  means  of  our  mission  books  we 
had  good  responses,  I  stated  briefly  to  the  assembled  con- 
gregation  my  situation;  told  them  that  they  knew  1  could 
not  make  the  rough  mountain  ride  of  thirty-five  miles  over 
to  Nicholas  Court  House,  where  1  was  due  the  next  evening 
unless  my  horse  was  shod,  and  therefore,  appealed  to  them 
for  help,  and  asked  that  if  there  were  any  present  who  had 
any  skill  in  the  useful  art  of  the  blacksmith,  they  would  re- 
main after  the  congregation  was  dismissed  and  confer  with 
me  on  the  subject.  It  was  a  novel,  but  most  successful  ex- 
perience meeting.  1  secured  the  services  of  a  stalwart  young 
man  who  did  the  work  for  me  the  next  morning  in  the  most 
satisfactory  manner,  and  I  went  on  my  way  rejoicing. 

August,  1890. 
*  *  *  *  *  * 

From  Berkeley  Springs  I  went  on  Monday  to  Okonoko. 
Here  at  half  past  three  on  a  warm  summer  afternoon  I 
preached  to  a  good  congregation  in  Epiphany  Church  and 
confirmed  one.  Mr.  Gibbons  baptized  a  little  child  about 
one  year  old.  The  mother  had  brought  him  in  her  arms  five 
or  six  miles,  walking  every  step  of  the  way.  Certainly  this 
showed  such  an  earnest  spirit  on  her  part  that  we  cannot 
but  hope  for  a  rich  blessing  on  her  and  her  little  child. 

September,  28,  1894. 
Although  many  miles  of  railroad  have  been  built  in  West 
Virginia,  in  the  last  sixteen  years,  yet  it  is  still  necessary 
to  make  long  trips  on  our  country  and  mountain  roads  in 
order  to  reach  the  various  points  where  our  services  are 
established.  The  visits  1  describe  in  this  letter  have  been 
made  mostly  to  such  points,  the  distance  from  the  railroad 
varying  from  10  to  70  miles  and  involving  altogether  about 


852  The  Episcopal  Uhukch 

400  miles  of  such  travel,  besides  1,900  miles  of  railroading 
just  thrown  in  for  good  measure.  The  time  included  is  from 
Saturday,  September  1st,  to  Wednesday,  September  26th. 
About  twenty  services  were  held  and  twenty  persons  con- 
firmed. 

December  6th,  1S97. 
*  *  *  *  *  * 

On  Saturday,  November  13,  I  left  Parkersburg  about  10 
A.  M..  and  after  dining  in  Huntington,  120  miles  on  my  way, 
I  went  on  to  Charleston,  about  60  miles,  where  I  was  the 
guest  of  Mr.  W.  S.  Laidley.  I  had  visits  that  evening  from 
the  Rector,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Roller,  and  also  from  Rev.  Mr. 
Ci.rd,  who  has  charge  of  two  missions  in  the  neighborhood, 
comprising  eight  preaching  points. 

Sunday  morning  was  raw  and  rainy,  although  about  mid- 
day the  clouds  lifted  and  the  day  became  pleasant.  About 
9  A.  M.,  I  started  off  for  my  first  appointment,  St.  Peter's. 
This  is  one  of  Mr.  Card's  missions.  A  young  man  called  for 
me  in  a  light  open  carriage  and  besides  myself  there  were 
two  others,  who  belonged,  as  I  found  out,  to  the  confirma- 
tion class.  After  a  ride  of  eight  miles  we  reached  the  school 
house  where  I  preached  and  confirmed  11.  Mr.  Card  told  me 
afterwards  that  there  were  several  others  who  were  pre- 
vented by  various  causes  from  being  present.  He  instanced 
specially  the  case  of  two  girls  who  wanted  to  be  confirmed, 
but  could  not  on  account  of  the  opposition  of  their  father. 
When  they  pressed  him  for  his  reason,  he  told  them  that  the 
Episcopals  seemed  to  be  increasing  so  fast  in  the  county 
that  he  was  afraid  that  they  would  after  a  while  get  to  be 
the  majority  and  then  they  would  kill  all  the  other  people. 
This  is  a  suggestion  as  to  church  extension"  which  was  en- 
tirely new  to  me.  When  we  adopt  it,  due  notice  will  be 
given. 

After  dining  near  St.  Peter's,  wdiich  is  the  name  of  the 
mission  only,  as  we  have  no  church  building,  some  thirteen 
persons,  including  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Card  and  myself,  our  host, 
Mr.  Hayes  and  his  son,  got  on  a  hand  car,  and  propelled  our- 


in  West  Virginia.  !S53 

selves  up  the  Davis  Creek  railroad,  about  ten  miles,  and 
then  after  walking  a  mile  and  a  half  up  a  very  steep  grade 
and  a  high  hill,  we  came  to  the  Black  Band  school  house 
where  I  preached  and  confirmed  four.  Some  of  the  congre- 
gation and  one  of  the  candidates  had  come  over  the-  moun- 
tains from  Hernshaw.  another  one  of  Mr.  Card's  stations, 
about  four  miles  distant.  Besides  the  party  of  thirteen  on 
the  handcar — and  a  crowded  car  it  was — Mr.  John  How- 
Peyton,  the  most  indefatigable  right  hand  man  of  the  whole 
work,  took  two  others  with  him  on  a  railroad  velocipede  up 
from  St.  Peter's  to  Black  Band.  The  difficulties  of  such  navi- 
gation may  be  conceived,  when  I  say  that  his  machine  ran 
off  the  track  eight  times  in  the  ten  miles,  however,  the  trip 
was  made  successfully. 

Then  came  the  trip  back  after  service,  in  which  all  we 
had  to  do  was  to  let  the  machine  run  and  keep  it  from  run- 
ning too  fast.  I  was  met  by  a  friend  with  a  buggy  about 
six  miles  down  the  railroad  and  went  across  the  hills  about 
three  miles  to  Mr.  Peyton's,  where  I  took  tea,  and  then  went 
on  a  mile  farther  to  St.  Matthew-s.  Mr.  Peyton  had  pre- 
ceded me  and  held  the  congregation  by  commencing  the  ser- 
vices. A  drive  of  several  miles  after  service  brought  me 
back  to  Mr.  Laidley's  hospitable  home  at  10  P.  M. 

From  Letter  to  the  Children  of  the  Diocese. 

January  1.  bin'. 

Some  time  ago  I  was  visiting  a  vacant  Parish  and  spoke 
to  the  people  as  earnestly  as  I  could,  urging  them  to  raise 
$250  more  than  they  had  been  paying  for  the  salary.  One 
of  our  vestrymen  was  kept  home  by  sickness,  but  his  son,  a 
boy  of  twelve,  was  present.  When  he  got  back  home,  his 
father  asked  him,  "Son,  were  you  in  church,  and  was  the 
Bishop  there,  and  what  did  he  say?''  "Yes,  father,"  was  th^ 
boy's  reply,  "1  was  in  church  and  heard  the  Bishop;  and. 
father,  the  Bishop  said  they  must  raise  the  price  of  preach- 
ing down  here  $250.00." 

Now,  ever  since  I  heard  this.  I  have  been  wanting  to  see 


854  The  Episcopal  Uhukch 

That  boy  and  thank  him  for  giving  such  a  strong  and  clear 
account  of  what  I  said;  I  feei  sure  he  must  be  a  very  sensi- 
ble boy  who  knows  what  is  the  main  point  in  a  speech  when 
he  hears  it.  I  can  only  hope  that  the  grown  people  who 
were  present  at  that  service  had  an  equally  clear  idea  of 
what  I  was  driving  at.  Now,  my  dear  children,  all  you  who 
have  during  Advent,  been  giving  to  our  Diocesan  Missions, 
have  been  helping  to  "raise  the  price  of  preaching"  in  the 
Diocese,  and  it  is  a  good  work. 


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cants, who  are  supposed  to  be  about  one-half  the  number  of  baptized  persons  and 
about  one-third  of  those  who  affiliate  with  the  church.  In  the  enumeration  of  the 
clergy,  the  number  is  considerably  less  than  the  table  would  seem  to  indicate 
because  a  good  many  of  them  serve  in  more  than  one  county.  On  the  first  map 
the  enumeration  represents  about  15  clergy  and  on  the  second  about  40. 


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The  figures  in  the  counties,  indicate:— First,  The  population  ol  the  counties: 
Second,  The  number  ol  clergy  having  charges;  Third,  The  number  of  communi- 
cants, who  arc  supposed  to  be  about  one-hall  the  number  ol  baptized  persons  and 
about  one-third  of  those  who  affiliate  with  the  church.  In  tin- enumeration  of  the 
clergy,  tbe  number  is  considerably  less  than  the  table  would  seem  to  indicate 
because  a  good  many  of  them  serve  in  more  than  one  county.  On  the  first  map 
the  enumeration  represents  about  15  clergy  and  on  the  second  about  40. 


in  West  Virginia.  85! 


APPENDIX  XI. 
Comparative  Statistics. 


Summary  of  the  Parochial  Reports  to  the  Council  of  I  878. 

Bishop  in  charge,  1;  Bishop  elect,  1;  Lay  Delegates, 
19;  Clergy.  14:  Parochial  reports  received.  18;  Par- 
ishes represented  which  furnished  no  report,  2;  Parishes 
and  Churches  not  represented  or  reported,  4;  Churches  and 
Parishes  exclusive  of  St.  John's  Chapel,  Kanawha  Parish, 
26;  Sunday  schools  as  far  as  reported,  teachers,  115,  scholars, 
763;  Communicants  reported,  1112;  Contributions  of  Sun- 
day schools,  $134.85;  General,  as  far  as  reported  and  includ- 
ing Parish  expenses  reported  by  Grace  Church,  Madis  4' 
Parish,  Pocahontas  county,  $3,095.27. 

Report  to  Council  for   1901. 

The    Committee    on    Parochial    Reports    respectfully    - 
mits  the  following  statistics: 

Bishops 2 

Other  Clergy    34 

Families  and  parts  of  families    2948 

Confirmed  persons    4701 

Baptized  persons 7S77 

Baptisms,  Infants 233 

Baptisms,  Adults 161 

Marriages 133 

Burials   202 

Confirmations   207 

( 'ommunicants    lasl    reported    4263 

<"ommunicanTs.    present    number    4490 

Public  Services  on  Sundays 3413 


856  The  Episcopal  Church 

Public  Services  on  other  days 2109 

Number  of  Sunday  schools   60 

Sunday  school  teachers  420 

Sunday   school   scholars    3148 

Industrial  school  teachers   24 

Industrial  school  scholars    268 

Number  churches  and  chapels 80 

Rectories    36 

FINANCIAL. 

Contributions: 

Parochial    #71,196  84 

Diocesan    • 12,529  12 

Extra   Diocesan    5,163  92 

Total  for  all  objects  $88,889  88 

Indebtedness    $25,122  65 

Sitting's  in  Churches  and  Chapels 14,777 

Sittings  free    12,387 

Contributions   to   the  Bishop's  Fund    $3,427  15 

Contributions  to  the  Permanent  Fund    .  .   3,086  40 
Contributions  to  Diocesan  and  Convocation 

Missions    3.213  13 

Contributions  to  Foreign  and  Domestic  Mis- 
sions    4,187  24 


NDEX. 


Note. — The  g-eneral  rule  has 
been,  only  to  index  the  names  of 
Clergy  who  have  held  official  posi- 
tions in  the  Diocese,  or  have  had 
two  or  more  Parishes  therein,  or 
have  been  specially  mentioned  in 
tribute  or  obituary. 

The  Clergy  Lists  (pages  25-37) 
show  county  or  town  and  date  of 
connection  of  each  Clergyman 
with  the  Diocese.  For  further 
details,  examine  Digest  of  Councils 
and  Records  of  Counties,  Parishes, 
&c,  under  those  dates. 

Addison,  Rev.  Walter;  tribute  to 
the  activity  and  pietj-  of,  415; 
his  efforts  to  prevent  duelling, 
41G. 

Address  of  Pishop  Meade  to  the 
Episcopalians  of  Western  Vir- 
ginia, on  a  proposition  to  di- 
vide the  Diocese   (1851) 800 

Alderson,  Church  of  the  Messiah, 
004. 

Alexandria,  proposed  establish- 
ment of  Theological  'Seminary 
at;  hindrances  to,  432;  final 
triumph,  433. 

Allen,  Piev.  P.enj.,  sketch  of 494 

Ambler.  Rev.  John,  death  of,  318; 
tribute  to,  319. 

Ambler,  Rev.  Chas.  E..  death  of, 
251. 

An    impromptu   service    159 

Andrews,  Rev.  Charles  W.,  D.  D., 
deatli   of,  250. 

Annual  Conventions,  plare  of 
meeting;  new  order  adopted  in 
(1S16),  45. 

Annual  Councils,  digest  of.  Dio- 
cese of  Virginia  (1785-1877)  38. 


Annual  Councils,  Digest  of  Diocese 
of  West  Virginia  (1S77-L901) 
264;  protest  against  a  grow- 
ing laxness  in  the  spiritual 
features  of,  351-352. 

Ansted,  Church  of  the  Redeemer, 
565, 

Armstrong,  Rev.  John,  successful 
missionary  labors  of,  62;  first 
minister  of  St.  Matthew's, 
Wheeling,   516. 

Asbury,  Francis,  opposition  to 
proposed  plan  of  Methodist 
ordination,   11. 

Assistant  Pishop,  resolution  to 
elet.  I.  45. 

Attempt  of  Parliament  to  subdue 
the   Colonists,  5. 

Attractions  of  the  Sanctuary  of- 
ten delusive,  317. 

Augusta  County,  formation  of 
(1738)   39. 

Pack  Creek,  near  Hedgesville,  Cal- 
vary Church,  consecrated 
(1846). 

Baltimore,  Lord,  arrival  of,  (1628) 
4. 

Bangor  Church,  first  in  the  Kan- 
awha Valley,  632;  history  of, 
648. 

Baptism,  Confirmation,  Sacrament 
of  the  Lord's  Supper,  guard- 
ing admission  to,  453. 

Baptisms,  marriages,  burials 
(  IDiil  )  855. 

Baptists,  early  arrival  of,  in  Vir- 
ginia; harsh  treatment  of,  S. 

Barbour  County,  its  organization, 

area,    population;     services    at 

Belington  and  Philippi,  534. 
Barboursville,   new   parish   organ- 
ized at,  232. 


11 


Index. 


LJarre,  Mrs.  Henrietta  Fitzhugh, 
legacies  of,  589,  644. 

Berkeley  County,  organization, 
area,  population;  Norborne 
parish,  535,537;  Bunker  Hill, 
Christ  Church,  546;  Hedges- 
ville,  Back  Creek,  Calvary 
Church,  547. 

Berkeley  Springs,  St.  Mark's 
Church,  696. 

Bermuda,  trip  of  Bishop  Peterkin 
to,  311. 

Beverly,   visits  of  Bishop    730 

Bishop  Coadjutor  for  West  Vir- 
ginia, 361;  qualifications  of; 
steps  looking  toward  the  elec- 
tion of;  hindrances,  369;  pe- 
tition of  Special  Committee, 
372;  election  of,  376;  consecra- 
tion of,  378. 

Bishop's   House,  Parkersburg,   758 

Blair,  Rev.  Dr.,  Commissary  for 
Virginia,  (1689);  character 
and  influence  of;  first  Presi- 
dent of  William  and  Mary  Col- 
lege, 6. 

"Blazing  Stare",    83S 

Bluefield,  Christ  Church   682 

Boasting  and  presumption  dis- 
couraged, 454. 

Boone  County,  area,  population; 
missionary  effort,  547;  visits 
of  Bishop  Peterkin  in  1882  and 
1891;  Christ  Church,  near  Ra- 
cine, built  (1895),  548;  promis- 
ing- outlook,  549. 

Boundaries  of  Convocations  de- 
nned, 390. 

Bracken,  Rev.  John,  D.  D.,  elected 
Bishop  in  1812;  resigned  the 
office,  46,  42S. 

Braddock's  troops,   603 

Bramwell,  Church  of  the  Holy 
Trinity,  683. 

Braxton  County;  area,  population, 
name;  first  Episcopal  services 
in  Sutton;  persevering  efforts; 
church  erected    (1896),   549. 

Brazil,  mission  to, 337 

Brittingham,  Rev.  Jacob;  Wood 
county,  762;  Wetzel  county, 
751;  Clarksburg,  584;  St. 
Luke's,  Wheeling,  715;  Jack- 
son, 588. 

Brooke  County;  name,  area,  pop- 
ulation, 550;  St.  John's,  list 
of    clergy    from    1862    to    1893, 


550;  again  associated  with 
Christ  Church,  Wellsburg,  551; 
Christ  Church, Wellsburg,  from 
JS79  to  1901.  551;  Short  Creek, 
occasional  service  in  school 
house;  sketch  of  Rev.  Joseph 
Doddridge,  D.  D.,  552;  St. 
John's  parish  first  organized 
by  Dr.  Doddridge;  log  church 
iii  1793;  St.  Paul's  Church, 
erected  before  1793;  list  ol 
supporters  in  1800,  556;  Trin- 
ity Church,  Wellsburg;  ser- 
vices by  Dr.  Doddridge  in  1800; 
list  of  subscribers  for  that 
year,  556;  Dr.  Doddridg-e's 
services  at  Wheeling-,  Grave 
Creek,  and  otner  points;  his 
lack  of  support,  557;  visit  of 
Bishop  Chase,  of  Ohio,  to 
Wheeling.  West  Liberty,  Wells- 
burg, and  St.  John's,  in  1819, 
558.  See  also  Churches  in 
Brooke  County,  502. 

Brotherhood,  plea  for  its  estab- 
lishment, 272;  organized  June 
2,  1880,  275;    discontinued,  357. 

Brooking,  Rev.  Robt.  Upshur,  Pt. 
Pleasant,  675;  Tyler  Parish, 
742;    Ripon,  613. 

Browne,  R.  M.,  elected  Trustee 
of  the  Episcopal  and  Perma- 
nent Funds,  299. 

Bruce  Chapel,  location,  origin  of 
name,  530. 

Buckhannon,  The  Transfiguration, 
744-745. 

Bunker  Hill,  Christ  Church,  erect- 
ed by  Morgan  Morgan,  (1740); 
first  church  in  the  Valley; 
list  of  clergy,  546;  vestrymen; 
taken  under  protection  of 
Martinsburg  (1888),  547. 

Burkhardt,  Rev.  W.  H.,  Bluefield, 
681;  Weston,  657. 

Burwell  graveyard,    4S1 

Cabell  County,  name,  area,  popu- 
lation, 558;  account  of  the 
Church  in  Cabell  County,  or- 
ganization by  General  John 
H.  Oley,  (1S72);  services  held 
at  Barboursville  (1S69).  559: 
first  service  of  Trinity  Church. 
(March  6.  1870);  election  of 
vestrymen:  regular  services 
instituted      at       Barboursville 


Index. 


in 


and  Huntington  (October, 
I^T.'.'j;  services  discontinued 
from  Is;  i  to  is;s;  efforts  to 
build  church  at  Huntington, 
561;  building  ready  for  use, 
(1886);  Diocesan  Council  con- 
vened here,  (1888);  handsome 
rectory  added,  562;  list  of  ves- 
trymen; Episcopalians  in  Guy- 
andotte  and  Barboursville  now 
identified  with  Huntington, 
563. 

Caldwell.  Judge,  tribute  to    ..   518 

Calhoun  County,  name,  area,  pop- 
ulation, 5(53;  visited  by  Bishop 
Peterkin  (1884);  no  work  yet 
started,  564. 

Camp  services,  address  of  Uishop 
Johns,   197. 

Campbell.  Rev.  C.  M.,  Bangor  Par- 
ish, 651;  Ravenswood  Parish, 
588. 

Canons,  committee  appointed  to 
codify,   299. 

Centennial  of  Diocese  of  Virginia, 
282;  committee  appointed,  re- 
port of  committee,  284. 

Central  Convocation  merged  with 
the  Northwestern,  390. 

Ceredo,  Grace  Church  Mission, 
747. 

Changes  in  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  196,  299,  313. 

Chapels  and  Churches  (1901),    856 

Character  of  the  early  Virginians, 
465;    their   ancestry,   466. 

Charles  II.  proclaimed  in  Virginia, 
(1659),  6. 

Charleston.  Kanawha,  missionary 
labors  of  Revs.  Lee  and  Page, 
525;  tribute  to  the  zeal  and 
energy  of  a  few  ladies;  their 
signal  triumph;  genealogical 
sketch  of  Mrs.  Quarrier,  526; 
St.  John's  Church,  624,  629,  633; 
new  edifice,  639;  St.  Matthew's 
and  St.  Luke's  Missions,  his- 
tory of,  644. 

Charlestown,  named  after  Charles 
Washington,         brother  of 

George  Washington,  484; 
sketch  of  the  churches  and 
clergy  of  Norborne  Parish, 
485;  tirsi  Episcopal  Church 
buill   ( \-\:  i.  603;  Zion  Church, 


594-595;  Chapel  of  St.  George, 
598. 

Christ   Church,  Bunker  Hill 619 

■ Church,  Clarksburg,  conse- 
cration of,   L56. 

■  Church,   Wellsburg.  .551-552 

Church,  change  of  name.  293;  res- 
olutions of  Committee  adopt- 
ed, 296. 

■ Depressed     condition     of, 

(1800-1812),  45. 

at    .Martinsville  sold   ....171 

establishment,     contest      in 

regard  to  (October.  1776),    10. 

■   music 291 

■  organized  at  Union,  Monroe 

County.  (May  3.  1868).  226. 

property,    protest    against 

assembly's  interference  with 
(1797),  44;  division  of,  between 
the  two  Dioceses  settled  by 
special  Council  (July  10,  1878), 
270. 

Workers'  Conference   . .  361 


Churches  Extinct,  report  to  con- 
vention of  1S54, 154. 
—  and  Chapels  in  use  (June. 
1878);  name,  location,  768; 
built  since  June,  1878;  name, 
location,  7(19;  in  use  in  1901, 
856;  extinct.  771:  consecrated 
prior  to  1878;  name,  date,  by 
whom.  771;  consecrated  since 
June.  187S;  name,  place,  date, 
by  whom,   772. 

Churches  in  Brooke  County;  St. 
Paul's  and  St.  John's;  criti- 
cism of  the  early  clergy  in 
Western  Virginia,  502;  Bishop 
Meade's  reply,  503;  sketch  of 
Dr.  Doddridge,  505;  his  ordina- 
tion in  1792;  his  fruitful  la 
l>ors,  508;  his  death,  510;  suc- 
cessive ministers,  511.  See 
Brooke  County,  550. 

Circular  Letter  issued  by  the 
Episcopal  Society  of  the  Val- 
ley (1819),  790. 

Civil  War,  its  effect  upon  the  work 
of  the  Church,  203. 

Clarksburg,  firsl  point  of  Mission- 
ary Labor  in  Western  Virginia: 
Rev.  William  E.  bee.  the  first 
missionary,  521;  progress  of 
the     work;     Mr.     McMechen's 

success    and    final    failure;    its 
lesson,    .v.':.';     labors    in     Fair- 


IV 


Index. 


mont.  Morgantown,  Buckhan- 
non  and  Weston,  524;  Christ 
Church,  583. 

Clay  County,  name,  area,  popula- 
tion; visit  of  l>ishop  Peter- 
kin  (1887);  service  in  Court 
House;  services  at  Baring- 
Creek  and  Clendennin  by  Rev. 
Dr.  Boiler  (1895),  564. 

Clergymen  (1901),  number  of.. 855 

Clergy  lists,  (1785-1877),  25;  (1877- 
1901),  30. 

Clerical  Associations,  establish- 
ment of,  433 

emancipation 397 

support 298 

Clover    Lick,    Emmanuel    Church, 

726-727. 

Coalsmouth,  first  settlers,  (1797); 
first  clergymen,  52S;  first  ves- 
try; first  church  erected 
(1825),  528;  St.  Mark's  Church 
"built  (1846);  successive  minis- 
ters, 529;  list  of  vestrymen, 
530. 

Cobbs,  Bev.  B.  A.,  Secretary  of 
Diocese  (1880-1887);  death  of, 
298;    tribute    to,    302. 

College,  first  efforts  to  establish, 
3. 

Colston,  Colonel  Edward,  tribute 
to,  489. 

Communicants,  number  of,  (1901), 
S55. 

Comparative    Statistics    S55 

Comparison  of  Beports  of  1S78  and 
1890,  showing  growth  under 
the  administration  of  Bishop 
Peterkin,  and  the  need  of  a 
Coadjutor,  375. 

Conference  of  Foreign  Missions, 
379. 

Confirmations;  place,  occasions, 
total  number,  779-782;  in  1901, 
855. 

Congregational  missionaries  to 
the  Church  of  England  in  Vir- 
ginia, 5. 

Constitution  for  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  Con- 
federate States,  Provisional 
Convention  for  framing,  19S. 

of  the  Episcopal  Society  of 

the  Valley,  organized  (1S19), 
787. 

Contract     between     Bev.     Joseph 


Doddridge  and  his  several  con- 
gregations (1800),  7S4. 
Contributions,    Parochial,    Dioces- 
an,   Extra     Diocesan,      (1901), 
856. 

to  Bishop's     Fund,      (1901), 

856. 

to    Diocesan   and   Convoca- 

tional  Missions    (1901),  856. 

to    Domestic    and    Foreign 

Missions    (1901),    856. 

—  to  Permanent  Fund  (1901), 
856. 

Conventions,  difficulties  attending- 
first  meetings;  system  of  ro- 
tation introduced;  great  im- 
provement in  numbers,  social 
features,  and  spiritual  bless- 
ing-, 434. 

Convocation,  Northwestern,  Bec- 
ords  of,  (1850-1S77),  792. 

Convocational  System,  its  advan- 
tages, 391. 

Convocations,  number  reduced, 
390;  boundaries  defined,  390. 

Co-operation  among  churches,  396 

Craik,  Bev.  James,  D.  D.,  LL.  D., 
sketch   of,   635. 

Cresap's  Valley  Mission,  Grace 
Church,  672. 

Cromwell's    suspicion 6 

Councils,  list  of,  date,  location, 
767. 

Council  of  1878,  summary  of  Par- 
ochial reports,  855. 

for  1901,  report  to S55 

Counties  and  Parishes  of  Bote- 
tourt, Bockingham.  Bock- 
bridge,  Greenbrier,  and  Mont- 
gomery, 471. 

Covell,  Major  J.  C.  principal  of 
State  School  for  Deaf.  Dumb, 
and  Blind;  death  of,  299;  trib- 
ute to,  302. 

Cunningham's  Chapel,  Xorborne 
Parish,  535. 

Dale,  Sir  Thomas,  arrival  of, 
(1611),  2. 

De  la  War,  Lord,  arrival  of.  (1610); 
first  Governor  of  Virginia,  2. 

Dent,  Josiah,  grant  of  land  by, 
582. 

Deputies  to  the  General  Conven- 
tion. 275.  278,  291.  309,  336, 
353,  364.  404. 


Index. 


Desecration    of    the    Lord's    Day, 

280. 
Desertions  from  the  Church,  and 

the  causes,  445;  infidelity,  lack 
of  discipline,  445;  genera]  de- 
terioration of  the  churches  in 
Virginia  and  elsewnere,  446; 
deplorable  effects  of  intem- 
perance,  448. 

Difficulties  and  discouragements 
of  the  clergy,  307;  encourage- 
ment, 308.- 

Digest  of  Annual  Councils.  Dio- 
cese of  Virginia  (1785-1877), 
38;  Diocese  of  West  Virginia, 
264. 

Diocese  of  Virginia,  proposition 
To  divide  (1842),  '.14;  address  of 
Bishop  Meade  concerning  di- 
vision of,  800;  letter  of  Bish- 
op Johns,  concerning-  division 
of,  (1865),  827. 

of  Virginia  resumes  rela- 
tions with  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  Unit- 
ed States,  509. 

of   West      Virginia,     efforts 

looking  fo  its  establishment; 
Convocation  at  Charleston, 
Kanawha,  (1851);  at  Clarks- 
burg (1S65);  at  Charleston 
(1872);  at  Volcano  (1S73);  at 
Charleston  (1S74);  at  Wells- 
burg  (1876);  at  Parkersburg 
(jlo77);  at  Staunton  (1877);  fin- 
al vote;  ratification  by  the 
General  Convention  at  Boston, 
(October,  1877),  23. 

of    West    Virginia,    Judge 


Sheffey's  report  on  formation 
of,  255;  Proceedings  of  Gen- 
eral Convention  in  regard  to, 
264;  Primary  Convention,  267. 
Diocesan  finances,    305 

Missions,     importance     of; 

needs;   hindrances  to,  382. 

Seminary,  Moundsville ..  796 

Summary  reported  at  Con- 
vention (1S54),  150. 

Unity,   desirability   of,.. 400 


Discipline,  code  of,  established 
1815),   430. 

Districts  formed,  41;  re-arrange- 
ment of,  43. 

Dobbin  House,   849 

Doctrinal  discourses,  caution  con- 
cerning, 795. 


Doddridge  County,  name,  area. 
population;  visits  of  the  Bish- 
op to  West  Union,  (1888);  no 
work  yet  undertaken,  504. 

Rev.  Dr.  Joseph,  sketch  of, 

5(i5-5iu,  552;  labors  of,  5:.':.'. 
556-557;  contract  with  his  con- 
gregation  (1800),  784. 

Doggett,  Rev.  Luther  W.  Fair- 
mont, 665;  Wheeling,  720; 
Powellton,    568. 

Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary 
Society,  Constitution  perfect- 
ed   (1821),   22. 

Dress,  Gown,  Surplice,  44 

Drinking  habits  of  the  early  peri- 
od. 415. 

Duffield's,  Chapel  of  the  Good 
Shepherd,  610. 

Early  Virginians,  character  of, 
465;    their  ancestry,  466. 

Eccleston,  Rev.  J.  11.,  D.  D.,  elect- 
ed first  Bishop  of  Diocese  of 
West  Virginia;  declined  the 
office,  24,  268. 

Eckman,   Grace   Church,    676 

Education,  first  efforts  to  intro- 
duce, in  Virginia,  3. 

relation      of      chttrch      to 

school,  323;  Church  Hall  at 
Morgan  town     proposed,      326; 

Episcopal  Hall,  State  Univer- 
sity, 691-692;  Young  Ladies' 
Seminary,  Moundsville,  669. 

Society   formed,    IS 

Elkins,  Grace  Church, 732 

Emmanuel  Parish,  application  for 

admission  of,  255. 
Episcopal  Church  in     the     United 

States,  historical  sketch  of,  19. 
Church  in  the  Confederate 

Stales,  Provisional  Convention 

for   framing   the   Constitution 

of,  19S. 

Hall     in     connection   with 

State   University,   365,   691. 

residence  located  in  Park- 
ersburg, 276;  completed  (1SS5), 
758. 

Society  of  the  Valley,  or- 
ganized in  1819,  Constitution 
of,  787;  Circular  letter  issued 
by,  790. 

work  done   in     other     dio- 


ceses, 782. 


VI 


Index. 


Established       Clergy,     embarrass- 
ments  of,    (1T7J-177G),    11. 
Establishment  of     the     Episcopal 

Church  in  Virginia,  3. 
Events  relating     to     the     Church, 

(1606-1618),   1;    (1619-1624),     2; 

(1628-1651),     4;      (1651-1693),  5; 

(1700-1731),     7;      (1731-1746),  8; 

(1748-1771),    8;     (1772-1778),      9; 

(1779-1784),  12;    (1784-1825),  17; 

(1825-1835),   IS. 

Experience  with  bears  849 

Extemporaneous     preaching     and 

prayers,  453. 
Extract  from  the  "History  of  the 

Valley",  598. 

—  from  the  Journal  of  Rev.  W. 
T.  Leavell,  S2S. 

Ealls  of  Blackwater,  beauties  of, 
848. 

Fairmont,  Christ  Church, 664 

Families    (1901),  number  of,    ..855 

Family    Worship,    425 

Famine  among  the  first  colonists, 

Fayette  County,  name,  area,  pop- 
ulation, 565;  Church  of  the 
Redeemer,  at  Ansted,  (1882), 
565;  list  of  missionaries  and 
other  workers,  566;  St.  Da- 
vid's Mission,  Powellton,  first 
services  (1886);  organized  as  a 
mission  (1893);  list  of  mission- 
aries, officers  and  other  work- 
ers, 568;  Caperton,  Nuttall- 
burg,  Beury,  Keeney's  Moun- 
tain, Dubree,  Fayetteville, 
Glen  Jean,  569;  list  of  minis- 
ters, 570. 

Fenton,  Rev.  Arthur  Kirkby,  Pow- 
ellton, 568;  Spruce  Run,  746; 
Clarksburg,  585. 

Female  Seminary,  established  by 
Rev.  Mr.  McMechen,  Clarks- 
burg   (1841),    91. 

Financial  Statistics  (1901) S56 

First  Annual  Council,  Diocese  of 
West  Virginia  (February  27, 
1878),   269." 

Church  in  Virginia  destroy- 
ed by  fire,   1. 

-  Episcopal  Bishop     of     Vir- 
ginia, 17. 

Episcopalians  in  the  Kana- 
wha Vallev,  627. 


Governor  of  Virginia,  2. 

Legislative  body  in  V  irginia, 

convened  (1619),  3,  39. 

■ Marriage  recorded  in  Vir- 
ginia, 1. 

Minister   in   Virginia,    ....1 

Missionaries      in      Western 

Virginia,  525. 

permanent      habitation     of 

English  in  America,  1. 

religious  service  in  Vir- 
ginia, 38. 

Sacrament    of    the    Lord's 

Supper  in  Virginia,  1. 

three,   parishes    founded   in 

Virginia,  38. 

Fisher,  Rev.  Andrew,  death  of, 
243. 

Fitzhugh,  Henry,  gifts  of 589 

Flood  of  February,  1884,   282 

Foreign  and  Domestic  Missionary 
Society  (1835),  22. 

■ and  Domestic  Missions,  con- 
tributions to,    (1901),  856. 

Fort    Spring,   Mission   at, 573 

Foster,  Rev.  John  T.,  Taylor 
County,  738;   Fairmont,  665. 

Frederick  Parish,  organized  (1744), 
474;  early  church  buildings, 
475;  names  of  vestrymen 
(1764  to  1780),  476;  Lay  Read- 
ers during  same  period; 
names  of  early  ministers,  477. 

French  Huguenots,  on  James  Riv- 
er, granted  special  favors  by 
the  Virginia  Colony,  473. 

• Protestants,      arrival      of, 

(1690),   7. 

Fruitful  labors  among  scattered 
members,   320. 

General  Missions,  need  of  better 
system  of  support,  357;  auxil- 
iary Board  suggested,  359. 

German  Immigrants,  arrival  of, 
(1713);  settlement  upon  the 
Rappahannock,  7;  granted 
special  favors,  473;  settlement 
in  West  Virginia,  515. 

Gibbons,  Rev.  George  A.,  Presi- 
dent of  Standing  Committee; 
Fairmont,  665;  Hampshire, 
578;  Hardy,  583. 

Gibson,  Rev.  John  Shackelford, 
Nelson  Parish,  617;  Cabell, 
562. 


Index. 


vii 


Gilmer  County,  name,  area,  pop- 
ulation; visits  by  the  Bishop 
(1887  and  1S97)  and  occasional 
preaching  by  others,  570. 

Glebes  and  Salaries  withdrawn, 
141;  their  continuance  a  dis- 
advantage to  the  Church,  44:.'; 
action  <>f  James  .Madison.  Ex- 
President       of      the       United 

States.   44:.". 

Glencoe,      private      Chapel,      the 

home  of  Mrs.  William  II.  Mae- 
far  land.   575. 
Grace  Church,  Pocahontas  County. 
received    into    union    with    the 
Council,   246. 
Grafton,  St.  .Matthias"  Church,  737- 

73  S. 
Grammer,  Rev.  .Tames,  elected 
President  of  the  first  Conven- 
tion of  the  Diocese  of  West 
Virginia,  207'. 
Grant  County,  name,  area,  popula- 
tion, 570. 
Gravatt,  Rev.  William  Loyall.  elec- 
tion of,  as  Bishop  Co-adjutor, 
376;  consecration  of,  378,  Rec- 
tor Zion  Church,  Charles 
Town.  597. 
Great  Revival;  Mr.  Allen  one  of 
its  chief  instruments;  sketch 
of  his  active  career;  his 
death,  494. 
Greenbrier  County,  when  formed, 
area,  population,  571;  Green- 
brier Parish  admitted  to  un- 
ion with  the  Diocese  (1883), 
27S;  names  of  clergy  and  ves- 
try, 572;  gifts  of  the  Rectory 
at  Lewisbnrg,  and  the  Church 
of  the  Incarnation,  at  Ronce- 
verte.  573;  mission  at  Fort 
Spring,  and  list  of  ministers, 
573;  St.  Thomas  Organized 
Mission.        White  Sulphur 

Springs,    574;    Chapel    of    the 
Epiphany,   Olencoe,  575. 
Griffith,   Rev.  David,  elected  Bish- 
op   (1786);    relinquished    office 
(1789),  42.  410. 
Grinnan,     Rev.   Andrew     Glassell, 
Point     Pleasant.    675,     Weston, 
050. 
Guy    Allen      Parish.     Monongalia 

County,  admitted.  690. 
Hakluyt,   Rev.  Richard,  his  chris- 


tian  activity  in   behalf  of  un- 
civilized countries,  457. 

Hammond.  Rev.  Kensey  Johns,  Ra- 
renswood  Parish.  588,  Wetzel, 
751,  Mounds ville,  069. 

Hampshire  County,  formed  (1755), 
39,  575;  name,  present  area, 
population,  575;  Zion  Church, 
Slanesville,  lon»-  unused;  vis- 
ited by  Bishop  Peterkin,  and 
Rev.  G.  A.  (iibbons  (1894),  576; 
early  clergymen,  577;  St. 
Stephen's  Church,  a  brick 
structure  at  Romney,  built  by 
Rev.  Sylvester  Nash  (1825);  de- 
stroyed by  fire  before  the 
war.  577;  Zion  Church,  a  log 
building  erected  by  Mr.  Nash 
at  North  River  Mills,  577;  New 
St.  Stephen's  Church,  Romney, 
completed  (1885);  rectory, 
(1891).  578;  Capon  Springs, 
579:  Epiphany  Church,  Okono- 
ko,  579;  Central  Mission  and 
its  interesting  work,  579. 
-  Parish,  erected  (1753),  499; 
churches  and  their  ministers, 
. 'i  0;  /e:.i  of  Rev.  Norman 
Nash.   50 D 

Hancock  County,  name,  area, 
population;  New  Cumberland. 
"8|;  regular  monthly  service 
Lf.id  at  residence  of  Mrs.  Gail- 
'ard,    (1900),  582. 

'I;;ii\  County,  formation,  name, 
area,  population,  582;  Emman- 
uel Church,  Moorefield;  grant 
of  land  by  Josiah  Dent,  Esq., 
for  church  and  school  pur- 
poses, 582;  church  completed,. 
583;  tasteful  parish  house 
completed,  583. 

Harper's  Ferry,  St.  John's 
Church,  614. 

Harrison  County,  formation, 
name,  area,  population.  583; 
Christ  Church,  Clarksburg,  list 
of  its  ministers;  rectory 
bougbl  (1883);  sold  and  new 
rectory  purchased,  584;  mis- 
sion enterprise  at  West  View 
occasional  services  at  Bridge- 
port, 585;  St.  Thomas' 
Church,  North  View;  Chapel 
erected,  585;    the  work  at  Sa- 


A'lll 


Index. 


lem.  West  Union,  and  Shinns- 
ton,    5S6. 

Hedgesville  Church,  erected 
(1778),  its  principal  contribu- 
tors, Raleigh  Colston  and  Wil- 
liam Pendleton,  538;  interest- 
ing remeniscenees  of  Mount 
Zion  Church,  541,  544. 

Henry,  Patrick,  eloquent  plea  of, 
8. 

Hervey,  Sir  John,  Governor  (1629). 
4. 

Hindrances  to  spiritual  progress 
in  Western  Virginia;  extract 
from  a  pamphlet  by  Bishop 
Meade,   512. 

Hinton,  thuvrch  at,  how  built, 
630,    735. 

Historic  interest  of  Diocese  of 
Virginia,    38. 

Historical  sketch  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  19. 

History  of  early  Parish  bounda- 
ries, 328. 

Hospital,  Orphanage,  and  Home, 
in  the  Kanawha  Valley,  291, 
389. 

Reynold's     Memorial,     3S9, 

671. 

Sheltering  Arms;  Training- 
School  for  Nurses,  389,  291. 

How  to  find  your  way  in  the 
mountains,  841. 

Hudson,  Morris,  tribute  to 626 

Hunt,  Rev.  Robert,  character 
and  influence  of,  1,  459. 

Huntington,    560 

Important  Missionary  centre,  846 
Incorporation   of  Churches,    ..3S6 
Indians,  early  efforts  to  christian- 
ize,  3,   458. 

Infidelity   of  the   times,    421 

Intemperance,  widespread  influ- 
ence of,  448. 
Irregular  Ordination  of  Metho- 
dist preachers,  13. 
Jackson  County,  formation,  name, 
area,  population,  586;  Ravens- 
wood  Parish,  names  of  the  pe- 
titioners; vestry  elected 
(1855);  names  of  vestry 
(1866);  names  of  other  vestry- 
men and  of  clergymen,  587; 
Grace  Church,  consecrated  by 
Bishop  Meade  (1851),  expense 


of  building  largely  defrayed 
by  Henry  Eitzhugh;  the  pal- 
ish admitted  into  union  with 
the  Council  (1S52);  first 
church  and  Sunday  school  in 
the  county,  589;  church  edi- 
fice destroyed  by  fire  (Octo- 
ber, 1900),  and  immediately 
re-built;  Bishop  Johns'  first 
visit  (1843),  590;  St.  John's 
Ripley,  church  erected  (1874); 
first  used  (1883);  consecrated 
(1887) ;  promise  of  rapid  fu- 
ture growth;  list  of  minis- 
1ers  and  vestry,  591-592;  Whit- 
tle Chapel,  Liverpool;  first 
services  in  school  house 
(1874);  list  of  visiting  clergy- 
men and  missionaries;  Chap- 
el first  used  (December,  1892^; 
consecrated  by  Bishop  Peter- 
kin  (1894) ;  incidents  showing 
the  patient  self-denial  of  the 
few  members,  593;  Liverpool 
(formerly  Leroy),  church-lot 
given  by  W.  T.  Greer,  of  Rip- 
ley; no  regular  church  organ- 
ization, 593. 

Jacobs,  Rev.  AY.  F.  M.,  work  of; 
his  death,  179,  624,  638,  214. 

Jamestown,  landing  of  Colonists 
at,  1. 

Johns,  Rev.  Dr.  John,  elected  As- 
sistant Bishop  (1842),  95;  cou- 
secrated  (1S42),  456;  the  letter 
Diocese  (1S65),  827;  died  (April 
of,  concerning  division  of  the 
at        Harewood      (1883).      597-, 

Joyner,  Rev.  John  R.,  Randolph 
county,  732;  Bangor,  651; 
Montgomery,  647. 

Jefferson  County,  formation, 
name,  area,  population,  594; 
St.  Andrew's  Parish,  early 
history,  594;  Zion  Church, 
Charlestown,  built  (1819),  594, 
603;  new  building  takes  its 
place  (1847);  destroyed  by  fire 
(1848);  immediately  rebuilt; 
list  of  officiating  clergymen, 
595,  603;  beginning  of  the 
work  among  the  colored  peo- 
ple; parish  house  added,  59G; 
St.  Philip's  Chapel,  for  colored 
people;  Sunday  school  organ- 
ized on  the  Blue  Ridge,  (1886), 


Index. 


IX 


and  a  chapel  followed  (1889), 
596;  Sunday  school  organized 
at  Hare  wood  (1883),  5^7; 
grow  th  of  the  work  unuer  liev. 
Mr.  (jravatt;  colored  minister 
placed  in  charge  of  St.  Phil- 
ip's, 597;  Industrial  School  and 
Sewing  School  for  Colored 
boys  and  girls;  list  of  clergy- 
men, 597-5lJ8;  Chapel  of  St. 
George,  near  Chariest  own,  an 
interesting  ruin  of  Colonial 
days,  599;  Braddock's  troops; 
first  Episcopal  C  hurch  in 
Charlestown,  (1817),  603;  Trin- 
ity Church,  Shepherustown; 
first  lay  member  of  Trinity 
Church  was  Colonel  Joseph 
\  an  Swearingen;  early  history 
and  discouragements,  605; 
names  of  clergymen  and 
years  of  service;  probable 
causes  of  unfruitfulness  of 
the  early  church,  608;  first 
church  building  erected 
(1769);  second  building  con- 
secrated (1859);  first  building 
purchased  and  turned  over  to 
the  use  of  the  colored  people, 
609;  list  of  vestrymen.  (1855 
to  1900),  611;  The  Chapel  of 
the  Good  Shepherd,  Duftield's, 
an  outgrowth  of  Trinity,  610; 
'St.  John's  Church.  Eipon, 
buildings  erected,  list  of  minis- 
ters, 612;  Christ  Church,  on 
the  Mountain;  first  work  be- 
gun (1888),  under  Eev.  John 
McGill,  613;  St.  John's  Church, 
Harper's  Ferry,  History  of, 
615;  new  site  selected  and 
new  church  consecrated 
(1899),  616;  Nelson  Parish, 
comprising  Grace  Church.  St. 
Bartholomew's,  and  Church  of 
the  Holy  Spirit:  former  con- 
nection. 616;  Nelson  Parish 
formed  (1888),  617;  list  of  ves- 
trymen who  have  served  Xor- 
borne  and  Nelson  Parishes, 
617;  Church  of  St.  Bartholo- 
mew, Leetown.  built  (1845); 
feelings  engendered  by  the 
war.  619;  Church  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,    at    Summit     Point,    be- 


gun        (1883);  consecrated 

(1686),  618;  Grace  ^  liurch, 
Middleway  (formerly  Smith- 
held)  built  (1851);  tribute  to 
Dr.  Mann  Page  .Nelson,  fath- 
er of  Grace  Church,  and  an 
active  member  lor  sixty-six 
years,  621. 

Kanawha,  its  early  missionaries 
and  ministers,  5:25. 

County,       formation       of, 

name,  area,  population;  his- 
tory of  the  Church  in  Kanaw- 
ha, 623;  St.  John's  Church, 
Charleston,  revived  after  the 
war,  by  liev.  W.  F.  M.  Ja- 
cobs; i  hurch  school  in  pros- 
pect; his  death  and  partial 
L ail ure  of  his  plans,  624;  St 
Luke's,  at  Maiden;  built  un- 
der supervision  of  liev.  Dr. 
Craik;  insecurely  built;  aban- 
doned after  the  war,  625,  638: 
St.  Mark's,  at  St.  Albans  (for- 
merly Coalsmouth),  built 
(1846);  reorganized  after  the 
war;  has  a  resident  minister, 
625;  missionary  labors  at  va- 
rious points;  remeniscences  of 
B.  S.  Thompson,  626;  St. 
John's  Church,  Charleston,  its 
first  beginnings,  629. 

Kanawha  Parish  formed  (1788); 
its  extent;  first  preachers  in 
Kanawha,  names  of  early 
Episcopalians;  first  regularly 
appointed  clergymen  named 
by  the  Bishop,  (1822),  630; 
Bangor  Church,  the  first  in 
the  Kanawha  valley,  631;  ef- 
forts looking  toward  the 
building  of  churches  at 
Charleston,  and  in  Mason 
county  (1823);  Eev.  Mr.  Page 
preaches  regularly  at  Charles- 
ton, Coalsmouth,  Barbours- 
ville.  and  Guyandotte,  (1826), 
632;  St.  John's  Church. 
Charleston,  built  (1S35),  con- 
secrated (1837);  names  of 
trustees  and  early  pew  hold- 
ers. 633;  sketch  of  Eev. 
James  Craik,  i).  1)..  LL.  1)., 
63.'.:  names  of  vestry- 
men;    names    of    rectors    and 


Index. 


parishioners  (1845  to  1860), 
636;  War  times,  638;  Primary 
Council  held  in  St.  John's 
Church,  lit.  Rev.  F.  M.  Whit- 
tle, D.  U.,  LL.  D.,  Bishop  of 
\  irginia,  presiding;  267,  639; 
new  church  edifice  projected, 
639;  first  serivce  held  in  new 
church,  (March,  1890);  old 
rectory  sold  and  new  one 
built;  total  indebtedness 
cleared  off  (1901);  church 
consecrated  (June,  1901),  the 
Bishop,  Bishop  Coadjutor,  and 
more  than  twenty  visiting 
clergymen  beinij'  present,  640; 
Missions  in  Kanawha  Parish, 
641;  St.  Mark's,  Kanawha  City, 
begun  (1892),  as  a  mission 
Sunday  school  and  continued 
several  years,  641;  St.  Mat- 
thew's, on  the  South  Side, 
begun  (1892)  as  a  Sunday 
school;  success  of  Mr.  John 
Howe  Peyton's  labors,  641; 
St.  Luke's,  "House  of  Prayer," 
converted  into,  641;  St.  An- 
drew's, a  small  rustic  church 
built  (1894),  642;  St,  Stephen's 
Mission,  Len's  Creek,  begun 
(1895),  642;  St.  James'  Color- 
ed Mission,  Charleston,  begun 
(1896);  discontinued,  642; 
Missionary  work  formally  or- 
ganized (1897) ;  new  mission- 
ary enterprises  begun,  642; 
vestrymen  of  Kanawha  Parish 
since  1854,  64"3;  Memorials  and 
gifts,  643;  St.  Matthew's  and 
St.  Luke's  Missions,  history 
of,  644;  St.  Luke's,  Elk,  ac- 
count of,  646;  House  of  Pray- 
er, change  of  name,  646;  Coal 
Valley  Mission,  be£>un  (1878); 
names  of  successive  workers, 
646;  History  of  Bnncor 
Church.  64S;  destroyed  by  fire 
(1845);  rebuilt  (1847)  and  re- 
named St.  Mark's.  650;  list 
of  clergymen,   (1859-1901),  651. 

Kemper,  Bishop,  his  missionary 
work,  22. 

Lacy,  Rev.  T.  H..  elected  Secre- 
tary of  the  first  Convention 
of    the    Diocese    of    WTest    Vir- 


ginia,   267;    Pt.    rieasanT.    674; 
Greenbrier,  571;    Weston,  657. 

Laidley,  Maj.  A.  T..  death  of,  and 
tribute  to,  353. 

Landing  of  Colonists  at  James- 
town, 1. 

Large    print,   advantage   of    ...840 

Latane,  Eev.  J.  A.,  secedes  from 
the   Church,   247. 

Laws  relating  to  the  Church,  en- 
acted   (1624),   4. 

Lax  morals  of  the  early  clerg.y, 
409. 

Lav  Delegates,  qualifications  of. 
73;  need  of  higher  moral 
standard  of  candidates,  435; 
efforts  for  improvement  op- 
posed,   436. 

Lay  Readers,  their  good  offices  in 
the  early  church  of  Virginia, 
444. 

Lea,  Rev.  John  W.,  Martinsburg, 
540;  Missionary,  &c,  646,  651, 
561;  death  of  and  tribute  to, 
282. 

Leavell,  Rev.  W.  T.,  extract  from 
the  Journal   of,   828. 

Lee,  Edmund  I.,  death  of 360 

General     Charles,     extract 

from   will   of,   499. 

Leetown,  Church  of  St.  Bartholo- 
mew, 619. 

Legacies,    plea    in    behalf    of,    274 

Letter  from  Bishop  Johns  to  the 
officiating  clergy  and  vestries 
in  the  Western  part  of  the* 
Diocese  of  Virginia,  (1865), 
827. 

from  Bishop  Meade  ap- 
pointing Lay-reader  for  Parlc- 
ersburg,    (1834),   799. 

Lewis  County,  formation,  nam*1. 
area,  population,  654;  Sr. 
Paul's  Church,  Weston,  or- 
ganized (1848);  Church  built 
(1850).  654;  names  of  officiat- 
ing clergymen.  655;  vestry- 
men (1893).  657;  gifts  to  new 
church  building,  658;  conse- 
crated (1900),  659;  St.  John's 
Chapel,  Sutton.  completed 
(1897),  659;  Chapel,  Spruce 
Run,  completed  (1896).  659; 
resolutions  on  the  death  of 
Mr.  R.  J.  McCandlish.   bv   the 


Index. 


XI 


vestry  of  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Weston,  660;  kishop  Meade's 
Letter  commending  Rev.  Mr. 
Castieman  to  the  vestry  ol  tiie 
(  hurch  in  \\  eston,  662. 

Lewjsburg,   gift    oi    rectory    ..573 

Lincoln  County,  its  formation, 
name,  area,  population;  vis- 
ited by  Bishop  663. 

Light  bourn.  Rev.  John  S.,  Bluetield 
681,  Tucker  county,  73t»;  Tay- 
lor, 738. 

List  o.  lay  delegates  to  the  An- 
nual vouneus  oi  me  ijiocese 
u;  \  irgima  trom  t  lie  churches 
in  u  a,. ,   is  now   »\isi    Virginia, 

of   clergy,    connected    with 

the  Diocese  ot  \>est  Virginia 
at   its  organization,  24. 

of   eiergy   in   what    is   now 

West  Virginia,  (1785-1877); 
name  of  parish  ana  county  or 
town,   25. 

of    clergy    who    labored    in 

what  is  now  West  Virginia, 
(1700-1785),   39. 

of  clerical  and  lay  delegates 

to  the  Annual  Councils  of  the 
Diocese  of  West  Virginia, 
(1877-1901),    30-33. 

of  members  of  the  Virginia 

Convention  (177(3),  nearly  all 
vestrymen.  404. 

Liturgy,  as  to  the  use  of,  437; 
individual  discretion  permit- 
ted, 440. 

Liverpool.   Whittle   Chapel    ....59:; 

Logan  County,  formation,  name, 
area,  population;  visited  by 
Bishop  Peterkin  (iss:.>  and 
1891),  663. 
Madison.  Rev.  dames,  1).  1).,  Pres- 
ident of  William  and  Mary 
College,  elected  Bishop  by  the 
Convention  (1790)  in  Rich- 
mond; consecrated  by  the 
Archbishop      id'     Canterbury, 

(1790);  successful  labors  of. 
17,  43;  efforts  to  revive  the 
dying  church,  411;  views  upon 
the  prescribed  forms  of  wor- 
ship, 420;    death   of,   17,  46. 

James,    President     of    the 

United   states,  action   of,  442. 


Maiden,    St.    Luke's    Church,      625 
Maimington,      St.      Andrews    Mis- 
sion, 007. 
Marion  County,   formation,   name, 
area,    population.    004;    Christ 
Church,     Fairmont;     WOrK    be- 
gun   (1849);      church      bought. 
repaired.        and        consecrated 
(1854),  664;    new    church   built 
(1880),  665;    names   of  clergy- 
men   and    vestry,    664';     Smith- 
town    (White    Day),  occasional 
services    and      visits      by      the 
Bishop    an  1    other    clergymen, 
000;     Monongah;     services    be- 
gun   (1>7U);     efforts    made    to 
build   a   chapel,  667;    Manning- 
ton,    the     Mission    named      St. 
Andrews;      nourished      for     a 
time,   then    declined,   007. 
Marley,   Rev.  John   Tilton,    Powell- 
ton,   508;    Morgantown,   091. 
Marriage,    first     recorded     in    Vir- 
ginia,   1. 
Marriages,    funerals     (1901),     ..855 
Marshall    County,    its      formation, 
name,    area,    population,    668; 
Trinity    Church.    Moundsville 
history    of,    list    of    ministers. 
669;    Young  Ladies'  Seminary, 
Moundsville;        new       Church 
building    consecrated       (1891), 
669;   Trinity  Parish  Institute: 
list    of    vestrymen.    670;    State 
Penitentiary,  and  the  spiritu- 
al comfort  supplied,  071;   Rey- 
nolds'   Memorial    Hospital,    its 
history    and    its    work,      671; 
Cresap's  Valley  Mission,  Grace 
Church.    072:     Franklin,    occa- 
sional services.  073. 

Chief    Justice,    despondent 

view  of   the    future        of       the 
Church.   422 

Rev.      Norman      Fitzhugh, 

Cabell,  •"'iV-':  Mercer,  682;  Mc- 
Dowell. 070. 
Martinsburg,  Church  erected 
chiefly  at  the  expense  of  Phil- 
ip Pendleton.  537;  location; 
first  confirmation  (1S30);  new 
Church  consecrated  (1843), 
538;  Trinity  Church,  erected 
into  a  separate  Parish.  (1848); 
edifice  used  as  hospital  during 
Civil     War;     enlarged    and    re- 


Xll 


Index. 


consecrated  (1888),  539;  list  of 
rectors  and  vestrymen,  540. 
—  first    church   built   at,   485; 


Wm.  Pendleton,  Lay-reader 
here,  and  at  Hedgesville; 
sketch  of  the  Pendleton  fam- 
ily.  486. 

Mason  County,  its  formation, 
name,  area,  population;  Point 
Pleasant  Parish,  early  histo- 
ry: bounds  of,  673;  Christ 
Church  begun  (1S69),  conse- 
crated (1882);  great  flood 
(1884),  674;  gifts  to  Christ 
Church,   675;    vestrymen,   676. 

Rev.  R.  H.,  death  of;  trib- 
ute  to,   336,   345. 

Massacre    of    early    colonists,    ..3 

McCandlish.  P.  J.,  elected  first 
treasurer  of  the  Diocese  of 
West  Virginia,  268;  death  of, 
and   tribute   to,   312,    660. 

McDowell  County,  its  formation, 
name,  area,  population,  676; 
Grace  Church,  Eckman.  G76; 
Elkhorn  Station;  work  noi 
promising.  677;  Welch;  work 
of  Rev.  Mr.  Marshall;  visits 
of  Bishops  Peterkin  and  Gra- 
vatt;    promising-   outlook,    677. 

McMechen,  Rev.  J.  H..  accepts 
professorship  in  ^Yest  Virginia 
University;  assumes  charg-e  of 
Lindsay  Institute;  secedes 
from  the  church,  236,  237. 

Meade,  Rev.  Wm.,  D.  D.,  elected 
Bishop  of  Virginia  (1829),  60; 
letter  from,  appointing  Lay 
Readers  for  Parkersburg 
(1834),  799;  address  of,  on  a 
proposition  to  divide  the  Dio- 
cese, 800;  death  of,  (March  9, 
1862),  195;  tribute  to,  by  Bish- 
op Johns,  198;  republication 
from  his  book,  405-533. 

Institute,       Parkersburg. 

movement  to  incorporate 
(1850).  793. 

Institute,  Wellsburg-,  incor- 


porated, (1852),  141. 
Mercer  County,  formation,  name, 
area,  population,  678;  Church 
of  the  Heavenly  Rest,  Prince- 
ton; account  of,  678;  Christ 
Church.  Bluefield;  interestim>- 
account  of.  681;  Church  of  the 


Holy  Trinity,  Bramwell;  rapid 
growth  anil  development  o. 
the  work,   6S3. 

Methodists,  separation  from  the 
Episcopal  Church,  13. 

establish  themselves  in  Vir- 
ginia. 8. 

Middleway.  Grace  Church,  620; 
tribute  to  Dr.  Nelson  621. 

Mingo  County,  its  formation, 
name,  area,  population;  Coun- 
ty seat  growing  in  impor- 
tance, 687. 

Mineral  County,  how  and  when 
formed,  area,  population,  686; 
Shaw.  Visits  of  the  Bishop; 
fluctuating  population;  Pied- 
mont, Church  members  iden- 
tified with  Church  in  Western- 
port,  Maryland,  686;  Keyser, 
outlook  not  encouraging,  687. 

Ministers  and  Lay  Readers  of 
Frederick  Parish,  (1764  to 
1780),  names  of,  477. 

Mission  of  Bishop  Peterkin  to 
Brazil,   337. 

Monongah,  efforts  to  build  Chapel, 
667. 

Monongalia  County,  how  and  when 
formed,  name,  area,  popula- 
tion, 39.  687;  Trinity  Church, 
Morgantown,  early  history  of; 
unusual  contracts,  688;  Gu,> 
Allen  Parish,  admitted  (1S76), 
Church  built  (1886),  conse- 
crated (1890);  greatly  enlarg- 
ed (1893);  list  of  clergymen, 
690;  Church  Hall,  Morgan - 
town,  691;  State  University 
and  Church  dormitory  a  suc- 
cessful combination,  692. 

Monroe  County,  how  forme:!. 
name,  area,  population,  693; 
All  Saints'  Church,  Union; 
time  of  first  services  noi 
known;  church  building  con- 
secrated (1878);  rectory  pur- 
chased; list  of  clergjmien: 
financial  statement.  694: 
Church  of  the  Messiah,  Alder- 
son:  building  consecrated 
(1894):  previous  visits  of  Bish- 
op, 694;  list  of  clergymen. 
695. 

Moore.  Rev.  Richard  Channing.  D. 


Index. 


xm 


1).,  elected  second  Bishop  of 
\  irginia  (1814),  jl?,  46;  conse- 
crated (lhlt),  18;  death  of, 
(1841),  456. 

Moorefield,  Emmanuel  Church,  58^ 

Morals  ot!  the  Laymen  contrasted 
with  those  of  the  early  clergy, 
443. 

Moravians  establish  themselves  in 
Virginia,  8. 

Morgan  County,  formation,  name, 
area,  population,  GS(3;  Berke- 
ley 'Springs,  visit  of  Bishop 
Peterkin  (1878);  services  in 
ball  room  of  hotel;  gifts  tow- 
ard church;  building  conse- 
crated, (1S86),  69G;  rectory 
added;    hotels   burned,  697. 

Morgan's  Chapel,  Norborne  Par- 
ish, 535;  tribute  to  Morgan 
Morgan  and  his  father,  491. 

Morgantown,  Trinity  Church,  688; 
Church  Hall  at,  in  connection 
with  Slate  University,  691, 

Mcn.V'ii    Missionaries 833 

Moundsvilie,  Trinity  Church,  669; 
Young-  Ladies'  Seminary  at, 
669,  796;  Trinity  Parish  Insti- 
tute at,  670;  Reynold's  Memo- 
rial Hospital  at,  671;  its  minis- 
ters and  vestrymen,  533. 

Mountain  distances,  841. 

hospitality,    836 

'"Mouthing  it   out," 839 

"Must  Raise  the  price  of  preach- 
ing," 853. 

Xames  of  County  and  County 
town  associated,  840. 

of  persons  ordained  in  the 

Diocese  since  June,  187S;  date 
and  place  of  ordination;  by 
whom,  775. 

Nash,  Pev.  Norman,  tribute  to  his 
zeal,  500. 

Nelson,  Pev.  Dr.  Kin  loch.  Profes- 
sor in  Theological  Seminary 
of  Virginia;  dealh  of,  and 
tribute  to,  351. 

Parish,  sketch  "I".   ..616-617 

New  Church  erected  at  Volcano, 
236. 

Diocese  of    West     Virginia, 

resolutions  looking  toward 
formation  of.  25  i,  795;  permis- 
sion tor  its  formation  grant- 
ed; act  ion  of  <  renera  I  Cont  en- 


tion,    (October,   1>7S);    history 
of     the     movement;     Primary 
Convention  held.  (December  5, 
1877),  262-267. 
— Method  of  (  hurch  extension, 


852. 

New  Martinsville,  St.  Anne's 
(hurch,    533,    749-751). 

New  River  Convocation,  merged 
with  the  Kanawha.   390. 

Newton,  Right  Rev,  John  B.. 
Bishop  Coadjutor  of  Virginia; 
death  of,   and   tribute   to.   360. 

Nicholas  County,  formation,  name, 
area,  population;  visit  of  Bish- 
op   Peterkin,    (1887),    697. 

Norborne  Parish,  organized, 
(1769);  origin  of  name.  535, 
603;  its  division  (1801),  into 
six  parishes;  successive  cler- 
gymen, 497:  liberal  gifts  of 
Abraham  Shepherd  and  fami- 
ly, 482;  remarkable  extract 
from  General  Charles  Lee's 
will,  499;  sketch  of  its  church- 
es and  clergy,  485;  Morgan's 
Chapel  and  Cunningham's 
Chapel  built  before  1750:  ear- 
ly Churches  at  Hedgesville 
and  Martinsburg,  535-538: 
succession  of  ministers.  536; 
parish    divided    (1848),   539. 

North  View,  St.  Thomas'  Church. 
585. 

Number  of  Churches.  Chapels  and 
Rectories  now  within  the  Dio- 
cese, 769-77  5. 

of  confirmations,  occasions. 

places,  779-782. 

of  parishes,  churches,  chap- 
els and  clergymen  at  the  be- 
ginning and  at  the  close  of  the 
Revolution,  12. 

Offertory,      g-eneral      improve- 
ment  (if  plan,  381 . 

Ohio  County,  how  ami  when 
formed.  39.  60s;  area,  popula- 
tion, 698;  St.  Matthew's 
Church,  Wheeling,  names  of 
early  parishioners,  698;  first 
services  held  in  court  house: 
cornel-  stone  of  Church  laid 
(1821),  699;  new  and  larger 
church  Imilt  i  L837 ) :  building 
sold  And  a  costly  church  edi- 
fice   erected     (1866);     account 


XIV 


Index. 


of  successive  ministers,  703; 
Bishop  Peterkin's  consecra- 
tion in  St.  Matthew's  Church 
(May  ::.  1878),  706;  debt  of 
church  cancelled  and  church 
consecrated  (November  1, 
3888);  missionary  expansion, 
707;  Rev.  D.  VV.  Howard,  pres- 
ent Rector.  708;  list  of  war- 
dens and  vestryment,  709;  St. 
Luke's  Church  (the  Island  Par- 
ish) Wheeling',  interesting-  ac- 
count of,  711;  separation  from 
St.  Matthew's  Parish,  713;  de- 
vastated by  great  flood  (1884), 
714;  speedy  repair  of  the 
wreck:  beautiful  parish 

house.  716:  list  of  vestrymen 
of  St.  Luke's.  716;  St.  John's 
Church.  Wheeling;  varied  ca- 
reer of.  717;  names  of  officiat- 
ing ministers.  71S;  St.  Paul's 
Elm  Grove,  account  of.  720: 
St.  Andrew's  Mission,  South 
Wheeling,  sketch  of;  encour- 
aging- outlook,  721. 
Okonoko.  Epiphany  Church..  .  579 
"Old  Churches.  Ministers,  and 
Families  of  Virginia",  by 
Bishop  Meade,  405;  sources  of 
information  405;  appeals  for  a 
resident  Bishop,  408;  two  hun- 
dred years  without  an  eccle- 
siastical head,  408;  lax  mor- 
als of  the  early  clergy,  409; 
Whitefield's  visit  to  Virginia, 
his  preaching,  408;  Dr.  Grif- 
fith's election  as  Bishop;  his 
property  prevents  his  going 
to  England  to  be  consecrated, 
410;  blasting  influence  of  the 
War  of  the  Revolution,  410; 
Bishop  Madison's  effort  to  re- 
vive the  dying  church,  411; 
tribute  to  the  activity  and  pi- 
ety of  the  Rev.  Walter  Addi- 
son,  41.":  drinking  habits  of 
the  period.  415:  Mr.  Addison's 
efforts  to  prevent  duelling: 
John  Randolph's  threatened 
encounter  with  Mr.  Eppes, 
416;  Bishop  Madison's  views 
upon  the  inviolable  observance 
of  the  prescribed  form  of 
worship,  420;  a  chilling  ordi- 
nation;      infidelity      rampant, 


421;  Capitol  Building  in  Rich- 
mond used  jointly  by  Episco- 
palians and  Presbyterians; 
Justice  Marshall's  despondent 
view  of  the  future  of  the 
Church,  422;  Bishop  Meade's 
entrance  upon  the  ministry 
taken  as  an  evidence  of  his 
mental  unsoundness,  423; 
change  from  private  to  pub- 
lic baptisms,  424;  family  wor- 
ship introduced,  425;  Rev.  Win. 
Wilmer,  and  Rev.  Oliver  Xor- 
vis,  coming-  from  Maryland  to 
Alexandria,  are  credited  with 
having  given  the  Gospel  a 
great  up-lift  in  Virginia,  426; 
death  of  Bishop  Madison 
(1812),  428;  Dr.  Bracken 
elected  Bishop.  (May,  1812), 
and  resigned  at  the  next  An- 
nual Convention;  Dr.  Moore 
of  New  York  elected  Bishop 
(1S14).  429;  code  of  discipline 
established  in  Convention 
(1815);  theaters,  horse-rac- 
ing, and  public  balls  condemn- 
ed. 430. 

Oley,  General  John  11..  his  labors 
for  the  church,  559;  death  of, 
299;  tribute  to,  303. 

Ordinations  in  Brazil;  date,  place, 
by  whom,  778. 

In   West     Virginia,     (June, 

L878,  to  September,  15,  1901), 
775. 

Panetti,  John  M..  a  Seminarian, 
death  of.  313. 

Parish  Boundaries,  histoid  of 
early,  32S;  later  reports,  340; 
tabulated  statement,  342;  rec- 
ommendations concerning-,  344. 

Parishes,  churches  and  chapels  be- 
fore and  after  the  Revolution, 
12. 

And    churches    in    Western 

Virginia,  with  names  of  min- 
isters, (1S53),  142. 

In    Frederick    county,    478; 

names  of  early  ministers,  478; 
new  parishes  organized,  479; 
churches  built  after  the  Re- 
volution, 480';  list  of  vestry- 
men preceding  the  division  of 
the  parish.  481;  Burwell 
Graveyard,  481; 


Index. 


xv 


Parkersburg,  labors  of  Mission- 
aries Lee  and  Page,  532; 
church  first  organized  (1S43); 
its  several  ministers;  church- 
es a1  Cow  Creek  and  Bellville. 
532;  list  of  vestrymen,  533; 
Episcopal  residence  located  in, 
276. 

Trinity  Church,  754-758;  the 
Coo  J  Shepherd,  759;  the  Light 
House,  759;  rapid  growth  of 
City,  (J2. 

Parliament,  attempt  of,  to  subdue 
the  Colonies,  5. 

Parochial  Reports,  West  Virginia 
(1785-1877)  38;  reports  re- 
quired, 45;  report  of  Commit- 
tee on.  354;  summary  of.  to 
the  Council  (1878),  855; 

School,  Wellsburg,  estab- 
lished (1850),  135. 

Past  and  Present  of  the  Church, 
450. 

Pearson.  Rev.  Charles  C,  Wheel- 
ing, 714;  Point  Pleasant,  675: 
Berkeley  Springs,  G7U. 

Pendleton  County,  how  and  when 
formed,    name,    area,    popula- 
tion;   visit  of  the  Bishop;    723. 
-    Family,    sketch    of.    4S5-4S6. 

Peterkin,  Rev.  George  W..  elected 
Bishop  of  West  Virginia  at 
(  harlestown  (February  27. 
1878);  consecrated  (May  30. 
1878).  24.  267;  movement  to 
celebrate  the  twenty-fifth  an- 
niversary of  his  consecration 
by  increasing  the  Permanent 
Fund  to  $50,000,  403;  selected 
letters  of,  832. 

Plea    for    Home    Missions 177 

Pleasants  County,  formation 
name,  area,  population,  723; 
Grace  <  hurch,  St.  Mary's  Mis- 
sion; first  services  (1859); 
church  erected  (1898),  rector 
secured  (1901);  encouraging 
outlook.  723;  St.  John  s 
Church,  Willow  Island,  work 
begun  (1843);  church  erected 
(1852);  St.  John's  Parish  or- 
ganized, (is;,:,);  lisi  of  clergy- 
men; visitations  of  Bishop; 
list    <>f   vest  i-ynien.   725. 


Pocahontas,  baptism  and  mar- 
riage of,  2. 

UOUnty,    formation,      name, 

area,  population,  726;  Clover 
Lick  and  Huntersville,  firsr 
services  in  the  County  (1866; 
Bishop  Peterkin's  first  visits. 
(1878),  726;  previous  \isits  of 
Bishop  Whittle;  Emmanuel 
Church  at  (lover  Lick  con- 
secrated (1892);  list  of  clergy- 
men and  vestrymen,  727;  er- 
forts  at  Marlinton,  Hunters- 
ville and  Hillsboro,  728. 

Point    Pleasant    Parish 674 

Polk,  Bishop,  his  Missionary 
work  in  the  southwest  (1838), 
22. 

Porto  Rico,  visit  of  Bishop  Peter- 
kin   to,   387. 

Powellton.  St.  David's  Mission. 
568. 

Prayer  Book,  proposed  changes 
in,  283,  299,  313. 

Books  and   Tracts;    Society 

for  their  distribution,  formed, 
18. 
Preaching,  purpose   of,  315. 

Presbyterians  from  Pennsylvania 
setrle  in  West  Virginia  (1738), 
8,  473. 

Preston  County,  how  formed,  area 
and  population;  services  by 
Bishop  Peterkin  and  others  at 
Irondale  Furnace,  (iladesdale, 
Newburg  and  Terra  Alta,  728. 

Princeton,  Church  of  the  Heaven- 
ly Rest,  678. 

Private  Baptism 424 

Progress,  review  of.  since  the  for- 
mation of  the  new  Diocese  of 
West   Virginia.  276,  299. 

Prominent  Virginia  Families,  in- 
cluding' Washington,  Patrick 
Henry,  Richard  Henry  L"ee. 
Francis  Lightfoot  Lee.  (ieorge 
Mason.  Edmund  Pendleton. 
Peter  Lyons,  Paul  (arrington. 
Win.  Fleming,  Wm.  (irayson, 
together  with  the  Nelsons, 
Meades.  Mercers.  Harrisons, 
and  Randolphs,  and  other  Lay 
members  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  fake  sides  with  the 
Colonies,   10. 

Provisional    Convention    for    fratn- 


XVI 


Index. 


ing  the  Constitution  for  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  Confederate  States,  198. 

Provost,  Rev.  Dr.,  consecratea 
Bishop  of  New  York  (1787), 
21. 

Puritans  seek  refuge  in  the  Col- 
ony, 3. 

Putnam  County,  its  formation, 
area,  and  population.  72S;  St. 
John's  in  the  Valley,  account 
of,  from  Bishop  Meade's  Book, 
72S;  Scary,  first  service  at 
(1S87);  church  erected  (1888), 
729. 

Quakers,    laws    against 6 

Presbyterians.      Moravians, 

New  Lights,  and  Methodists, 
establish  themselves  in  Vir- 
ginia,  8. 

Quarrier,  Mrs.,  sketch  of,  526. 

Raleigh  County,  how  formed 
name,  area,  population;  ser- 
vices of  Bishop  Peterkin  and 
others;    hopeful   outlook,   729. 

Raleigh,  Sir  Walter,  his  gift  to 
the  Church  of  Virginia,  457. 

Randolph  County,  how  formed, 
name,  area,  population.  730; 
Beverly,  visits  of  Bishop  Pe- 
terkin to,  730;  history  of  the 
Church  in  Randolph  County. 
731;  growth  of  the  work  at 
Elkins;  Grace  Church  organ- 
ized (1900) ;  consecrated 
(1901) ;  rectory  purchased, 
733; 

John,  his  threatened  en- 
counter with  Mr.  Eppes,  416. 

TJavenswood      Parish        orQ-ariized. 

794;  Grace  Church.  589;  clergy 

and  vestrymen   531. 
Records  of  the  Northwestern  Con- 
vocation  (1850-1877).  792; 
Rectories  in  use  (June.  1878).  774: 

built  since  June.   1878.  775;    in 

use  (1901).  856. 
Relipious  controversies  settled  bv 

enactment,    (December,    1785), 

17. 

Report   of  Council    (1901) 855. 

Resident  Pastors;    need   of  cordial 

co-operation  among  churches. 

HO  6. 
Retaliation,    spirit     of,    repressed. 

J54. 


Revival  of  the  Church,  means 
adopted  for  the.  452. 

Revolutionary  War,  its  effect 
upon   the   Church.  20. 

"Bide  and  tie"  way  of  travel,  837. 

On   a    mule 844 

Ripley,  St.  .((din's  Church,  591-592. 

Ripon,  St.  John's 612 

Ritchie  County,  how  and  when 
formed,  area,  population;  but 
few  Episcopalians  in  the  Coun- 
ty; visits  to  Cairo,  Harrison- 
ville  and  Pennsboro,  733. 

Roane  County,  how  formed,  name, 
area,  population;  account  of 
the  work  done  within  the 
County.  734. 

Rolling  rooms 441 

Rogers.  Judge.  J.  P..  Chancellor 
of  New  Diocese,  276. 

Roller,  Rev.  Robert  Doug-las,  D.  D., 
Martinsburg  (1879),  538,  Char- 
leston (1888).  640.  Secretary 
of  Diocese  since  (1887),  elect- 
ed, 293. 

Romney.  fruitful  labors  of  Rev. 
Sylvester  Nash  in,  577. 

Ronceverte.  gifts  to  Church  of  the 
Incarnation,  573. 

Rotation  of  Conventions,  svstem 
of,   434. 

Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper, 
first  in  Virginia,  1:  to  be  ad- 
ministered at  least  four  times 
a  year,  41. 

Salines,  Church  at 527 

Scary,   St.   John's  Church,   728-729. 

Scattered  members,  fruitfulness 
of  labor  among-  them.  320. 

Scotch-Trish  settlers  in  West  Vir- 
ginia, 515. 

Seabury,  Dr..  consecrated  Bishop 
in  Scotland,   17. 

Selected  letters  of  Bishop  Peter- 
kin,  from  the  Church  News, 
relating  chiefly  to  visitations 
made  in  the  early  years  of  his 
work,  832. 

Separation  of  the  Methodists  from 
the  Episcopal  Church  (1784). 
13. 

Settlement  of  Western  Virginia  by 
the  Germans  and  Scotch-Irish, 
515. 
Slanesville.   Zion   Church 576 


Index. 


xv  11 


Shaw,  \isits  of  the  Bishop  to,  686. 

bheltering  Anns,  improved  meth- 
ods adopted  for  t he  support 
of,  305;  reporl  upon  the  work 
of,  366. 

Shepherd,  Captain  Thomas,  laid 
out  Shepherdstovi  a,  605. 

Shepherdstown,  laid  out  by  (  up- 
turn Shepherd,  605. 

Si  in  ins,  Richard,  tribute  to,  518. 

sistersville,  St.  Paul's  Church,  740- 
743. 

Sittings  in  Churches  and  Chapels, 
(1901),  856. 

Slaves,    spiritual   oversight   of,   92. 

Smith,  Captain  John,  account  of 
first  religious  services  in  Vir- 
ginia, by,  461;  influence  in  re- 
building first  church  destroy- 
ed by  fire,  1;  his  piety;  elect- 
ed President  of  the  Colony. 
462. 

Cruger     W.,   Registrar     of 

Diocese,  276. 

Eev.  Adam,  rector  of  Bote- 
tourt  Parish,    (1774-1776),   472. 

Rev.    Thomas,      tribute    to, 


111. 

Rev.  Thompson  L.,  appoint- 
ed missionary  for  service  in 
the  Kanawha  Valley;  interest- 
ing account  of  his  labors,  181; 

Smithtown  (White  Day)  visits  to, 
666. 

Society  for  Relief  of  Widows  and 
Orphans  of  Deceased  Clergy, 
43. 

Special  Fund,  its  uses 38? 

Spiritual  Blessings  attending  the 
early  Councils,  40. 

Sprigg,  Rev.  D.  Francis,  resigna- 
tion of  and  removal  from  Dio- 
cese, 151. 

Spruce  Run  Mission.  Upshur  coun- 
ty. 745-746. 

St.  Albans.  St.  Mark's  Church. 
625. 

St.  Andrew's  Parish.  Jefferson 
County;  created  (1817,594. 

St.  John's  Parish,  Brooke  County, 
55  s. 

St.  Luke's  Parish.   Wheeling-,   275. 
St.  Mary's  Mission.  ( I  race  Church, 
Pleasants  County,  723. 

Staten's  Run,  Mission 636 

Summary  of  Parochial  Reports  to 


the  Council  (  L878),  355. 

Summers  County,  how  formed, 
name,  area,  population,  735; 
Ascension  (  hurch,  Hint  on: 
first  Episcopal  Church  Ser- 
vice, (1874);  sanctuary  erected 
(  1881  ) :  destroyed  <  L897);  re- 
built (  1898);  rectory  added 
(1890);  successive  minister-; 
primitive  condition  of  the 
Mountain  Districts,  736. 

Summerville,  Rev.  Grant  Paul. 
Greenbrier,  572.  Tyler,  742. 

Summit  Point.  Church  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  61S,  619. 

Sunday-school  established  in  con- 
nection with  Christ  Church. 
Norbourne  Parish,  Berkeley 
county  (1819),  and  with  St. 
Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson 
county,  51. 

Schools,  teachers,  scholars 

(1901);  855. 

Supply  of  Churches,  and  self-sup- 
port, 391;  shirking  the  respon 
sibility,  395; 

Surplice,    gown,    dress 44 

Sutton,    St.    John's    Chapel. ..  .659. 

Swearingen,  Colonel  Joseph  Van, 
first  Lay-member  of  Trinity 
Church,  Shepherdstown,  605. 

Tabulated  statement  accompany- 
ing petition  for  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  Bishop  Co-adjutor, 
375. 

Tavennersville,  Grace  Church,  758. 

Taylor  County,  how  and  when 
formed,  name,  area,  popula- 
tion, 737;  St.  Matthias'  Church, 
Grafton;  first  called  Trinity 
Mission,  next  called  Church 
of  the  Good  Shepherd;  early 
history;  'first  church  conse- 
crated (1888);  rectory  added; 
names  of  ministers  and  offi- 
cers. 737-738. 

Taylor,  Rev.  Jefferson  Randolph. 
Montgomery.  32.  Moundsville. 
670. 

Temperance,  duty  of  the  Church 
concerning,  277: 

Temporalities,   system   in 300 

Then  and  Xow 150 

Theological    Seminary   at    Alexan- 
dria, its  origin  and  progress 
1s\  60.  431. 


XV111 


Index. 


Thomas,  Rev.  Harris  Bush,  Green- 
brier, 573,  Wellsburg,  552. 

Thompson.  B.  S.,  reminiscences  of, 
626. 

Honorable    Geo.    W.,    death 

of,  299;    tribute  to,  302. 

Tompkins,  Rev.  Samuel  D.,  Weston 

655,  Jackson  Co.  586.    Volcano, 

243. 
Tobacco  and  Corn,  as  clergymen's 

pay,   (1621),  3. 
Tractarianism    not    accepted,    437. 
Training  School  for  Curses,  390. 
Travel  by  hand-car.  its  difficulties, 

852. 

By  skiff,  844. 

Trinity  Church,  Cabell  Parish,  ad- 
mitted into  union  with  the 
Council,  230. 

Church,  Wellsburg 556 

Parish,  Morgantown,  appli- 
cation   for    admission    of,    255. 

Parish     Institute,  Mounds- 

ville,  670. 

Tucker  County,  how  and  when 
formed,  name,  area,  popula 
tion;  account  of  the  visits  of 
the  Bishop,  and  services  of 
other  clergymen,  739;  Elkins, 
Davis,  Belington,  Bayard,  Par- 
sons and  other  points  visited: 
church  built  at  Davis  (1899); 
hopeful  outlook,  739-740. 

Tyler  County,  how  and  when 
formed,  name,  area,  popula- 
tion, 740;  St.  Paul's,  Sisters- 
ville;  began  as  a  Mission 
(1869);  account  of  its  growth; 
visit  of  Bishop  Johns"  (1869), 
and  of  Bishop  Whittle  (1870); 
Bishop  Peterkin  visited  Mid- 
dlebourn,  fiisterville  and  Lon? 
Peach  (1879);  church  built  at 
Sisterville  (1S86);  gifts  to  the 
Church;  efficient  work  of 
"Young  Woman's  Guild,*'  740- 
743;  Long  Peach,  Union 
Church  built  (1S76),  743;  Tyler 
Parish  admitted,   357. 

Union,   All   Saints'   Church 693. 

Monroe  County,  Church  or- 
ganized   at.    (May.    1868,).. 226. 

Unpleasant   experiences 847. 

Upshur  County.  how  formed 
name.    area,    population,    744; 


The  Transfiguration,  Buck- 
hannon,  early  history  of; 
Buckhannon  Mission  begun 
(1893);  connected  with  Sutton 
(1897);  joined  with  Grafton 
(1901).  744-745.  Spruce  Pun 
Mission,  history  of,  745-746. 

Vestments,  considerable  liberty  in 
the  use  of.  440;  robing  rooms 
a    modern  thing.  441. 

Vestries,  regular  elections  requir- 
ed. 45. 

Of       the       early      Virginia 

churches;  intelligence  and  in- 
tegrity; prominent  leaders  in 
The  War  of  the  Revolution, 
462. 

Vestrymen   of     Frederick     Parish 

(1764  to  1780),  names  of,  476. 
Vestry  System,  347;    qualifications 

of   vestryment,   348;      removal 

from  office,  350. 
Virginia  Convention  (1776),  nearly 

all   Episcopal   Vestrymen,   464. 
Visitor,  how  appointed,  duties  of, 

43. 
Volcano,   new   church   erected   at, 

236. 
Wanted,   a  blacksmith,  851. 
Waters,  Mrs.  J.  T.,  Sr.,  legacy  for 

church  improvements,  644. 
War  of  the  Revolution,  its  effect 

upon  the  Virginia  Clergy  and 

the  Church,  10,  20,  40. 

Times 638. 

Waverly,    Church    of    the    Advent, 

764.' 

Wayne  County,  how  and  when 
formed,  name,  area,  popula- 
tion, 747;  Grace  Church  Mis- 
sion, Ceredo  (1890);  first  offi- 
cers; services  transferred  to 
Kenova,  (1893);  church  edi- 
fice removed  from  Volcano  to 
Kenova,  (1S95);  consecrated, 
(1899);  gifts  to  the  Church, 
747-749. 

Webster  County,  how  formed, 
name,  area,  population;  visits 
of  the  Bishops  and  others;  no 
churches  or  missions  yet 
formed,  749. 

WTellsburtr.  Christ  Church,  551-552- 
556. 

Wesley,     Rev.     John,   founder     of 


Index. 


xix 


Methodism;  his  address  to  the 
C  hureh  of  England,  9;  powers 
assumed  by,  15. 

i  harles,  views  of,  concern- 


ing the  powers  assumed  by 
John  Wesley  to  ordain  elders, 
consecrate  Bishops,  &c,  15. 

West  Liberty,  Ohio  County,  Vir- 
ginia; church  at;  Dr.  Dod- 
dridge's labors  (1702);  list  of 
supporters  (1800),  555. 

Weston,  St.  Paul's  Church,  654,  060. 

Wetzel  County,  how  ami  when 
formed,  name,  area,  popula- 
tion, 749;  St.  Anne's  Church, 
Xew  Martinsville;  Wetzel  Par- 
ish organized  (1851);  united 
with  Northwestern  Convoca- 
tion; church  erected  (1854); 
work  declined;  revived  (1874), 
748-750;  church  sold  for  debt; 
new  church  erected  (1882); 
successive  ministers,  751; 
Smithfield,  growing  interest; 
services  rare,  753. 

Parish,    admission    of,    129; 

church  at  New  Martinsville; 
its  ministers,  533. 

Wheeling,  first  church,  St.  Mat- 
thews, (1819);  names  of  per- 
sons constituting  the  first  as- 
sociation; Rev.  John  Arm- 
strong, first  minister;  succes- 
sive ministers,  516;  list  of  ves- 
trymen, 517;  tribute  to  Judge 
Caldwell  and  Richard  Simms. 
518;  large  church  consecrated 
(1837).  77;  East  Wheeling,  St. 
John's  Church,  organized 
(1849);   its  progress,  520. 

St.   Matthew's   Church,   698- 

709;  the  Island  Parish.  St. 
Luke's  Church.  713-716;  St. 
John's  Church,  717-718;  St. 
Andrew's  Mission,  721. 

Whittaker,  Pev.  Alexander,  in 
charge  of  first  church  at 
Jamestown,  1. 

White,  Nathan  Smith,  death  of, 
and  tribute  to,  309. 

Rev.  Dr.,  consecrated  Bish- 
op of  Pennsylvania,  (1787),  21. 

Whitefield,  visit  to  Virginia;  his 
elorruence,  408. 


White  Sulphur  Springs,  St.  Thorn 
as'  -Mission,  574. 

Whittle,  Right  Rev.  Francis  M. 
D.  D.,  Rector  at  Charleston, 
036;  consecrated  Assistant 
Bishop  (1868),  221. 

Wickham,  Kev.  Mr.,  clergyman  at 
Henrico,  2. 

Widows  and  Orphans  of  Deceased 
Clergy,  Society  for  Relief  of. 
43. 

William  and  Mary  College 6. 

Williamsburg,  its  unsuitability  as 
a  site  for  proposed  Theologi- 
cal Seminary,  432. 

Williamstown,  Christ  Memorial, 
759-763. 

Willow  Island.  St.  John's  Church, 
72.-). 

Wirt  County,  its  formation,  name, 
area,  population,  70Li;  Wirt 
County  Mission;  occasional 
services  at  Elizabeth.  Burning 
Springs,  and  Newark;  names 
of  those  connected  with  the 
mission.  753. 

Wood  County,  how  formed,  name, 
area,  population,  754;  Trinity 
Parish,  Parkersburg;  early 
history,  754;  admitted  into 
I'nion  with  the  Convention  of 
Virginia  (1844),  755;  corner- 
stone of  Trinity  Church  laid 
(1846);  consecrated  (1850); 
rectory  built  (1863),  757;  new 
church  erected  (1878);  en- 
larger  and  beautified  (lS'.'s); 
Trinity  Hall  built,  (188J  ; 
Rev.  S.  Scollay  Moore,  D.  D., 
becomes  Rector,  758;  Chapel 
at  Tavennersville;  Bishop's 
house  in  Parkersburg  com 
pleted  (1885),  758;  three 
missions  established;  Chapel 
built  at  Williamstown;  me- 
morial gift  of  Bishop  and 
Mrs.  Peterkin,  759;  list  of  cler- 
gymen. 754-759;  vestrymen, 
759;  other  memorial  gifts,  759- 
760:  Belleville;  church  de- 
stroyed by  tire.  760;  Williams- 
town, early  history,  760-762; 
Christ  Memorial  Church,  con- 
secrated (  i--'.1"-'  | :  bequest  of 
Mrs.    Henderson,    763;    Waver- 


XX 


Index. 


ley  Mission,  the  Church  of  the 
Advent;  early  history,  764; 
Union  Hall  erected,  (1887); 
purchased  by  the  Episcopal- 
ians; names  of  church  officers. 
765. 

Woods,  Eev.  John  F.,  Moundsville 
665,  Clarksburg-  584,  Cresaps 
672. 

Working-  His  Passage 845. 


Wyatt,      Sir      Francis,      Governor 

(1639-1644),  4. 
Wyoming     County,     how  formed, 

area,     population;        visit     of 

Bishop  Peterkin  (1882),  766. 
Yeardley,     Sir     George,     Governor 

of  Virginia   (1619),   2. 
Youghiogheny      County,      formed 

(1776),  39. 


